Transformational Thought
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition for addiction. Our description then opened some eyes and caused some head scratching by showing how we all suffer from an addiction. If you missed yesterday’s devotional, click here to go to our blogsite and read it now. Today is an experiential description of addiction.
As kids, none of us set out with the goal of feeling trapped in an addiction. Sadly, after a slow and insidious beginning, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement. Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we easily become slaves to the objects that soothe us. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects. Because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves, Satan has to be subtle and crafty to help us progress down the enslavement pathway.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attacks, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance … man, the list is endless. Just think of how many times these responses or objects got you into trouble, yet you still do them. That is enslavement.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or struggle go away. What entered life as an understanding resource, tool, friend, or savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us, not because of what they actually are. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods … illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will actually bring in-full.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally, notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions. Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or for those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to set me free from all enslavement, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Showing posts with label Hurt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurt. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions - the Stone Gods
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: He Prayed For Us Before We Were Even Born
Transformational Tip
Have you ever googled yourself? I google searched myself a couple years ago and I was amazed to read what other people, people who never even met me, actually said about me. Although appalled at some of the random and ridiculous comments, I was also flattered they were reading and reacting to some of my comments in the media.
When someone who never met you actually talks about you, well that is even more empowering. How about if the King of Kings and Lord of Lords talked about you to the ultimate God of the universe? What would that do for your anxiety, depression, loneliness, or self-esteem?
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me while He was on earth? He did, in John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed to God, His Father for all future believers…for us! His key message was that He wanted all future believers to be as, and act as, one...He prayed for our unity, in Him, not outside of Him…to follow His example and modeling for us. We need to pay attention to the message He sent directly to and for us.
The unity of all those who put their faith in Christ, the power and testimony of God's love, acceptance, and the power to transcend our differences....to be a Lighthouse shining God's glory to the rest of the world. Many of you have commented on the benefits of you being part of the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional and your local church community.
Today, follow Jesus’ lead and call…pray for the Stepping Stones community (over 3000 now) and the other ministries and church communities you are involved in. Look at each other through God and Jesus’ lenses, not our own. Have a “Thy kingdom come” menality. It will transform your relationships…with God, and with people.
Prayer
Dear Father, All those reading the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional have come together as believers, unified as one, as a powerful witness to the reality of Your Love. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to be part of something so beautiful and so meaningful. Help us work together, Lord, in humility, and help us refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over dividing and unimportant matters. I know, Lord, that unity amongst this Team can only be achieved by each of us living first in union with You. We come together as one to give You Glory and to witness the fulfillment of Your Word. Knowing Your Son Jesus prayed for me even before I was born, gives me confidence in my struggle to work for Your Kingdom. Help me, through the daily reading of Your Word to purify my heart and mind, point out my sins and confess them to You, renew my relationship with You, and forever guide me back to the right path. I pray this in the name of the One who showed me true submission to You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:21-26
Have you ever googled yourself? I google searched myself a couple years ago and I was amazed to read what other people, people who never even met me, actually said about me. Although appalled at some of the random and ridiculous comments, I was also flattered they were reading and reacting to some of my comments in the media.
When someone who never met you actually talks about you, well that is even more empowering. How about if the King of Kings and Lord of Lords talked about you to the ultimate God of the universe? What would that do for your anxiety, depression, loneliness, or self-esteem?
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me while He was on earth? He did, in John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed to God, His Father for all future believers…for us! His key message was that He wanted all future believers to be as, and act as, one...He prayed for our unity, in Him, not outside of Him…to follow His example and modeling for us. We need to pay attention to the message He sent directly to and for us.
The unity of all those who put their faith in Christ, the power and testimony of God's love, acceptance, and the power to transcend our differences....to be a Lighthouse shining God's glory to the rest of the world. Many of you have commented on the benefits of you being part of the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional and your local church community.
Today, follow Jesus’ lead and call…pray for the Stepping Stones community (over 3000 now) and the other ministries and church communities you are involved in. Look at each other through God and Jesus’ lenses, not our own. Have a “Thy kingdom come” menality. It will transform your relationships…with God, and with people.
