March 1, 2012
Transformational Thought
A couple weeks ago, Feb 20, we talked about conflict and unity. Where there is unity, there is much strength. Even when people are unified for the wrong reasons, you can see the synergy and power that unity itself can generate.
The world had only one language after the flood in Genesis. Soon after, the people decided to build a great city with a tower that would go to the heavens. Why? They weren’t interested in honoring God, but in making a name for themselves, and sticking together - versus being scattered over the face of the whole earth. Knowing that this would be an ongoing temptation for man, God confused the language of the people and scattered them all over the earth.
Unity in and of itself is not necessarily good. Many aspects are involved in the concept of unity: brotherhood, loyalty, allegiance, and how to organize the group. But there are 2 key starting points to achieving unity. First, what is the motive; second, what is the object or cause that unifies the people? So, we need to make sure we are pursuing Godly causes with Godly motives. The oneness we seek must be in Christ and through Christ, which reunites us with the Father and honors our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Those people in Genesis truly were powerfully united. But their purpose was prideful and offensive to the holiness of God. They were not seeking to reunite with God. They were pursuing equality with God, actually trying to be like God with divine acceptance and status, but through their own human effort.
Building a tower to the heavens to be like God, it sounds ridiculous. “I would never do that,” right? But we act and think a number of times each day with that same “my kingdom come” mentality. We idolize or focus on ourselves first, and don’t bring God into the picture until we become desperate or until someone else reminds us that God is part of our lives.
If we unite to seek power or success, focusing solely on human effort, for human rewards, from human motivations, we displease God … and are destined to ultimately fail. This especially holds true for the church. We must be focused on Christ, not on the building, organization, or denomination.
Today, take a look at those you are uniting with - like family, coworkers, friends, organizations … for what goal … and with what motivation? Where is Jesus and the gospel in this pursuit? Be focused on honoring God, not yourself. Always recognize your total dependence on Him. Let us stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
My Father and my Lord, Forgive me for the times that I've united with others to accomplish something, focusing on selfish ambition and desires rather than honoring You and accomplishing Your will. Help me to always focus on You more than any organization or ambition. It is my desire and goal to honor You in all I do. If you have me in organizations, encourage me to be Your influence in those lives. I pray this and all prayers for the One who teaches about true unity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Philippians 1:27
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ‘Til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:12,13
Showing posts with label Patience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patience. Show all posts
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Stepping Stones: How Selective is Your Club?
February 18-19, 2012
Transformational Thought
So many clubs exist that have very specific criteria for membership … the Italian Club … civic clubs like Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis … Masons … country clubs … labor unions … political parties. Some companies are selective, as are the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Colleges, med schools, the military … even families have criteria and selection processes for membership by marriage.
In today's world, harmony and tolerance have become goals unto themselves. Peace at any cost … All ways lead to God … Live and let live. Such "tolerant" attitudes actually lead to intolerance of anyone who claims to have the answer or truth. Religions or moral “clubs,” or groups with a certain belief seem to be treated differently. Their criteria or a selection process seems to be intolerable.
Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to God, the only way to real peace. In Isaiah 9:6 He is called the Prince of Peace. God calls us to love all people, but agreeing that other faiths can lead to God just so we can seek unity and “peace” is to deny our own faith … the teachings of God, the existence and work of Jesus, and the Holy Bible. And in doing so, we deny Jesus as our Savior. As Christians, we are not expressing Christ-like love when we accept as OK the beliefs of those who deny Christ or who live sinful lifestyles … all for the sake of unity and peace. The Bible is clear about God, Jesus, and moral issues.
The double standard for “clubs” really shows me the existence, power, and agenda of Satan, Satan wants people to believe being nice is all you need to do to be Holy, thus engaging with God by avoiding Christ. Satan wants to push the idea that we can connect with God on our own power, through our efforts. This is why we get stuck on the law and legalism, and have difficulty absorbing God’s gracious gift of forgiveness.
Today, begin expressing Jesus' love by loving people where they are, by building relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, by sharing the truths of the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only answer. Don’t let anybody guilt you into thinking Christianity is the only club with intolerant selection criteria. Show them how compassion and rigidity can co-exist.
Prayer
My Father, Help me never to deny my faith by accepting the unscriptural beliefs of others for the sake of unity and peace. Help me love others, no matter what their faith. Help me love them enough to build relationships with them. As the Holy Spirit leads, help me to share the truth of the Gospel with them … and to do so with love. Help me communicate in a manner that leads all to understand that Jesus is the only way. I pray this and all prayers through the One you sent to show us the way, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 6:25-27
Transformational Thought
So many clubs exist that have very specific criteria for membership … the Italian Club … civic clubs like Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis … Masons … country clubs … labor unions … political parties. Some companies are selective, as are the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Colleges, med schools, the military … even families have criteria and selection processes for membership by marriage.
