Transformational Tip
My teenage years were not peaceful...I really struggled inside...feeling out of control. One of my favorite and frequent activities was sitting down and making a plan for the next 5 years of my life, one year at a time. Order my outside world, my future, my path...I could plan my way to peace. It took me a while to learn(not in college, medical school, or psychiatry training) this important truth about the brain. God did not design the human mind to figure out the future, for this is clearly beyond our capability. He crafted our minds for continual communication with Him. You will not find peace by engaging in excessive planning and "doing", with futile attempts to control what will happen to you in the future. This is not the path to peace. Excessive planning and doing is a too often practiced form of unbelief.
Today bring all your needs, your hopes and your fears to Your Lord and God. Commit everything into His care. When uneasy, instead of planning, stop, look around at creation and your life and enjoy the moment...bask in God's blessings, love, and amazing grace. Turn from the path of planning and doing to the path of peace.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
My mind spins with multiple plans. I spend so much time planning because I think it is the pathway to peace. And just when peace appears to be within my reach, it somehow eludes me. Just when I think I have prepared for all possibilities, covered all my bases, a meteor strikes my life and pushes peace once again beyond my grasp and throws me into another state of confusion.
Help me Father to stop this wasted effort. I bring to You today all my issues, needs, insecurities...I release them into Your care; for I know this is the true pathway to peace. Help me Father to find the next step, and the next, on this pathway of Stepping Stones. I pray to You Father in the name of the Prince of Peace - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:5-7
Showing posts with label God's Plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Plan. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Stepping Stones: The Divine Alchemist
Transformational Tip
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 it is 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 Jesus Christ - 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
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 it is 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 Jesus Christ - 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
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Stepping Stones: Does the World Make You Dizzy?
Transformational Tip
On the playground, there was a ride that was a bout 15 feet in diameter and you could spin it really fast. It was a lot of fun whizzing around, but then I would be really dizzy. One day, I was told to fix my eyes on a certain point(a tree was easiest) while you are spinning around and I didn't get dizzy anymore. The world is changing faster than we can measure...that's an understatement. It is a time of instability, yet we have this yearning for permanence; for that eternal, invisible reality. Yearning for permanence is a good thing. It will keep us from getting distracted then dizzy spinning around the merry-go-round of life. A lot of times we feel permanence is too predictable, expected, conventional, even boring. We think spontaneity, surprise, new, different, unique is more desirable, exciting and soothing. Interesting though when we go on vacation, we don't sleep as well, have some GI upset, need a nap, feel a little discombobulated, and then come back home and don't feel rested. Lots of people bring sleeping pills, tums, or other GI meds to help get them through vacation. It's because we are out of our routine. We lose site of what is steady and true.
Today, if and when you feel you are on wobbly ground, turn to the only place where you will find a firm place to stand. Know He has stood the test of time, is dependable and wants to stabilize your mind and heart. Turn to the one who never changes, your Lord. As you stand on the foundation He has provided, you can watch the world change with an entirely different perspective.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that in this time of unrelenting change that You are the one who never changes...You are the Alpha and the Omega. Sometimes my head spins with all the changes in the world going on around me. The more I focus on the changes the more unsteady I become. While I long for stability and permanence I know I will not find it in this world. I turn to You Father. I know only You can give me a firm place to stand. Draw near to me and my seeking heart.
I pray in the name of the Rock of my Salvation, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life."
Revelation 21:6
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
Today, if and when you feel you are on wobbly ground, turn to the only place where you will find a firm place to stand. Know He has stood the test of time, is dependable and wants to stabilize your mind and heart. Turn to the one who never changes, your Lord. As you stand on the foundation He has provided, you can watch the world change with an entirely different perspective.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that in this time of unrelenting change that You are the one who never changes...You are the Alpha and the Omega. Sometimes my head spins with all the changes in the world going on around me. The more I focus on the changes the more unsteady I become. While I long for stability and permanence I know I will not find it in this world. I turn to You Father. I know only You can give me a firm place to stand. Draw near to me and my seeking heart.
I pray in the name of the Rock of my Salvation, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life."
Revelation 21:6
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Are You Goal Oriented, Too?
Transformational Tip
We all like goals. Happiness, satisfaction, pay the bills on time, play with the kids after work, get my work done so I can watch the ballgame, help people. Some are simple, some are complex. Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn't come out of a well thought out process, looking at the whole picture. They were usually me oriented and "fixed" one problem, but led to other problems. The danger is once I set a goal I almost become single-minded to achieve it. I head off going about it "my way." Evaluating my life to determine a healthy goal has to be the starting point, for my pursuit to be successful.