Prayer
Dear Father, All those reading the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional have come together as believers, unified as one, as a powerful witness to the reality of Your Love. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to be part of something so beautiful and so meaningful. Help us work together, Lord, in humility, and help us refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over dividing and unimportant matters. I know, Lord, that unity amongst this Team can only be achieved by each of us living first in union with You. We come together as one to give You Glory and to witness the fulfillment of Your Word. Knowing Your Son Jesus prayed for me even before I was born, gives me confidence in my struggle to work for Your Kingdom. Help me, through the daily reading of Your Word to purify my heart and mind, point out my sins and confess them to You, renew my relationship with You, and forever guide me back to the right path. I pray this in the name of the One who showed me true submission to You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:21-26
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Stepping Stones: Who’s Really Your Judge?
Transformational Tip
My middle daughter Nicole is in middle school. It always amazes me how much importance and truth these early teenagers put in the opinions of their peers. Peers with limited expertise, experience, understanding, wisdom, or objectivity. But they accept their peer’s communication, whether verbal or non-verbal, become the truth, law, and guiding lenses they use to see themselves.
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Who made them all knowledgeable judge, jury, and executioner/
Try and remember, "hurt people hurt people". Only One has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the One whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God.
He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you.
Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life…celebrate what He reveals to you! Don’t let dysfunctional people be your guide. Take in their feedback, but always sift it through God’s grid of how He values, loves, and will always pursue you. Stay focused on this and you will be resilient to the passing fancies of people’s opinions of you.
Prayer
Dear Father, Help me see myself through Your eyes today, dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love, and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of the One who ignored all earthly opinions, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
My middle daughter Nicole is in middle school. It always amazes me how much importance and truth these early teenagers put in the opinions of their peers. Peers with limited expertise, experience, understanding, wisdom, or objectivity. But they accept their peer’s communication, whether verbal or non-verbal, become the truth, law, and guiding lenses they use to see themselves.
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Who made them all knowledgeable judge, jury, and executioner/
Try and remember, "hurt people hurt people". Only One has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the One whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God.
He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you.
Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life…celebrate what He reveals to you! Don’t let dysfunctional people be your guide. Take in their feedback, but always sift it through God’s grid of how He values, loves, and will always pursue you. Stay focused on this and you will be resilient to the passing fancies of people’s opinions of you.
Prayer
Dear Father, Help me see myself through Your eyes today, dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love, and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of the One who ignored all earthly opinions, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Stepping Stones: Persecution is Draining
Transformational Tip
I grew up in a home with a lot of negativity, judgment, and frequent efforts of emotional manipulation. I would get so angry and so much energy....physically, emotionally, psychologically... went into and was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where it was coming from, attempts to avoid it, "why me" attitude, all sucked so much life out of me that enjoying childhood was a difficult task for me. Many of us have people in our lives who have or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words, manipulation, to lies, cruelty, vindictiveness, and all the way to physical abuse or worse. You have to ask yourself the questions...why me?, how do I make them stop?, what drives them? who are they serving?...who are they trying to make happy? Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in trying to defend ourselves and/or possible counter attack and retaliation or "getting even" efforts.Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and responsibility to address our enemies, but we go overboard. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. Remember, Satan is the real enemy, not the person. They are just getting used like you are at times by Satan. Pray for them and be on guard... put on the armor for the real battle. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered and being attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My human natural reaction is for revenge...for getting even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to "make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away"Help me Lord to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from you, distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44
I grew up in a home with a lot of negativity, judgment, and frequent efforts of emotional manipulation. I would get so angry and so much energy....physically, emotionally, psychologically... went into and was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where it was coming from, attempts to avoid it, "why me" attitude, all sucked so much life out of me that enjoying childhood was a difficult task for me. Many of us have people in our lives who have or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words, manipulation, to lies, cruelty, vindictiveness, and all the way to physical abuse or worse. You have to ask yourself the questions...why me?, how do I make them stop?, what drives them? who are they serving?...who are they trying to make happy? Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in trying to defend ourselves and/or possible counter attack and retaliation or "getting even" efforts.Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and responsibility to address our enemies, but we go overboard. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. Remember, Satan is the real enemy, not the person. They are just getting used like you are at times by Satan. Pray for them and be on guard... put on the armor for the real battle. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered and being attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My human natural reaction is for revenge...for getting even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to "make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away"Help me Lord to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from you, distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44
Monday, July 13, 2009
Stepping Stones: Divide Your Pain, Multiply Your Joy
Transformational Tip
Most of us are so selective about which parts we bring to God. We hesitate to bring traits that we consider shameful....partly because we actually believe He doesn't see them, and partly because we are ashamed to even think about it again. Some of us are so used to living with pain, feeling loneliness, guilt, fear - that it never occurs to us to ask for help in dealing with these things. We assume help is not available and that pain is an unavoidable part of life. For some, they seem to believe there are degree of difficulty points(like diving) for overcoming the most hardship...for others, pain of some kind has been such an integral part of their growing up, that in a weird way, it is hard for them to navigate life without the pain. We get so preoccupied with our struggles, why they are there, and how to dig out, that we forget that God is even there and can provide help.
