February 4-5, 2012
Transformational Thought
I’m a Steelers’ fan … born in the Pittsburgh area … so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable events as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, commitment, intentionality, practice, heroes, legends, invincibility, power, role models. I learned so much through those fun Super Bowl Sundays.
For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made a lot of poor choices leading to many issues including a significant alcohol addiction. My worst memory ever: January 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday … middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions … consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a severe snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body … I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed, or worse, killed others, several times that evening.
Jail … it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world … it was the best place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and decided that life according to my instruction book … my kingdom come, my will be done mentality … wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life … transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord. I finally decided to make Him not just Savior, but also Lord of my life.
Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then … spiritual growth, a loving wife, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not wanting to test God, I always make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)
Today, realize that each decision, regardless of how big or small it is, has definite ripples. Are you measuring the ripple effect? Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not in your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Lastly, after accepting Christ as your personal Savior, make the defining decision of your life on Earth to let Him be the Lord of your life. That’s when life really comes alive and makes sense as it pushes you to connect fully with Him. Life is your decision, so choose well. And enjoy the game.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could block out all the distractions of life and meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service … it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:4
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Showing posts with label Lighthouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lighthouse. Show all posts
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Stepping Stones: Are You” Super Bowling” Everyday Life?
February 3, 2012
Super Bowl Sunday has almost become a national holiday. It’s the most-watched TV show with 111 million viewers, taking in $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, and it’s the biggest betting day of the year. On this day more employees “call-out-sick”, 1 billion wings are eaten, the most pizzas are ordered, and unfortunately, it’s the worst day for domestic violence.
The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event … so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever, and the loser is branded a choker… forever, or until they get back again and win. The commercials, halftime mega-shows, plays, players, and personalities are seared in our minds or become societal icons.
One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife. Can you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.
But you see, life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events … meeting God, getting married, birthing a child, losing a loved one, starting day-1 on the dream job, having an affair, taking grand vacations, learning a child has a disability, starting school, helping a child leave for college, experiencing divorce, getting fired, coping with a natural disaster, 9/11. You get the idea … they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events whose immediate and long term impact are important but smaller. And some other life events rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.
The reality: 99% of life is either a regular season game or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to many of our daily events as if they had the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. To prove it to you, we forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We erroneously feel many things in life are all-important and life-changing.
Patients, both male and female, tell me they have been impacted by one question I’ve asked, namely, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, realistic, and Godly perspective about everyday events.
Today, remember Super Bowl-magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately “Super Bowling” it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things … this truth, and my faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Stepping Stones: Darkness - Not Always Bad
January 4, 2012
Transformational Thought
Darkness is typically thought of as something negative, bad, and is oftentimes associated with evil. Nightfall, devoid of light, blackened, lost, secret, closed, blinded. The Bible often uses darkness to portray “not in God’s light”… a place we don’t want to be.
As a child, I was frightened of the dark. I saw so many westerns that I was afraid Indians might come in my room and burn me at the stake. Some people even carry these fears through their teens and into adulthood. But I have learned through personal experience that darkness is not all bad. And darkness does not have to be synonymous with the absence of God. Sometimes when darkness comes, it signifies that we are under the shelter and in the shadow of our Lord. (Psalm 91:1) Know that as children of God, nothing happens to you that He has not allowed.
During times of darkness, there are actually treasures to be found (Isaiah 45:3), along with learning and growth. When darkness comes, most people run from it and unfortunately don’t see God’s protection or the lessons God has for them. Others distract or soothe themselves from the uneasiness of the darkness by turning to food, fear, alcohol, porn, power, control, anger, or other patently knee jerk responses. Some simply sleep through it as if nothing is happening.
When events don’t go our way and we feel emotionally uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to assume the situation is against us. We then believe nothing positive can come from it, even though we know from experience with school, sports, or the arts that we have to practice to get good results. The “no pain, no gain” maxim is true for spiritual growth as well. When we are born again, we aren’t totally mature, fully-equipped believers. Spiritual transformation is a process involving work, effort, self-reflection, self-examination, learning from mistakes, and applying our new skills and relationship in times of adversity.
Today, when you find yourself in the midst of physical and spiritual darkness, turn to your God for strength. Don’t run. Rather, look for the treasures in those secret places. While in the dark, turn to His Presence…His Word…His Spirit. And you will soon see His Lighthouse guiding you step by step. Look for how He wants to grow or strengthen you, especially in the areas you need of your life that are holding you back. Always search for the positives in the storm, because they always are there. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God,I know that You are perfect in all Your ways…therefore it is impossible for You to be careless. Nothing happens to me that You have not allowed. When I experience times of darkness – times that You could have prevented – it sometimes feels as if You are being careless with me. Thanks for always having a plan for my growth and success, and giving me courage to follow Your perfect plan instead of my inadequate one. I pray, Father, that You equip me to navigate in the darkness…and that You will teach me how to use that equipment. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who experienced the darkest of times while paying for my sins, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Transformational Thought
Darkness is typically thought of as something negative, bad, and is oftentimes associated with evil. Nightfall, devoid of light, blackened, lost, secret, closed, blinded. The Bible often uses darkness to portray “not in God’s light”… a place we don’t want to be.
As a child, I was frightened of the dark. I saw so many westerns that I was afraid Indians might come in my room and burn me at the stake. Some people even carry these fears through their teens and into adulthood. But I have learned through personal experience that darkness is not all bad. And darkness does not have to be synonymous with the absence of God. Sometimes when darkness comes, it signifies that we are under the shelter and in the shadow of our Lord. (Psalm 91:1) Know that as children of God, nothing happens to you that He has not allowed.
During times of darkness, there are actually treasures to be found (Isaiah 45:3), along with learning and growth. When darkness comes, most people run from it and unfortunately don’t see God’s protection or the lessons God has for them. Others distract or soothe themselves from the uneasiness of the darkness by turning to food, fear, alcohol, porn, power, control, anger, or other patently knee jerk responses. Some simply sleep through it as if nothing is happening.
When events don’t go our way and we feel emotionally uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to assume the situation is against us. We then believe nothing positive can come from it, even though we know from experience with school, sports, or the arts that we have to practice to get good results. The “no pain, no gain” maxim is true for spiritual growth as well. When we are born again, we aren’t totally mature, fully-equipped believers. Spiritual transformation is a process involving work, effort, self-reflection, self-examination, learning from mistakes, and applying our new skills and relationship in times of adversity.
Today, when you find yourself in the midst of physical and spiritual darkness, turn to your God for strength. Don’t run. Rather, look for the treasures in those secret places. While in the dark, turn to His Presence…His Word…His Spirit. And you will soon see His Lighthouse guiding you step by step. Look for how He wants to grow or strengthen you, especially in the areas you need of your life that are holding you back. Always search for the positives in the storm, because they always are there. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God,I know that You are perfect in all Your ways…therefore it is impossible for You to be careless. Nothing happens to me that You have not allowed. When I experience times of darkness – times that You could have prevented – it sometimes feels as if You are being careless with me. Thanks for always having a plan for my growth and success, and giving me courage to follow Your perfect plan instead of my inadequate one. I pray, Father, that You equip me to navigate in the darkness…and that You will teach me how to use that equipment. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who experienced the darkest of times while paying for my sins, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Stepping Stones: Eternity With One or One-Night Stands With Many?