In today's world, harmony and tolerance have become goals unto themselves. Peace at any cost … All ways lead to God … Live and let live. Such "tolerant" attitudes actually lead to intolerance of anyone who claims to have the answer or truth. Religions or moral “clubs,” or groups with a certain belief seem to be treated differently. Their criteria or a selection process seems to be intolerable.
Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to God, the only way to real peace. In Isaiah 9:6 He is called the Prince of Peace. God calls us to love all people, but agreeing that other faiths can lead to God just so we can seek unity and “peace” is to deny our own faith … the teachings of God, the existence and work of Jesus, and the Holy Bible. And in doing so, we deny Jesus as our Savior. As Christians, we are not expressing Christ-like love when we accept as OK the beliefs of those who deny Christ or who live sinful lifestyles … all for the sake of unity and peace. The Bible is clear about God, Jesus, and moral issues.
The double standard for “clubs” really shows me the existence, power, and agenda of Satan, Satan wants people to believe being nice is all you need to do to be Holy, thus engaging with God by avoiding Christ. Satan wants to push the idea that we can connect with God on our own power, through our efforts. This is why we get stuck on the law and legalism, and have difficulty absorbing God’s gracious gift of forgiveness.
Today, begin expressing Jesus' love by loving people where they are, by building relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, by sharing the truths of the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only answer. Don’t let anybody guilt you into thinking Christianity is the only club with intolerant selection criteria. Show them how compassion and rigidity can co-exist.
Prayer
My Father, Help me never to deny my faith by accepting the unscriptural beliefs of others for the sake of unity and peace. Help me love others, no matter what their faith. Help me love them enough to build relationships with them. As the Holy Spirit leads, help me to share the truth of the Gospel with them … and to do so with love. Help me communicate in a manner that leads all to understand that Jesus is the only way. I pray this and all prayers through the One you sent to show us the way, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 6:25-27
Monday, January 2, 2012
Stepping Stones: Wisdom, not Weakness
January 2, 2012
Transformational Thought
What a whirlwind the last 6 weeks from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Day have been. Gifts were exchanged. Many traveled all over. Vacations from school and work were needed and enjoyed. The parties are over. Will Congress approve a holiday to get over the holidays?
Now that the buzz of the holidays is now behind us and the bills are coming in, some of the hurts and psychological wounds are oozing and affecting our functioning. For many, this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the holiday season, maybe many seasons, start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we all struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot live life successfully using only our own power does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue, that we’ve developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself…I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites…I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son…he’ll straighten up. I don't want your charity…I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself…I don’t need a therapist for that. Alcohol just helps me relax, I’m not addicted. These pain killers are prescribed, so they are good for me.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise, we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people and treatment options.
Unfortunately, being in the behavioral health field, there is no slow season. But the weeks between Halloween and the end of March are incredibly busy. This period right after New Year’s Day, is when many make a courageous life-changing decision to go to residential addiction treatment. This incredible and much needed New Year’s resolution needs help to make it happen. Be wise, ask for help.
Today, if you are struggling with a life-interfering behavior, now is the time to ask God for help, because you can’t grind it on your own. Call our helpline 877.562.2565. We will help you put together a plan to find the best Christian treatment option to help you stop that behavior and transform your life! If you know someone who is struggling, call us or give our number or website www.LighthouseNetwork.org to your loved one. After your friendship with them, this could be the most influential gift you can give. Remember, asking for God’s help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. It will truly change your life, and I know because it changed mine and we get to help hundreds each month do the same! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I have always wanted to feel that on my own I could handle whatever life brings me. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and I ask for Your help with my struggle. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear Your answer when You send it. If the answer involves me going away to treatment, please humble me to accept this gracious and powerful gift. I pray in the name of the One who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
Transformational Thought
What a whirlwind the last 6 weeks from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Day have been. Gifts were exchanged. Many traveled all over. Vacations from school and work were needed and enjoyed. The parties are over. Will Congress approve a holiday to get over the holidays?
Now that the buzz of the holidays is now behind us and the bills are coming in, some of the hurts and psychological wounds are oozing and affecting our functioning. For many, this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the holiday season, maybe many seasons, start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we all struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot live life successfully using only our own power does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue, that we’ve developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself…I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites…I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son…he’ll straighten up. I don't want your charity…I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself…I don’t need a therapist for that. Alcohol just helps me relax, I’m not addicted. These pain killers are prescribed, so they are good for me.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise, we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people and treatment options.
Unfortunately, being in the behavioral health field, there is no slow season. But the weeks between Halloween and the end of March are incredibly busy. This period right after New Year’s Day, is when many make a courageous life-changing decision to go to residential addiction treatment. This incredible and much needed New Year’s resolution needs help to make it happen. Be wise, ask for help.