There are hurting parts of you that God desires to heal. However some of them have been with you so long they have become part of your identity. Sometimes you are so addicted to certain painful patterns that you cannot break free from them. Only repeatedly exposing them to God's healing presence will bring you long term freedom.
Today, turn to your Lord when you are hurting; he will share and reduce your pain. Remember, the Bible is a book about suffering, our spiritual suffering, and how God loved us so much and miraculously provided a way for ultimate healing. He also has many promises for the smaller sufferings we experience. Turn to the Lord when you are in pain and rejoice in these circumstances as He is with you and has a joy, peace, and comfort, as well as a message for you He is communicating through the pain.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so grateful to you Lord that I can come to you not matter what condition I am in...just as I am. Thank You Father. I am relieved that I don't have to "clean up my act" before I come to You; you already know the worst about me. When I am hurting I want to be with someone who understands me without condemning me. When I am happy I delight in being with someone who loves me enough to celebrate with me. I pray that You help me bring more and more of myself to You.
I pray this and all prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ - AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1
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
Most of us are so selective about which parts we bring to God. We hesitate to bring traits that we consider shameful....partly because we actually believe He doesn't see them, and partly because we are ashamed to even think about it again. Some of us are so used to living with pain, feeling loneliness, guilt, fear - that it never occurs to us to ask for help in dealing with these things. We assume help is not available and that pain is an unavoidable part of life. For some, they seem to believe there are degree of difficulty points(like diving) for overcoming the most hardship...for others, pain of some kind has been such an integral part of their growing up, that in a weird way, it is hard for them to navigate life without the pain. We get so preoccupied with our struggles, why they are there, and how to dig out, that we forget that God is even there and can provide help.
There are hurting parts of you that God desires to heal. However some of them have been with you so long they have become part of your identity. Sometimes you are so addicted to certain painful patterns that you cannot break free from them. Only repeatedly exposing them to God's healing presence will bring you long term freedom.
Today, turn to your Lord when you are hurting; he will share and reduce your pain. Remember, the Bible is a book about suffering, our spiritual suffering, and how God loved us so much and miraculously provided a way for ultimate healing. He also has many promises for the smaller sufferings we experience. Turn to the Lord when you are in pain and rejoice in these circumstances as He is with you and has a joy, peace, and comfort, as well as a message for you He is communicating through the pain.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so grateful to you Lord that I can come to you not matter what condition I am in...just as I am. Thank You Father. I am relieved that I don't have to "clean up my act" before I come to You; you already know the worst about me. When I am hurting I want to be with someone who understands me without condemning me. When I am happy I delight in being with someone who loves me enough to celebrate with me. I pray that You help me bring more and more of myself to You.
I pray this and all prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ - AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1
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
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Stepping Stones: Does Their Opinion Really Count?
Transformational Tip
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Try and remember that "hurt people hurt people". Only one has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the one whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God. He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you. Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life celebrate what He reveals to you!
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me see myself trough Your eyes today dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Try and remember that "hurt people hurt people". Only one has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the one whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God. He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you. Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life celebrate what He reveals to you!
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me see myself trough Your eyes today dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
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