January 3, 2012
Transformational Thought
Once in a while I hear a question or a statement that makes God, Jesus, and Christianity so real, so concrete, so clear. An example is a question a patient asked me, “Who do you think Jesus Christ really was?” Based on what Jesus claimed, only 2 choices really exist, 1. He was honest and therefore is the Son of God and Savior of all mankind…or, 2. He was a liar or a madman and what He said isn’t true. In the Case for Christ, Lee Strobel does a great job examining this very question.
You see there really isn’t any in-between answer to this question. Based on who He said He was, either you believe Him or not. If you don’t believe He is the Son of God, then His claims are lunacy. In fact, as a psychiatrist, I have had to pursue or uphold an involuntary commitment to an in-patient psychiatric unit for some delusional or manic individuals who made claims and firmly believed themselves to be God, Jesus, the Antichrist, a select and powerful angel, or the Chosen One.
So, I will ask you a similar question. Do you believe in the eternity promised by God and delivered by Jesus Christ? If your answer is yes, then I say Halleluiah! If your answer is no…well then, life must feel like a continuous series of one-night stands. Essentially, you are running from person to person, object to object, and event to event, engaged in a mad quest to find happiness, value, and connection…the desires of your heart. But without God you are coming up empty, then eagerly going to the next hot prospect. Disappointment prevails. You know the frustration and letdown of one-night stands: momentary highs followed by heartache and rejection. On-going chasing and coming up short...just constant teases…never the deep, lasting romance we crave. How sad is that?
Even as Christians, we still fall prey to this courting merry-go-round. Why do we stray? We mistakenly believe we can find joy and fulfillment through material substitutes leaving God out of the equation.
Today, think of spending your days as a string of commitments that lead up to God’s promise of eternity. Make God your exclusive God by choosing a life-long commitment to Him and His truth. When you are all-in with Him, He delivers the desires of your heart and you won’t waste time on one-night stands. I lived that life of one-night stands and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Most of my life has been a string of disjointed pursuits. I had no beliefs in fulfillment through anything outside myself, and never thought I would change. But today, Lord, by Your Grace, I’ll try and build each day upon the one before it, all with the expressed purpose of pleasing You…reveling in the peace and power of Your promises and Word…anticipating spending eternity with You. Help me keep this focus, Lord. I pray in the name of the One You sent to deliver eternity to me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21
Transformational Thought
Once in a while I hear a question or a statement that makes God, Jesus, and Christianity so real, so concrete, so clear. An example is a question a patient asked me, “Who do you think Jesus Christ really was?” Based on what Jesus claimed, only 2 choices really exist, 1. He was honest and therefore is the Son of God and Savior of all mankind…or, 2. He was a liar or a madman and what He said isn’t true. In the Case for Christ, Lee Strobel does a great job examining this very question.
You see there really isn’t any in-between answer to this question. Based on who He said He was, either you believe Him or not. If you don’t believe He is the Son of God, then His claims are lunacy. In fact, as a psychiatrist, I have had to pursue or uphold an involuntary commitment to an in-patient psychiatric unit for some delusional or manic individuals who made claims and firmly believed themselves to be God, Jesus, the Antichrist, a select and powerful angel, or the Chosen One.
So, I will ask you a similar question. Do you believe in the eternity promised by God and delivered by Jesus Christ? If your answer is yes, then I say Halleluiah! If your answer is no…well then, life must feel like a continuous series of one-night stands. Essentially, you are running from person to person, object to object, and event to event, engaged in a mad quest to find happiness, value, and connection…the desires of your heart. But without God you are coming up empty, then eagerly going to the next hot prospect. Disappointment prevails. You know the frustration and letdown of one-night stands: momentary highs followed by heartache and rejection. On-going chasing and coming up short...just constant teases…never the deep, lasting romance we crave. How sad is that?
Even as Christians, we still fall prey to this courting merry-go-round. Why do we stray? We mistakenly believe we can find joy and fulfillment through material substitutes leaving God out of the equation.
Today, think of spending your days as a string of commitments that lead up to God’s promise of eternity. Make God your exclusive God by choosing a life-long commitment to Him and His truth. When you are all-in with Him, He delivers the desires of your heart and you won’t waste time on one-night stands. I lived that life of one-night stands and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Most of my life has been a string of disjointed pursuits. I had no beliefs in fulfillment through anything outside myself, and never thought I would change. But today, Lord, by Your Grace, I’ll try and build each day upon the one before it, all with the expressed purpose of pleasing You…reveling in the peace and power of Your promises and Word…anticipating spending eternity with You. Help me keep this focus, Lord. I pray in the name of the One You sent to deliver eternity to me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21
Friday, December 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: The 60/60 Rule
December 30, 2011
Transformational Thought
Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, 8-12 inches here, and we lost power for almost 48 hours, so the weathermen get some extra grace. As I was driving through our quaint little borough, everybody was hard at work clearing small branches that had broken off and whole trees that had collapsed under the weight of the snow, and so many people were out shoveling their own walks and driveways as well as the public sidewalks.
Watching this, I was reminded of the old rule I learned as a kid from my grandfather while mowing his lawn, the 60/60 rule. You might know it by a different name, but it goes something like this. When doing some work next to a property line, don’t just work up to the property line, work past the line and do some of your neighbor’s property. The other application is when you are working with someone in a project, don’t just complete 50% each, but try to do 60% each. When both parties have this mentality, the job or project is more enjoyable, and the relationship flourishes.
You see, while 60/60 has many advantages, our natural tendency is to just do our own and stop at 50/50. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, not any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. When people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.
How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just give 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues giving and forgiving 100%…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.
I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.
Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am often guilty of not doing my fair share, not taking my fair share of the blame…and letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the One who always gave His 100%, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35
Transformational Thought
Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, 8-12 inches here, and we lost power for almost 48 hours, so the weathermen get some extra grace. As I was driving through our quaint little borough, everybody was hard at work clearing small branches that had broken off and whole trees that had collapsed under the weight of the snow, and so many people were out shoveling their own walks and driveways as well as the public sidewalks.
Watching this, I was reminded of the old rule I learned as a kid from my grandfather while mowing his lawn, the 60/60 rule. You might know it by a different name, but it goes something like this. When doing some work next to a property line, don’t just work up to the property line, work past the line and do some of your neighbor’s property. The other application is when you are working with someone in a project, don’t just complete 50% each, but try to do 60% each. When both parties have this mentality, the job or project is more enjoyable, and the relationship flourishes.
You see, while 60/60 has many advantages, our natural tendency is to just do our own and stop at 50/50. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, not any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. When people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.
How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just give 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues giving and forgiving 100%…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.
I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.
Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am often guilty of not doing my fair share, not taking my fair share of the blame…and letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the One who always gave His 100%, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Call of God
December 27, 2011
God loves you more than anybody does. No one else comes close. And He has intentionally, specifically, and uniquely designed each and every one of us. Wanting us to be fulfilled, knowing what will fulfill us, and designing us specifically to do what will fulfill us, God “calls” us for several missions in life. And guess what? These missions will indeed fulfill us to the max.
