Transformational Thought
I know many people don’t like billboards. They often mess up the landscape and often have trashy or ridiculous messages … but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course ... just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a bit more deeply or differently about something. I saw a billboard the other day with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention, in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit and to old to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist, I was energized and influenced to consider why I only joined Air Force ROTC and didn’t enlist fulltime.
The reason this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need … a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves … to God. We were born with an emptiness in our lives and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, (the title of one of his books).
Unfortunately, this desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways, behaviors, and addictions. In response to our desire to commit to something, something big, something that will elevate our power or status, Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors. These impostors look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it really counts, then ultimately backfire, leaving us wounded and worse off than where we started.
The reality is, we all commit to something. Most of the time, it is something of ourselves (think feelings, agenda, control, comfort), or of the world (think power, attention, status, credentials, money, materialism, kids). None of those has our ultimate fulfillment in mind; none has power over everything else, loves us unconditionally, knows the future, or has the ultimate game plan for our lives. But God has all of these and more!
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to … really?” Look at your decisions. Every decision you make shows you what you were really committed to. You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true, intentional, lasting, and disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the destruction of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day instead of the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, a power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. Give me vision, wisdom, and courage to see the impostors and turn away from them and commit to you early and often. 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
Showing posts with label Growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Growth. Show all posts
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Make God Look For You!
Transformational Thought
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
Friday, January 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Wait…Do It Now!
Transformational Thought
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: Delivered in…not from Adversity?
Transformational Thought
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Thinking About Enlisting?
Transformational Thought
I know many people don’t like billboards. They can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your 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 can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your 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
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