Before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of trying for a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listening(as He speaks to your spirit, through friends and family, and through circumstances). Ask for God's discernment to help you decide if that goal is according to His will... for you... right now. If the answer is yes, then you pursue that goal with even more confidence. When that goal is reached; thank God for his help and guidance. Rejoice in what He has accomplished in you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Pursuing goals comes so naturally to me, it's almost like second nature. I confess that when a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to "go for it" without talking it over with you. I realize now that many of my goals are so superficial and have nothing to do with pleasing You or doing Your work. I know Lord that when I take time to discuss matters with You my life becomes so much more satisfying. I pray Lord that You help me develop goals that are according to Your will...that You become my captain in all the tasks to accomplish the goal... and grow my humility to accept your direction, will, and timing. I pray that You shine the light of Your presence on all my goals. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
We all like goals. Happiness, satisfaction, pay the bills on time, play with the kids after work, get my work done so I can watch the ballgame, help people. Some are simple, some are complex. Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn't come out of a well thought out process, looking at the whole picture. They were usually me oriented and "fixed" one problem, but led to other problems. The danger is once I set a goal I almost become single-minded to achieve it. I head off going about it "my way." Evaluating my life to determine a healthy goal has to be the starting point, for my pursuit to be successful.
Before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of trying for a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listening(as He speaks to your spirit, through friends and family, and through circumstances). Ask for God's discernment to help you decide if that goal is according to His will... for you... right now. If the answer is yes, then you pursue that goal with even more confidence. When that goal is reached; thank God for his help and guidance. Rejoice in what He has accomplished in you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Pursuing goals comes so naturally to me, it's almost like second nature. I confess that when a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to "go for it" without talking it over with you. I realize now that many of my goals are so superficial and have nothing to do with pleasing You or doing Your work. I know Lord that when I take time to discuss matters with You my life becomes so much more satisfying. I pray Lord that You help me develop goals that are according to Your will...that You become my captain in all the tasks to accomplish the goal... and grow my humility to accept your direction, will, and timing. I pray that You shine the light of Your presence on all my goals. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Stepping Stones: Which Star of Guidence Will You Choose?
Transformational Tip
GPS's are awesome. We just got back from a family vacation... road trip down south with several destinations. No maps, pulling over to figure out where we are, arguments with my wife whether we are lost or not, nagging from the kids that they are sick of my "shortcuts"! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot. It took me awhile to really trust it, especially when an alternative route looked inviting, but I humbled myself. Sometimes our life pathway is fuzzy, we don't know which direction or step to take next. But as a child of God, a guiding light, your personalized GPS, is promised to you. Remember the 3 wise men. Destination plugged in - Christ-likeness!
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and are not a good guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead we are at great risk. Going your way, even veering off course a few degrees will ultimately, in just a short time, take you far from your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop a couple decisions today, and before you execute them, ask yourself one question. "What GPS am I using, God's or mine?" Look at your motivations in your decision and whether your action is consistent with God's instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before you act never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step onto into the way of peace.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Today I feel confused; at times I don't know which way to go. I confess Lord that I veer my own direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way...to walk in the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light; I live in a cold dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word will enlighten my mind and heart and will empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. In the name of the true Light - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:2,9-10
GPS's are awesome. We just got back from a family vacation... road trip down south with several destinations. No maps, pulling over to figure out where we are, arguments with my wife whether we are lost or not, nagging from the kids that they are sick of my "shortcuts"! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot. It took me awhile to really trust it, especially when an alternative route looked inviting, but I humbled myself. Sometimes our life pathway is fuzzy, we don't know which direction or step to take next. But as a child of God, a guiding light, your personalized GPS, is promised to you. Remember the 3 wise men. Destination plugged in - Christ-likeness!
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and are not a good guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead we are at great risk. Going your way, even veering off course a few degrees will ultimately, in just a short time, take you far from your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop a couple decisions today, and before you execute them, ask yourself one question. "What GPS am I using, God's or mine?" Look at your motivations in your decision and whether your action is consistent with God's instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before you act never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step onto into the way of peace.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Today I feel confused; at times I don't know which way to go. I confess Lord that I veer my own direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way...to walk in the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light; I live in a cold dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word will enlighten my mind and heart and will empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. In the name of the true Light - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:2,9-10
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: Make Friends With Your Problems
Transformational Tip
I know, this title might appear trite and even silly. But it's the truth and it works!
Though many things may feel random and wrong because of all your problems, stop for a moment and remember that your God is sovereign over everything...and that He can "fit everything into a pattern of good".
God would rather teach us without suffering, heartache, and challenge. That is what He tried in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, we do not learn as much as we need to that way. So God has to use other methods to catch our attention, change our focus or path, or show us what is destructive to us. To Disciple us! Our problems are opportunities to show what we have learned. After I practiced in baseball a lot, I wanted to go against good competition to show how much a I learned and how good I was. Same in medical school as I worked up a patient and studied, I was excited to present to the attending and get grilled so I can show my growth as a psychiatrist. A "problem" is really that better competition or test we take to show our growth....and areas we still need to work on. The best way to befriend your problems is to thank God for His care for you as He gives you an opportunity to show the work you have put in and the resultant growth in Him... or His willingness to show you areas where He wants to grow and equip you. This simple act will open your mind to having God's benefits.... Developing the Mind of Christ...flow from your problems.