One of the missions or calls each of us receives is to spread the message of God’s love, forgiveness, and many promises. In today’s scripture, Paul actually states the call of God is to preach the gospel. It is often called The Great Commission.
I don’t take this literally to mean we all need to become verbal preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. What I believe Paul means by "preach," is connecting with people and living out the reality of salvation we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. To "preach" it through our actions, to speak our personal testimony, and then walk in easily and eagerly when an opening is presented to teach more of who God is.
We all get a bit nervous about "acting like a Christian" when everyone is doing something else, but we are especially nervous about speaking about Jesus. Just tell them about how your faith helps you. You don’t have to convert them. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t sure how the Gospel helps you, you have some work to do on yourself first!
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God…the miraculous and awe-inspiring message of salvation. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation to show his need for the Gospel…because these adversities kept him in unshakeable devotion to the Gospel of God. They also provided ripe times for others to be exposed to the peace and freedom the Gospel brought to Paul enabling him not just to endure, but to live triumphantly. Paul keenly watched for these Gospel-revealing moments.
Today, think about one person whom you could tell about God’s promise of salvation and eternity. So many people desperately need of this life-changing, life-saving news. Act like the person has cancer and you have THE cure for them. Write their name down someplace. Pray for them and then tell a brother/sister to pray for them and you. Call that person and let them know they are important to you and you care about them. Behold what God can and will do in you, through you, and in them. God has designed, prepared, and called you to this very specific task. The peace and fulfillment you will experience when you step into His calling is UNBELIEVABLE! Don’t let Satan cheat you out of it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the life I now live by faith in Your Son who loved me so much, He gave Himself up for me. Thank You, Lord. I pray Father that You fill me with the Holy Spirit who will give me the courage, strength, and wisdom to “preach the Gospel.” Thank You for leading me to those who need to hear the good news. I pray for discernment, wisdom, courage, and excitement to proclaim the great gift You have given me, the same gift You have for them. 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
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
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.
John 12:32
Monday, December 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions – I Bet You Got One
Transformational Thought
If you thought our liberal sprinkling of devotions about addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading today because … Newsflash: we are all addicts. Every one of us is addicted to comfort. We all struggle to deal with discomfort, especially emotional or psychological pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain, or need to quickly soothe it. You see, we are all born separated from God … and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted … not very effective for the long haul.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, or immediate relievers. These “solutions” are the Addiction Objects … things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. Now God could directly soothe us or He might choose to provide appropriate objects to fill our needs. But each time we need to look to Him first, not the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, or pornography. But they can also be anger (or any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, Satan will use it as an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. The truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, while leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, hen finally declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless when God is not pursued first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He prescribes for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins. Edging Forward is designed to help you identify your addiction objects and replace them with God! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions for comfort, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
If you thought our liberal sprinkling of devotions about addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading today because … Newsflash: we are all addicts. Every one of us is addicted to comfort. We all struggle to deal with discomfort, especially emotional or psychological pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain, or need to quickly soothe it. You see, we are all born separated from God … and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted … not very effective for the long haul.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, or immediate relievers. These “solutions” are the Addiction Objects … things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. Now God could directly soothe us or He might choose to provide appropriate objects to fill our needs. But each time we need to look to Him first, not the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, or pornography. But they can also be anger (or any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, Satan will use it as an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. The truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, while leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, hen finally declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless when God is not pursued first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He prescribes for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins. Edging Forward is designed to help you identify your addiction objects and replace them with God! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions for comfort, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Leave At Intermission!
Transformational Thought
Some children take off sooner and faster than others. My little (6’ 6”) brother is 13 years younger than me. One of the bigger regrets I have is not playing a larger role during his young years. I was a teenager, totally focused on my own struggles, issues, and needs, and saw him as a toy or a mascot to use as needed. My brother had many ups and downs, almost from the get-go as he got kicked out of Catholic school in kindergarten on Ash Wednesday because he didn’t want dirt on his head. My parents tried to raise him to greater heights, but nothing seemed to work. If the race had ended in his mid twenties, in jail and on his way to rehab, he would have been judged a loser … a failure.
Are you a parent of a low-flying child? Let me pass on a word of encouragement. That brother made a shift in his late twenties and is now, by anyone’s standards, a high-flying success. Husband in a healthy marriage, father of a great family, master’s degree, teacher and mentor to disadvantaged teens, successful high school football coach, and get this, an inner-city high school disciplinarian. Yes, God has a great sense of humor. Most importantly, he is a man of deep faith who always finds time to let the Lord’s light shine onto those around him. At 36 years of age, he holds the admiration and praise of all those who know him.
Too often, we put premature finish lines on situations … judging them before all the data is in. God isn’t bound by time; He is incredibly patient and all-powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic, especially where timing is concerned. Our nature is one of impatience, impulsivity, and I need to know now. We don’t tolerate the uncomfortable feelings and want solutions and pain-free living now. We reach for quick but destructive solutions. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of judging yourself, others, circumstances, or especially God, prematurely. You will be disappointed and lose out on many “miracles” of life.
Today, if you feel like a failure, or are disappointed, anxious, sad or fearful, examine whether you are imposing a premature finish line on a situation. This puts God in a box and closes the curtain on the play at intermission. Realize there is more of the show, game, path, or race left and seek God’s guidance for the next phase of the situation. If you follow Him, trust Him, and practice patience, He will reveal a glorious second act in the drama you were ready to leave prematurely. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that all parents reading this devotional receive from You wisdom and patience as they raise their children. Help them to trust Your providence and grace, and to let go of their timelines for their children’s lives. Help us all use Your Son as an example as You patiently waited for His time to come. Father, help us listen to You and obey You in this great calling of being a parent. Then in all areas, help us grow in patience. Help us to see Your big picture, not to prematurely judge the small picture of our life and bail on You and Your plan for us. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“My time has not yet come."
John 2:4
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30,31
Some children take off sooner and faster than others. My little (6’ 6”) brother is 13 years younger than me. One of the bigger regrets I have is not playing a larger role during his young years. I was a teenager, totally focused on my own struggles, issues, and needs, and saw him as a toy or a mascot to use as needed. My brother had many ups and downs, almost from the get-go as he got kicked out of Catholic school in kindergarten on Ash Wednesday because he didn’t want dirt on his head. My parents tried to raise him to greater heights, but nothing seemed to work. If the race had ended in his mid twenties, in jail and on his way to rehab, he would have been judged a loser … a failure.
Are you a parent of a low-flying child? Let me pass on a word of encouragement. That brother made a shift in his late twenties and is now, by anyone’s standards, a high-flying success. Husband in a healthy marriage, father of a great family, master’s degree, teacher and mentor to disadvantaged teens, successful high school football coach, and get this, an inner-city high school disciplinarian. Yes, God has a great sense of humor. Most importantly, he is a man of deep faith who always finds time to let the Lord’s light shine onto those around him. At 36 years of age, he holds the admiration and praise of all those who know him.
