Transformational Thought
Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life. It implies you need them, owe them … that they are one up on you.
In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive “healing” reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don’t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence. These make sure we … 1. have a plan, and 2. are not being dependent on other people’s plans because we know what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a plan different from ours?
When our plan, strategy, or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices are … 1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed that we didn’t get what we wanted and thought was best, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful is not our natural me-centered response, so it’s much more difficult to summon up. But it really is a much healthier response for you to improve your relationship with GOD, others, and even yourself.
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day. For each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.
Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! Thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is: the Author of your life and your faith. So what will you choose today when life goes differently than you want … frustration and angst, or thankfulness and peace? As always, your decision, so choose well. It’s easier than you think … try it today.
Prayer
Dear Father God,I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to You that sometimes my prayers are hollow … I can say them without feeling thankful at all … especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything … even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You, Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name the One who always was thankful and accepted His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, January 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: It's All Connected
Transformational Tip
In Europe, they got this particle accelerator doing funky things. The goal is trying to replicate the conditions that must have existed at the time of the “Big Bang”. I am not sure how exactly the heavens and earth and everything in it were formed, but I do know the true and living God of the Bible “Banged” it into existence.
Most people tend to think that chance governs the universe; that events seem to occur randomly…with little or no meaning. Living this way has no comfort, is random, and makes little sense…it can be very scary viewpoint.
Those who think of the world in this way are missing one extremely important fact; the limitations of our human thinking. What we know of the world we inhabit is miniscule…only the very tip of an enormous iceberg. Below the water surface are interconnected mysteries too vast for any human to understand. This is why Holy Scripture tells us we must “Live by faith and not by sight.”
Today, relax in the face of uncertainty. Apply His plan to you. Since He made everything and you, He has a vested interest in how you turn out, just like we do with our kids…and He will do all in His power to complete us. Reject the concept that all is up for grabs in this chaotic and fallen world, and know that God is wonderfully close to You, working on your behalf. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about all things connected.
Prayer
I know, Father, that it was You who laid the earth’s foundation, who marked off it’s dimensions and set it’s cornerstone. I pray, Father, for increased faith that You are in control of these seemingly random events in my life…for I have been called according to Your purpose. I pray this in the name of the one who You sent to teach us to live by faith, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
Job 38:4-7
In Europe, they got this particle accelerator doing funky things. The goal is trying to replicate the conditions that must have existed at the time of the “Big Bang”. I am not sure how exactly the heavens and earth and everything in it were formed, but I do know the true and living God of the Bible “Banged” it into existence.
Most people tend to think that chance governs the universe; that events seem to occur randomly…with little or no meaning. Living this way has no comfort, is random, and makes little sense…it can be very scary viewpoint.
Those who think of the world in this way are missing one extremely important fact; the limitations of our human thinking. What we know of the world we inhabit is miniscule…only the very tip of an enormous iceberg. Below the water surface are interconnected mysteries too vast for any human to understand. This is why Holy Scripture tells us we must “Live by faith and not by sight.”
Today, relax in the face of uncertainty. Apply His plan to you. Since He made everything and you, He has a vested interest in how you turn out, just like we do with our kids…and He will do all in His power to complete us. Reject the concept that all is up for grabs in this chaotic and fallen world, and know that God is wonderfully close to You, working on your behalf. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about all things connected.
Prayer
I know, Father, that it was You who laid the earth’s foundation, who marked off it’s dimensions and set it’s cornerstone. I pray, Father, for increased faith that You are in control of these seemingly random events in my life…for I have been called according to Your purpose. I pray this in the name of the one who You sent to teach us to live by faith, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
Job 38:4-7
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Stepping Stones: Thinking about enlisting?
Transformational Tip
I know many people don’t like billboards…they mess up the landscape, or they have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I enjoy them. Not all billboards of course...just the ones that make me laugh, challenge me to think a little deeper.
Saw one today that excited me to think. A young Marine standing at attention in full dress; he was staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertisement has persuaded many young men and women to enlist, it’s very impactful. While I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to drive to the nearest recruiting station and enlist.
There is no doubt; we were created by God with a divine longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to Him. We were born with an emptiness and desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. It is this desire-gone-bad that’s at the root of so many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, that look good on the outside, maybe have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count.
Today, ask yourself the question; what have I committed to…really? You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean ongoing commitments, are all about you at the end of the day. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With that enlistment will come both peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about committing to a power greater than yourself.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than all the anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for you Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
I know many people don’t like billboards…they mess up the landscape, or they have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I enjoy them. Not all billboards of course...just the ones that make me laugh, challenge me to think a little deeper.
Saw one today that excited me to think. A young Marine standing at attention in full dress; he was staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertisement has persuaded many young men and women to enlist, it’s very impactful. While I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to drive to the nearest recruiting station and enlist.
There is no doubt; we were created by God with a divine longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to Him. We were born with an emptiness and desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. It is this desire-gone-bad that’s at the root of so many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, that look good on the outside, maybe have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count.
Today, ask yourself the question; what have I committed to…really? You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean ongoing commitments, are all about you at the end of the day. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With that enlistment will come both peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about committing to a power greater than yourself.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than all the anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for you Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Stepping Stones: Where Are You Looking?
Transformational Tip
What are you looking for? More important question is, "Where are you looking?"
You will only find what you are truly looking for by looking at 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 suffering, need, or wayward path we take. 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 out to college or work... so many milestones to become an independent functioning adult. The downside is we develop the habit of putting our confidence in ourselves or others opinions of how we are doing, rather than GOD. Looking to God, His character, promises, 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 others opinions, the power to overcome our fleshly needs, desires, distortions, and hurts/pains is minimal and patterns of struggle in our lives will result.
Today, as you make decisions, especially when you make a mistake, ask yourself, "where am I getting the confidence from to make that decision or soothe the pain?"
Is confidence coming from your skills, insights, intellect, attributes, power? Or from God? Confidence centered in Him will save you in today's battles and discomfort.
Look to God and salvation is yours.
Click on the "Spiritual Basic" link below...and then click on "Salvation"
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 care about the many details of my life...but You 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, to really get my confidence from my ultimate bodyguard. Otherwise I fall back into my default mode of straining as if all outcomes were totally up to me, and rested on my skills and what I can muster. For the little things, that works, but for the big things in life, I am doomed without You. All these I ask in the confidence of Christ's name - 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
What are you looking for? More important question is, "Where are you looking?"
You will only find what you are truly looking for by looking at 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 suffering, need, or wayward path we take. 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 out to college or work... so many milestones to become an independent functioning adult. The downside is we develop the habit of putting our confidence in ourselves or others opinions of how we are doing, rather than GOD. Looking to God, His character, promises, 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 others opinions, the power to overcome our fleshly needs, desires, distortions, and hurts/pains is minimal and patterns of struggle in our lives will result.
Today, as you make decisions, especially when you make a mistake, ask yourself, "where am I getting the confidence from to make that decision or soothe the pain?"
Is confidence coming from your skills, insights, intellect, attributes, power? Or from God? Confidence centered in Him will save you in today's battles and discomfort.
Look to God and salvation is yours.
Click on the "Spiritual Basic" link below...and then click on "Salvation"
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 care about the many details of my life...but You 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, to really get my confidence from my ultimate bodyguard. Otherwise I fall back into my default mode of straining as if all outcomes were totally up to me, and rested on my skills and what I can muster. For the little things, that works, but for the big things in life, I am doomed without You. All these I ask in the confidence of Christ's name - 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
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