Today, look at your problems. If you are thankful and handling them, then you are preparing well...putting on the armor, getting your confidence from God, and letting the Lord lead into battle. If you are struggling and not thankful or understanding your problems, look at how you are preparing for your tests and where you are getting your confidence. Heart exam time.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am overwhelmed with life's problems...they are mounting such that I cannot see over them...at times I am almost paralyzed with fear. It's hard at times, but I want to thank You for these problems. I do not expect You to remove these problems Lord...but I do pray that You strengthen, teach, and show me though them and help me understand You make good come from this bad. Help me understand and develop the disciplines of training to succeed in these opportunities for growth, confidence building in You and Your strategy for me, and faith in Your character, promises and plan for my life. Let each problem show me something Lord...transforming me little by little into the masterpiece You have created me to be. In Jesus' transforming death and name I pray, AMEN
The Truth
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
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6-10
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20
I know, this title might appear trite and even silly. But it's the truth and it works!
Though many things may feel random and wrong because of all your problems, stop for a moment and remember that your God is sovereign over everything...and that He can "fit everything into a pattern of good".
God would rather teach us without suffering, heartache, and challenge. That is what He tried in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, we do not learn as much as we need to that way. So God has to use other methods to catch our attention, change our focus or path, or show us what is destructive to us. To Disciple us! Our problems are opportunities to show what we have learned. After I practiced in baseball a lot, I wanted to go against good competition to show how much a I learned and how good I was. Same in medical school as I worked up a patient and studied, I was excited to present to the attending and get grilled so I can show my growth as a psychiatrist. A "problem" is really that better competition or test we take to show our growth....and areas we still need to work on. The best way to befriend your problems is to thank God for His care for you as He gives you an opportunity to show the work you have put in and the resultant growth in Him... or His willingness to show you areas where He wants to grow and equip you. This simple act will open your mind to having God's benefits.... Developing the Mind of Christ...flow from your problems.
Today, look at your problems. If you are thankful and handling them, then you are preparing well...putting on the armor, getting your confidence from God, and letting the Lord lead into battle. If you are struggling and not thankful or understanding your problems, look at how you are preparing for your tests and where you are getting your confidence. Heart exam time.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am overwhelmed with life's problems...they are mounting such that I cannot see over them...at times I am almost paralyzed with fear. It's hard at times, but I want to thank You for these problems. I do not expect You to remove these problems Lord...but I do pray that You strengthen, teach, and show me though them and help me understand You make good come from this bad. Help me understand and develop the disciplines of training to succeed in these opportunities for growth, confidence building in You and Your strategy for me, and faith in Your character, promises and plan for my life. Let each problem show me something Lord...transforming me little by little into the masterpiece You have created me to be. In Jesus' transforming death and name I pray, AMEN
The Truth
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
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6-10
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20
Monday, June 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
Transformational Tip
That's a sign that always creates some immediate stress for me. I am on my way, know where I'm going, and then all of a sudden - Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
God has a plan, a path for your development and long-term safety. When we are veering off track, He puts up roadblocks to steer us back to the right path. Look back at your track record of designing your path...your road to "success". My track record was filled with either wrong destinations(what I thought success meant), wrong roads to the correct destinations, and often times both wrong roads to the wrong destinations. Believe me, 2 wrongs do NOT equal a right. My life really started to change when I started to accept God's "detours" from my agenda and trust He does His job better than I do His job. The uneasiness when we hit God's detour, that is the crucial moment. Satan is ready to pounce, God is calling us with open arms. Who will you trust to be your loving guide and companion on your journey.
Be confident that when the time is right (His time), the road before you will suddenly clear...through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for will be presented to you by your Lord freely as you seek His guidance.
Today, be ready for the "Road Closings" in your agenda and seek His detour to develop the mind of Christ to navigate your path more gloriously and efficiently.
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly.
As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but for those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me Lord live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. In Christ's revealing name, AMEN
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
That's a sign that always creates some immediate stress for me. I am on my way, know where I'm going, and then all of a sudden - Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
God has a plan, a path for your development and long-term safety. When we are veering off track, He puts up roadblocks to steer us back to the right path. Look back at your track record of designing your path...your road to "success". My track record was filled with either wrong destinations(what I thought success meant), wrong roads to the correct destinations, and often times both wrong roads to the wrong destinations. Believe me, 2 wrongs do NOT equal a right. My life really started to change when I started to accept God's "detours" from my agenda and trust He does His job better than I do His job. The uneasiness when we hit God's detour, that is the crucial moment. Satan is ready to pounce, God is calling us with open arms. Who will you trust to be your loving guide and companion on your journey.
Be confident that when the time is right (His time), the road before you will suddenly clear...through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for will be presented to you by your Lord freely as you seek His guidance.
Today, be ready for the "Road Closings" in your agenda and seek His detour to develop the mind of Christ to navigate your path more gloriously and efficiently.
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly.
As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but for those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me Lord live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. In Christ's revealing name, AMEN
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
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