Too often, we put premature finish lines on situations … judging them before all the data is in. God isn’t bound by time; He is incredibly patient and all-powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic, especially where timing is concerned. Our nature is one of impatience, impulsivity, and I need to know now. We don’t tolerate the uncomfortable feelings and want solutions and pain-free living now. We reach for quick but destructive solutions. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of judging yourself, others, circumstances, or especially God, prematurely. You will be disappointed and lose out on many “miracles” of life.
Today, if you feel like a failure, or are disappointed, anxious, sad or fearful, examine whether you are imposing a premature finish line on a situation. This puts God in a box and closes the curtain on the play at intermission. Realize there is more of the show, game, path, or race left and seek God’s guidance for the next phase of the situation. If you follow Him, trust Him, and practice patience, He will reveal a glorious second act in the drama you were ready to leave prematurely. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that all parents reading this devotional receive from You wisdom and patience as they raise their children. Help them to trust Your providence and grace, and to let go of their timelines for their children’s lives. Help us all use Your Son as an example as You patiently waited for His time to come. Father, help us listen to You and obey You in this great calling of being a parent. Then in all areas, help us grow in patience. Help us to see Your big picture, not to prematurely judge the small picture of our life and bail on You and Your plan for us. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“My time has not yet come."
John 2:4
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30,31
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: Think You Don’t Need A Counselor? Think Again!
Transformational Thought
The other day, I got into an argument with my wife. As usual, it was a pretty trivial spark that started a much bigger fire. If someone had run that same situation by me in the morning, I could have easily described the ideal solution to manage the situation. My theoretical solution would have been beneficial to my wife and me, and God-honoring. But in the moment, I was governed by my insecurities, so I blew it.
We all have so many unanswered questions about ourselves. Am I really a good person? Am I truly lovable? Why do I do the things I do? Why do I feel the way I feel? Why do I make the same mistakes as I used to? Can I ever change? Will I ever be fully in control of all areas of my life? We struggle to answer these questions for and by ourselves, and it’s difficult to get to the core answers without a true counselor.
The combination of our arrogance and pride—I don’t need any therapy, thank you very much—and the fact that it’s become a profession with a stigma attached—mental illness, Freud, Prozac and all that—has kept most of us from realizing that we do need counseling. All of us. What athlete thinks they don’t need a coach anymore? What student ever really knows it all? Your doctor continues to study and get more education ‘till he retires. In the most complicated activity, life, we never know it all. As Christians, thankfully, we have the best counselor living right inside us.
The Bible tells us Jesus sends us his Spirit as a Counselor … that ought to make it clear. And apparently, we need quite a lot of counsel—the Spirit isn’t just stopping in to give us a tune-up; not even an annual checkup. He has come to stay and give us a complete makeover … from the inside out. Now we just need to figure out how to “hear” His counsel and quit sabotaging His efforts in our lives. This might sound blasphemous, but unfortunately, we need more than the Holy Spirit, which is why we listen to sermons and need to study the Bible.
Today, confess your sins, then talk to God about a struggle in your life. Open His word, read the Christmas and Easter story, and then listen for His counsel. If you have trouble following the counsel, or continue to sabotage His efforts, consider getting someone to help show you how to listen and follow His counsel. WITHIN REACH is a great resource we developed for the purpose of helping you hear God, follow His direction in your every day life situations, and be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank You for sending me the ultimate Counselor, Your Holy Spirit. Help me recognize the daily need for guiding advice and for the Spirit of truth. Help me listen and heed Your advice. Help me gain wisdom and courage to follow Your guidance, and humility to set aside my agenda. Thy kingdom, not my kingdom come. Give me humility to seek out and listen to Godly advisors so I can overcome my areas of struggle. I pray in the name of the One who asked You to send another Counselor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth”
John 14:16–17
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:12-14
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:29-33
The other day, I got into an argument with my wife. As usual, it was a pretty trivial spark that started a much bigger fire. If someone had run that same situation by me in the morning, I could have easily described the ideal solution to manage the situation. My theoretical solution would have been beneficial to my wife and me, and God-honoring. But in the moment, I was governed by my insecurities, so I blew it.
We all have so many unanswered questions about ourselves. Am I really a good person? Am I truly lovable? Why do I do the things I do? Why do I feel the way I feel? Why do I make the same mistakes as I used to? Can I ever change? Will I ever be fully in control of all areas of my life? We struggle to answer these questions for and by ourselves, and it’s difficult to get to the core answers without a true counselor.
The combination of our arrogance and pride—I don’t need any therapy, thank you very much—and the fact that it’s become a profession with a stigma attached—mental illness, Freud, Prozac and all that—has kept most of us from realizing that we do need counseling. All of us. What athlete thinks they don’t need a coach anymore? What student ever really knows it all? Your doctor continues to study and get more education ‘till he retires. In the most complicated activity, life, we never know it all. As Christians, thankfully, we have the best counselor living right inside us.
The Bible tells us Jesus sends us his Spirit as a Counselor … that ought to make it clear. And apparently, we need quite a lot of counsel—the Spirit isn’t just stopping in to give us a tune-up; not even an annual checkup. He has come to stay and give us a complete makeover … from the inside out. Now we just need to figure out how to “hear” His counsel and quit sabotaging His efforts in our lives. This might sound blasphemous, but unfortunately, we need more than the Holy Spirit, which is why we listen to sermons and need to study the Bible.
Today, confess your sins, then talk to God about a struggle in your life. Open His word, read the Christmas and Easter story, and then listen for His counsel. If you have trouble following the counsel, or continue to sabotage His efforts, consider getting someone to help show you how to listen and follow His counsel. WITHIN REACH is a great resource we developed for the purpose of helping you hear God, follow His direction in your every day life situations, and be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank You for sending me the ultimate Counselor, Your Holy Spirit. Help me recognize the daily need for guiding advice and for the Spirit of truth. Help me listen and heed Your advice. Help me gain wisdom and courage to follow Your guidance, and humility to set aside my agenda. Thy kingdom, not my kingdom come. Give me humility to seek out and listen to Godly advisors so I can overcome my areas of struggle. I pray in the name of the One who asked You to send another Counselor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth”
John 14:16–17
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:12-14
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:29-33
Stepping Stones: The Cost of Free Money
Transformational Thought
If you found $5 on a deserted street, no one to give it back to, I bet you would pocket it. I know I would. But if you saw that money falling from someone’s pocket, would you respond the same way? Here’s another scenario. I had a phone call from my credit card company this week. A large purchase I made wasn’t processed correctly. I was told to return to the store, present my receipt, and pay for the items “again”.
I did just that and the sales clerks started thanking me profusely. They were amazed and said they had never experienced anything like this – ever. The store had no idea the problem had occurred. They wondered why anyone would come back and pay for items that they could vae kept for free. Good question.
Please know I’m not sharing this to blow my own horn. I share it as a reminder that situations like this are opportunities to impact the world, and more specifically to be salt and light in other people’s everyday lives. Since they asked me, instead of giving the “aw shucks, anybody would have done it, it’s just the right thing to do” line, I had a chance to tell them the reasons for my choice: the Bible says don’t steal, and I want to follow God’s commandments. I trust God to take care of all my needs, and that includes financial ones. If I steal, I’m telling God He’s not very good at His job, and I know how to do His job better than He does.
Satan will sabotage us at every opportunity if we let him. He’ll tell us we don’t need to take responsibility for a mistake, that we deserve a free ride, that no one will ever know, that this makes up for the times we got ‘cheated,’ or even that God has forgotten about us and our needs. We get to choose whether to take home stationery supplies from work, to copy music and movies illegally, to use pirated software, to pocket a pack of gum, or to keep library books. The heart of each decision we make is to worship and bring glory to God - or not.
Today, take a look at the little things that are part of your life. Do areas exist where you are trusting in yourself and not God to meet your needs? You know, cheating? Hopefully, you’ve learned to make better choices, walking what you’re preaching and expecting from others. But if not, are you willing to admit to making a poor choice? Will you confess, and un-do some choices? Remember that the God who loves you is the God who forgives you. He promises to supply all your needs. His promises are good and trustworthy; they never fail. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is a great resource to help you apply God’s promises to your daily decisions.
Prayer
Dear God, You know me well. You know it’s sometimes hard for me to talk about you to others. Any boldness I have really does come from the Holy Spirit. Without Your Spirit in me, I would be unable to share who You are and what You’ve done for me. With Your help I’m learning. So I thank You for teaching and encouraging me. Please give me more opportunities to talk about You. I want to make You the biggest and best thing in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus, who was all about bringing glory to You. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Give glory to the LORD. In the lands beyond the sea, praise the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 24:15
Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
Psalm 150: 2
I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 26:6-7
If you found $5 on a deserted street, no one to give it back to, I bet you would pocket it. I know I would. But if you saw that money falling from someone’s pocket, would you respond the same way? Here’s another scenario. I had a phone call from my credit card company this week. A large purchase I made wasn’t processed correctly. I was told to return to the store, present my receipt, and pay for the items “again”.
I did just that and the sales clerks started thanking me profusely. They were amazed and said they had never experienced anything like this – ever. The store had no idea the problem had occurred. They wondered why anyone would come back and pay for items that they could vae kept for free. Good question.
Please know I’m not sharing this to blow my own horn. I share it as a reminder that situations like this are opportunities to impact the world, and more specifically to be salt and light in other people’s everyday lives. Since they asked me, instead of giving the “aw shucks, anybody would have done it, it’s just the right thing to do” line, I had a chance to tell them the reasons for my choice: the Bible says don’t steal, and I want to follow God’s commandments. I trust God to take care of all my needs, and that includes financial ones. If I steal, I’m telling God He’s not very good at His job, and I know how to do His job better than He does.
Satan will sabotage us at every opportunity if we let him. He’ll tell us we don’t need to take responsibility for a mistake, that we deserve a free ride, that no one will ever know, that this makes up for the times we got ‘cheated,’ or even that God has forgotten about us and our needs. We get to choose whether to take home stationery supplies from work, to copy music and movies illegally, to use pirated software, to pocket a pack of gum, or to keep library books. The heart of each decision we make is to worship and bring glory to God - or not.
Today, take a look at the little things that are part of your life. Do areas exist where you are trusting in yourself and not God to meet your needs? You know, cheating? Hopefully, you’ve learned to make better choices, walking what you’re preaching and expecting from others. But if not, are you willing to admit to making a poor choice? Will you confess, and un-do some choices? Remember that the God who loves you is the God who forgives you. He promises to supply all your needs. His promises are good and trustworthy; they never fail. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is a great resource to help you apply God’s promises to your daily decisions.
Prayer
Dear God, You know me well. You know it’s sometimes hard for me to talk about you to others. Any boldness I have really does come from the Holy Spirit. Without Your Spirit in me, I would be unable to share who You are and what You’ve done for me. With Your help I’m learning. So I thank You for teaching and encouraging me. Please give me more opportunities to talk about You. I want to make You the biggest and best thing in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus, who was all about bringing glory to You. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Give glory to the LORD. In the lands beyond the sea, praise the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 24:15
Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
Psalm 150: 2
I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 26:6-7
Monday, November 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Born Again: Vibrant Growth or Stunted?
Transformational Thought
Several little babies have come into our life that past year, and while females and proud parents gush about how pretty, perfect, innocent, and sweet these newborns are, I really don’t get all the fuss about their “goodness.” You see, Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature, inherently unholy, and lost.
To experience deep and lasting love and life, we must face the truth about this standing before God. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses from that core sin nature.
But thankfully, God provided a wonderful solution. We can reach out today, in faith, to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
If you have taken this step already, then Hallelujah! You have eternal victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. But it gets a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble with ongoing sinning even though we are a new creation. The reason is because we didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again. Our baggage weighs on us.
Satan is not going down without a fight. He will deceive us into thinking we aren’t really victorious over our sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have us doubt our eternal security. Regardless of Satan’s attempts, we have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but we have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God, God has given us to defend against Satan and skillfully counterattack.
Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins, the birthday that counts. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own merits. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my spiritual life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
Several little babies have come into our life that past year, and while females and proud parents gush about how pretty, perfect, innocent, and sweet these newborns are, I really don’t get all the fuss about their “goodness.” You see, Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature, inherently unholy, and lost.
To experience deep and lasting love and life, we must face the truth about this standing before God. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses from that core sin nature.
But thankfully, God provided a wonderful solution. We can reach out today, in faith, to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
If you have taken this step already, then Hallelujah! You have eternal victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. But it gets a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble with ongoing sinning even though we are a new creation. The reason is because we didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again. Our baggage weighs on us.
Satan is not going down without a fight. He will deceive us into thinking we aren’t really victorious over our sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have us doubt our eternal security. Regardless of Satan’s attempts, we have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but we have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God, God has given us to defend against Satan and skillfully counterattack.
Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins, the birthday that counts. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own merits. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my spiritual life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Love Him 100%…Then Exercise Free Will
Transformational Thought
My mother was a great teacher of many things. Piano, Easter egg decorating the Ukranian way, knitting, music, cooking, and negotiating the lowest price with any salesperson. But she was also a great Bible teacher for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, we would often go round and round. Even now, with my daughters and nieces, the issues of tattoos, length and cut of dresses and skirts, piercings, watching movies, college decisions, all lead to some controversy.
We talk a lot about Obedience vs. Relationship, because so many people struggle with these concepts, which sometimes seem mutually exclusive or contradictory. One way to sum it up is “Just love God with all you have … then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt Him.”
As I read today’s scripture the order seems pretty clear. Love God, then we will obey Him. Our Lord never insists on obedience for eternal life. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient, in fact, because we were disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on the status of our relationship … where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do … period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance … if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the do’s and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and all He has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my relationship and love for You … and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior and model, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
My mother was a great teacher of many things. Piano, Easter egg decorating the Ukranian way, knitting, music, cooking, and negotiating the lowest price with any salesperson. But she was also a great Bible teacher for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, we would often go round and round. Even now, with my daughters and nieces, the issues of tattoos, length and cut of dresses and skirts, piercings, watching movies, college decisions, all lead to some controversy.
We talk a lot about Obedience vs. Relationship, because so many people struggle with these concepts, which sometimes seem mutually exclusive or contradictory. One way to sum it up is “Just love God with all you have … then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt Him.”
As I read today’s scripture the order seems pretty clear. Love God, then we will obey Him. Our Lord never insists on obedience for eternal life. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient, in fact, because we were disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on the status of our relationship … where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do … period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance … if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the do’s and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and all He has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my relationship and love for You … and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior and model, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
Friday, October 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Steer, God’s Traction Control
Transformational Thought
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: A Powerful Prayer, But Be Careful!
Transformational Thought
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Light Is In You, Just Flip The Switch
Transformational Thought
When I was a child, my friends and I would play this game. We would go into the basement at night and turn off all the lights … and then try and find each other. The mixed feelings were similar to watching a scary movie when you are afraid, but at the same time, excited with an interesting blend of anticipation and reluctance for the unexpected. One of my friends was almost paralyzed with the fear that one of us might grab and scare him in the total darkness. At times I would crawl along the floor for safety or to execute a surprise attack. Weird how we didn’t really like the game, but we would frequently play it. Don’t know why … peer pressure I guess. Still to this day, when it is pitch black, I remember some of those experiences.
Looking at our struggles as adults, we can find ourselves still wandering in the darkness of immaturity and insecurity. To avoid or limit danger, we start crawling on the basement floors of our lives. We get so used to that strategy that when the lights are finally turned on, we keep crawling with a blindfold in place, unable to let the light show us where danger lies and where the path to freedom and fulfillment really is.
I see so many people crawling through their lives on the basement floor, cursing the darkness … while all the time God is shining brightly. Not only is He shining brightly around you, if you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is shining in you.
You can allow that light to shine through you and out of you to illuminate your path by making Godly decisions. Decisions in line with God’s will keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart and keep that light brightly shining. Making wrong decisions puts the flesh on the throne of your heart and puts a bushel over that light. God wants each of us to be light-bearers … to be lighthouses. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will shine God’s light from your face into your surroundings and to those around you. But the key is the quality of the decisions you make. This is why The Holy Bible (and we at Lighthouse) stress Godly decision-making skills. It truly is the key to your life, because you will make 5,000 – 10,000 decisions … just today!
Today, when you see “darkness” around you, stop, pray, and think about the Holy Spirit shining through you. Get out of His way by confessing your wrong decisions. Then start making the decisions you know you should. Be bold, and He will shine through you. You know what He wants you to do, even though it might go against your agenda, so just do it and see the magic that happens. Blessings or curses, it all comes down to the decisions you make and whether you have a “Thy will be done” or ”My will be done” mindset and motivation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I do not like the darkness. I want to live in Your radiant light. When I do find myself in spiritual darkness I reach for Your guiding hand. I reach for Your hand in joyful trust, knowing You will never leave my side. I pray, Father, that I may brighten the world by reflecting who You are. Help me, Lord, to spread Your light into the darkness of someone’s life. I pray this in the name of Jesus who is the light of the world; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:20
When I was a child, my friends and I would play this game. We would go into the basement at night and turn off all the lights … and then try and find each other. The mixed feelings were similar to watching a scary movie when you are afraid, but at the same time, excited with an interesting blend of anticipation and reluctance for the unexpected. One of my friends was almost paralyzed with the fear that one of us might grab and scare him in the total darkness. At times I would crawl along the floor for safety or to execute a surprise attack. Weird how we didn’t really like the game, but we would frequently play it. Don’t know why … peer pressure I guess. Still to this day, when it is pitch black, I remember some of those experiences.
Looking at our struggles as adults, we can find ourselves still wandering in the darkness of immaturity and insecurity. To avoid or limit danger, we start crawling on the basement floors of our lives. We get so used to that strategy that when the lights are finally turned on, we keep crawling with a blindfold in place, unable to let the light show us where danger lies and where the path to freedom and fulfillment really is.
I see so many people crawling through their lives on the basement floor, cursing the darkness … while all the time God is shining brightly. Not only is He shining brightly around you, if you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is shining in you.
You can allow that light to shine through you and out of you to illuminate your path by making Godly decisions. Decisions in line with God’s will keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart and keep that light brightly shining. Making wrong decisions puts the flesh on the throne of your heart and puts a bushel over that light. God wants each of us to be light-bearers … to be lighthouses. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will shine God’s light from your face into your surroundings and to those around you. But the key is the quality of the decisions you make. This is why The Holy Bible (and we at Lighthouse) stress Godly decision-making skills. It truly is the key to your life, because you will make 5,000 – 10,000 decisions … just today!
Today, when you see “darkness” around you, stop, pray, and think about the Holy Spirit shining through you. Get out of His way by confessing your wrong decisions. Then start making the decisions you know you should. Be bold, and He will shine through you. You know what He wants you to do, even though it might go against your agenda, so just do it and see the magic that happens. Blessings or curses, it all comes down to the decisions you make and whether you have a “Thy will be done” or ”My will be done” mindset and motivation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I do not like the darkness. I want to live in Your radiant light. When I do find myself in spiritual darkness I reach for Your guiding hand. I reach for Your hand in joyful trust, knowing You will never leave my side. I pray, Father, that I may brighten the world by reflecting who You are. Help me, Lord, to spread Your light into the darkness of someone’s life. I pray this in the name of Jesus who is the light of the world; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:20
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Is Your Body Coordinated
Transformational Thought
Try this little exercise … close your eyes (after you are done reading this), then put your arms straight out in front of you (just like a zombie pose). What saves you from falling on your face? Your ugly, smelly BIG TOE! We all need a big toe or we would fall on our faces.
But if our body were only big toes and we had no eyes, we wouldn’t see the couch and would stub our big toe constantly. Without a stomach or heart, our foot muscles get no nutrition to use the big toe. We need all our body parts working together in the amazing way God created. Well, God also described another body, the church, and we the believers are the body parts. Like the human body, to maximize our function, which is to glorify God, the body parts need to work together, communicating with and supporting each other. Just like physical coordination leads to athletic success, we need to have some spiritual body coordination to have spiritual impact and success.
When Stepping Stones started on Feb. 19, 2009 we sent out 925 devotionals. 31 months later, we send 1,100,000 devotionals. This morning, 3400 people will get Stepping Stones from us directly and another 7000 (possibly more) get it from emails you forward, copies you print, or use in prison ministry, small groups, rehabs units, or with patients you counsel. We then have thousands more who get it from church websites and other organizational websites, plus Facebook postings your friends see. Thank you for spreading the Word.
You send us amazing comments, which greatly encourage and enrich us, and we are so blessed to play a part in your growing relationship with God. This is how the body of believers can work more synergistically together as we help each other spiritually mature.
Today, to facilitate this community growth both in depth and numbers, we ask you to consider a couple options: 1. Click the “Stepping Stones Blog Community” link in the left margin (www.SteppingStones-LN.blogspot.com) and post a comment (anonymously if you want), read each other’s comments, and we can all benefit from collective wisdom, experiences, and perspectives, 2. Periodically forward Stepping Stones to 10 people in your life with a note about how you care for them and how Stepping Stones has impacted you. 3. Hit the Facebook icon on the top of Stepping Stones and share it on Facebook so you can bless others. Don’t be shy … we are here to build each other up as Jesus modeled and God desires. We are built for relationship and need each other to help us grow, and to spread the gospel message by working together. These are free and easy steps to be a Lighthouse to those God has strategically put in your life. Then share the cool stories that God writes in your life! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, You are amazing and an awesome creator … the way You made my body with all the intricacies of my eyeball and brain … and the simplicity of my big toe. Thank You also for the body of believers You have created, with Christ as our head. I am sorry that all the Christian churches don’t work together as one united body … it must grieve You so to see this body fractured. I thank You for this part of the church body, the Stepping Stones Community, and pray You strengthen it as we encourage, teach, and care for each other, becoming Lighthouses shining Your glory, love, and grace to all who need it, and helping each other stand firm in the waves and storms of this world. Give us courage to reach out and be open about our love for You and thankfulness for your presence in our lives. We pray for open hearts for those who will receive Stepping Stones for the first time as our community shares. In Jesus’ name as the head of our body; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4,5
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Try this little exercise … close your eyes (after you are done reading this), then put your arms straight out in front of you (just like a zombie pose). What saves you from falling on your face? Your ugly, smelly BIG TOE! We all need a big toe or we would fall on our faces.
But if our body were only big toes and we had no eyes, we wouldn’t see the couch and would stub our big toe constantly. Without a stomach or heart, our foot muscles get no nutrition to use the big toe. We need all our body parts working together in the amazing way God created. Well, God also described another body, the church, and we the believers are the body parts. Like the human body, to maximize our function, which is to glorify God, the body parts need to work together, communicating with and supporting each other. Just like physical coordination leads to athletic success, we need to have some spiritual body coordination to have spiritual impact and success.
When Stepping Stones started on Feb. 19, 2009 we sent out 925 devotionals. 31 months later, we send 1,100,000 devotionals. This morning, 3400 people will get Stepping Stones from us directly and another 7000 (possibly more) get it from emails you forward, copies you print, or use in prison ministry, small groups, rehabs units, or with patients you counsel. We then have thousands more who get it from church websites and other organizational websites, plus Facebook postings your friends see. Thank you for spreading the Word.
You send us amazing comments, which greatly encourage and enrich us, and we are so blessed to play a part in your growing relationship with God. This is how the body of believers can work more synergistically together as we help each other spiritually mature.
Today, to facilitate this community growth both in depth and numbers, we ask you to consider a couple options: 1. Click the “Stepping Stones Blog Community” link in the left margin (www.SteppingStones-LN.blogspot.com) and post a comment (anonymously if you want), read each other’s comments, and we can all benefit from collective wisdom, experiences, and perspectives, 2. Periodically forward Stepping Stones to 10 people in your life with a note about how you care for them and how Stepping Stones has impacted you. 3. Hit the Facebook icon on the top of Stepping Stones and share it on Facebook so you can bless others. Don’t be shy … we are here to build each other up as Jesus modeled and God desires. We are built for relationship and need each other to help us grow, and to spread the gospel message by working together. These are free and easy steps to be a Lighthouse to those God has strategically put in your life. Then share the cool stories that God writes in your life! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, You are amazing and an awesome creator … the way You made my body with all the intricacies of my eyeball and brain … and the simplicity of my big toe. Thank You also for the body of believers You have created, with Christ as our head. I am sorry that all the Christian churches don’t work together as one united body … it must grieve You so to see this body fractured. I thank You for this part of the church body, the Stepping Stones Community, and pray You strengthen it as we encourage, teach, and care for each other, becoming Lighthouses shining Your glory, love, and grace to all who need it, and helping each other stand firm in the waves and storms of this world. Give us courage to reach out and be open about our love for You and thankfulness for your presence in our lives. We pray for open hearts for those who will receive Stepping Stones for the first time as our community shares. In Jesus’ name as the head of our body; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4,5
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: Which Channel, WGOD or WORLD!
Transformational Thought
When you want to know what is going on in a school system, you go to the authority … the one who’s in charge of the programs, who has the power, knows the most, and devises the policies. You don’t go to the third graders, get their reports, believing they are the all-knowing authorities and evaluators who can decipher all that is going on in the complex system. Nor do you let the third graders determine the strategies and methods to educate themselves and society.
Most media, like TV, radio, movies, and the internet, is analogous to the third graders in both depth of understanding and true power and authority. The media is a reflection of the WORLD system, Satan’s schemes, and our fleshly desires. The WORLD relentlessly proclaims bad news for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Knee-jerk solutions to long term issues and needs abound, exalting self instead of humbling us to the true King.
This steady diet of WORLD messages and attempts at brainwashing will sicken you. Instead of focusing on their fickle, ever-changing, bad-news broadcasts, tune into the living WORD – the one who is always the same. He is the real authority and all-knowing One you need to pursue for answers, explanations, comfort, protection, instruction, power, and wisdom.
Because of our need for quick explanations and our fragility in dealing with discomfort, we want our hurt, our natural state of broken-heartedness and captivity to sin, to go away now. But, you see, we are too lazy to think through multiple aspects of a situation. We have amnesia with regard to past experiences, and we resist developing our spiritual antennae. As a result, we tune into the WORLD, and the media that is in our face 24/7 becomes our guide and authority.
Today, turn the tube off early and pick up your Bible. Let the Holy Scripture saturate your mind and heart. This will help you walk steadily, step by step, along the path of true healing and lasting transformation. Even though you do not know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure He is walking side by side with you and you have assurance of your ultimate destination forever. Big decision: the Bible or the media for your peace, guidance and freedom. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am full of fear today. I am in the midst of another storm. I turn to Your Word and I find assurance. I pray that the assurance of Your Word would soak into my mind and heart until I overflow with Your Joy, instead of my fleshly fear. I know that peace is Your continual gift to me; thank You, Lord. I know that You have designed me to need You moment by moment. It is when I take my eyes off You that fear and anxiety creep into my life. I approach Your throne of grace with confidence and trust and ask for Your peace. I pray this in the name of the One who is my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:2
When you want to know what is going on in a school system, you go to the authority … the one who’s in charge of the programs, who has the power, knows the most, and devises the policies. You don’t go to the third graders, get their reports, believing they are the all-knowing authorities and evaluators who can decipher all that is going on in the complex system. Nor do you let the third graders determine the strategies and methods to educate themselves and society.
Most media, like TV, radio, movies, and the internet, is analogous to the third graders in both depth of understanding and true power and authority. The media is a reflection of the WORLD system, Satan’s schemes, and our fleshly desires. The WORLD relentlessly proclaims bad news for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Knee-jerk solutions to long term issues and needs abound, exalting self instead of humbling us to the true King.
This steady diet of WORLD messages and attempts at brainwashing will sicken you. Instead of focusing on their fickle, ever-changing, bad-news broadcasts, tune into the living WORD – the one who is always the same. He is the real authority and all-knowing One you need to pursue for answers, explanations, comfort, protection, instruction, power, and wisdom.
Because of our need for quick explanations and our fragility in dealing with discomfort, we want our hurt, our natural state of broken-heartedness and captivity to sin, to go away now. But, you see, we are too lazy to think through multiple aspects of a situation. We have amnesia with regard to past experiences, and we resist developing our spiritual antennae. As a result, we tune into the WORLD, and the media that is in our face 24/7 becomes our guide and authority.
Today, turn the tube off early and pick up your Bible. Let the Holy Scripture saturate your mind and heart. This will help you walk steadily, step by step, along the path of true healing and lasting transformation. Even though you do not know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure He is walking side by side with you and you have assurance of your ultimate destination forever. Big decision: the Bible or the media for your peace, guidance and freedom. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am full of fear today. I am in the midst of another storm. I turn to Your Word and I find assurance. I pray that the assurance of Your Word would soak into my mind and heart until I overflow with Your Joy, instead of my fleshly fear. I know that peace is Your continual gift to me; thank You, Lord. I know that You have designed me to need You moment by moment. It is when I take my eyes off You that fear and anxiety creep into my life. I approach Your throne of grace with confidence and trust and ask for Your peace. I pray this in the name of the One who is my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:2
Friday, July 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Do You Use For Your GPS?
Transformational Thought
Our GPS is so awesome. We just got back from our annual family vacation down south, a road trip to the beach with several stops on the way. No maps, no pulling over to figure out where we were, no arguments with my wife about whether or not we were lost, no nagging from the kids that they were sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot.
Even though the GPS was always right, and very easy to use after a while, it wasn’t so easy in the beginning. My biggest obstacle was that it took me a while to really trust it … especially when a different route looked quicker. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted directions from our sweet-talking GPS.
You see, sometimes the path for our life is fuzzy. We don’t know which direction to go or what step to take next. But God, who is our guiding Lighthouse and personalized GPS, promises to always guide us, his children. Remember the 3 wise men? God took them right to the spot and then back home away from trouble. For you, just plug in the destination – Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions! Stop trying to take short cuts that just get you more lost.
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and need an expert, all-knowing guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead, we are at great risk. Going your way and even veering off course a just a few degrees will quickly take you far from your destination and your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop while contemplating a couple decisions today. Before you execute them, ask yourself one question, “Whose GPS am I using, God’s or mine?”. Look at your motivations in the decision at hand and consider whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before acting never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step into the way of peace. As always, Your decision – God’s GPS or yours? Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times I don’t know which way to go. I confess, Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way … 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 enlightens my mind and heart. Let it 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. I pray in the name of the one who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - 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
Our GPS is so awesome. We just got back from our annual family vacation down south, a road trip to the beach with several stops on the way. No maps, no pulling over to figure out where we were, no arguments with my wife about whether or not we were lost, no nagging from the kids that they were sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot.
Even though the GPS was always right, and very easy to use after a while, it wasn’t so easy in the beginning. My biggest obstacle was that it took me a while to really trust it … especially when a different route looked quicker. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted directions from our sweet-talking GPS.
You see, sometimes the path for our life is fuzzy. We don’t know which direction to go or what step to take next. But God, who is our guiding Lighthouse and personalized GPS, promises to always guide us, his children. Remember the 3 wise men? God took them right to the spot and then back home away from trouble. For you, just plug in the destination – Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions! Stop trying to take short cuts that just get you more lost.
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and need an expert, all-knowing guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead, we are at great risk. Going your way and even veering off course a just a few degrees will quickly take you far from your destination and your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop while contemplating a couple decisions today. Before you execute them, ask yourself one question, “Whose GPS am I using, God’s or mine?”. Look at your motivations in the decision at hand and consider whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before acting never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step into the way of peace. As always, Your decision – God’s GPS or yours? Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times I don’t know which way to go. I confess, Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way … 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 enlightens my mind and heart. Let it 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. I pray in the name of the one who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - 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
Friday, February 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: Super Bowl Level Importance
Transformational Thought
100 million viewers, $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, biggest betting day of the year, 1 billion wings eaten, the day most pizzas ordered, and the worst day for domestic violence.
The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event…so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever and the loser is branded a choker…forever. Commercials, mega halftime shows, plays, players and personalities are seared in our mind or become societal icons.
One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife…could you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.
Life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events…getting married, child’s birth, loved one’s passing, first day on the dream job, an affair, grand vacations, kid with a disability, first day of school, child leaves for college, divorce, get fired. You get the idea - they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events and some other life events that rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.
The reality: 99% of life is either an average regular season or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to a lot of our daily events as if they have the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. We forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We feel so many things in life are all-important and life-changing.
One of the questions I ask patients (that they, even females, repeat to me years later saying it really impacted them) is, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, Godly perspective about everyday events.
Today, remember Super Bowl magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Self, is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately Super Bowling it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things…this truth, and faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
100 million viewers, $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, biggest betting day of the year, 1 billion wings eaten, the day most pizzas ordered, and the worst day for domestic violence.
The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event…so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever and the loser is branded a choker…forever. Commercials, mega halftime shows, plays, players and personalities are seared in our mind or become societal icons.
One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife…could you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.
Life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events…getting married, child’s birth, loved one’s passing, first day on the dream job, an affair, grand vacations, kid with a disability, first day of school, child leaves for college, divorce, get fired. You get the idea - they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events and some other life events that rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.
The reality: 99% of life is either an average regular season or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to a lot of our daily events as if they have the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. We forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We feel so many things in life are all-important and life-changing.
One of the questions I ask patients (that they, even females, repeat to me years later saying it really impacted them) is, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, Godly perspective about everyday events.
Today, remember Super Bowl magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Self, is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately Super Bowling it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things…this truth, and faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Super Bowl Memories
Transformational Thought
I’m a Steeler fan…born in Pittsburgh area…so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable memories as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Awesome memories!
For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made many poor choices leading to a significant alcohol addiction. Worst memory ever: Jan 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday…middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions…consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body…I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed or worse, killed others, several times that day.
Jail…it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world…it was a great place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and was able to realize that life according to my instruction book…my kingdom come, my will be done mentality…wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life…transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord.
Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then…spiritual growth, marriage, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not testing God, I make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)
Today, realize each decision, regardless how big or small, has definite ripples. Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Enjoy the game.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service…it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:4
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
I’m a Steeler fan…born in Pittsburgh area…so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable memories as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Awesome memories!
For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made many poor choices leading to a significant alcohol addiction. Worst memory ever: Jan 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday…middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions…consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body…I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed or worse, killed others, several times that day.
Jail…it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world…it was a great place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and was able to realize that life according to my instruction book…my kingdom come, my will be done mentality…wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life…transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord.
Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then…spiritual growth, marriage, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not testing God, I make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)
Today, realize each decision, regardless how big or small, has definite ripples. Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Enjoy the game.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service…it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:4
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
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