Today, if you are struggling with a life-interfering behavior, now is the time to ask God for help, because you can’t grind it on your own. Call our helpline 877.562.2565. We will help you put together a plan to find the best Christian treatment option to help you stop that behavior and transform your life! If you know someone who is struggling, call us or give our number or website www.LighthouseNetwork.org to your loved one. After your friendship with them, this could be the most influential gift you can give. Remember, asking for God’s help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. It will truly change your life, and I know because it changed mine and we get to help hundreds each month do the same! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I have always wanted to feel that on my own I could handle whatever life brings me. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and I ask for Your help with my struggle. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear Your answer when You send it. If the answer involves me going away to treatment, please humble me to accept this gracious and powerful gift. I pray in the name of the One who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
Friday, December 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On
Transformational Thought
The Music Man, a famous Broadway musical from the 50’s that was made into a fun movie, is one of my all-time favorites. The setting is River City, Iowa, perfect small town USA, a Garden of Eden. An infamous conman, Harold Hill, rolls into town and fabricates trouble with a capital T, singing a famous song Ya Got Trouble. Then he cons the residents into buying a pricey solution. It’s a great movie to watch with the kids, especially if you have one with a lisp as I did.
In reality, trouble is all around us, especially in today’s society. In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed … which way are you leaning? In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship? Which job should I seek? How will I make the mortgage payment this month? How can I help my daughter? Should I confront that problem or wait? What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding … or are you going to trust God?
Satan is always playing with our heads. We also wrestle with our own litany of hurts, letdowns, and frustrations from times when we trusted others. All that scar tissue from the past interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again with someone else. The message society tries to drive home is, “You can only rely on and trust yourself.”
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for your agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves you with a love so great that you can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today. If not God, who is worthy and capable of trust in these questions? Certainly not you!
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Almighty God, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. Am I ever really in control of my life anyway? Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
The Music Man, a famous Broadway musical from the 50’s that was made into a fun movie, is one of my all-time favorites. The setting is River City, Iowa, perfect small town USA, a Garden of Eden. An infamous conman, Harold Hill, rolls into town and fabricates trouble with a capital T, singing a famous song Ya Got Trouble. Then he cons the residents into buying a pricey solution. It’s a great movie to watch with the kids, especially if you have one with a lisp as I did.
In reality, trouble is all around us, especially in today’s society. In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed … which way are you leaning? In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship? Which job should I seek? How will I make the mortgage payment this month? How can I help my daughter? Should I confront that problem or wait? What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding … or are you going to trust God?
Satan is always playing with our heads. We also wrestle with our own litany of hurts, letdowns, and frustrations from times when we trusted others. All that scar tissue from the past interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again with someone else. The message society tries to drive home is, “You can only rely on and trust yourself.”
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for your agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves you with a love so great that you can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today. If not God, who is worthy and capable of trust in these questions? Certainly not you!
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Almighty God, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. Am I ever really in control of my life anyway? Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: Learn to Linger
Transformational Thought
If we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering around with God, then we are definitely too busy. When we are so busy, usually our responsibilities are the heaviest, and that’s when we need God the most. So something needs to change. But where do we start?
We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, while He also knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had on His plate interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with His Father, our Father. He lingered in prayer.
When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are really fooling ourselves. The amazing paradox is that only when we linger with the Father will everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.
How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…an after thought to take care of when you get a chance? Or worse yet, are you neglecting quiet time with God altogether?
During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.
Today, learn to just be with God! Linger with Him, even though you might think you need to move on to the next activity of life. Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time getting to know who He is and why He died for you. Then listen to Him. WITHIN REACH helps motivate you to spend time with and pay attention to God’s instructions and will.
Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with You. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. Give me clearer lenses to view how great You are and how little and unimportant everything else in this world is. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
If we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering around with God, then we are definitely too busy. When we are so busy, usually our responsibilities are the heaviest, and that’s when we need God the most. So something needs to change. But where do we start?
We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, while He also knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had on His plate interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with His Father, our Father. He lingered in prayer.
When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are really fooling ourselves. The amazing paradox is that only when we linger with the Father will everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.
How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…an after thought to take care of when you get a chance? Or worse yet, are you neglecting quiet time with God altogether?
During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.
Today, learn to just be with God! Linger with Him, even though you might think you need to move on to the next activity of life. Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time getting to know who He is and why He died for you. Then listen to Him. WITHIN REACH helps motivate you to spend time with and pay attention to God’s instructions and will.
Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with You. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. Give me clearer lenses to view how great You are and how little and unimportant everything else in this world is. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Hurry Sickness
Transformational Thought
Just before my dad died, he had the opportunity to speak privately with each of his 14 children. He offered his last bits of advice to each of us. Some of my siblings got some heavy messages … but mine was really pretty short and simple. My dad told me that I needed to slow down, not always be in such a hurry. Although simple for him to say, and simple for me to understand, it isn’t so simple to do. (Don’t a lot of aspects of life fall into that category?)
At a business conference last week, I actually saw a man walking down the hallway with two cell phones … one in each ear. Do you ever find yourself texting several people at once, talking to two or three people at a time on the phone, and all-the-while Googling something on your computer? And then we demand instant results. Faster internet. Faster food. Faster answers. We want it … and we want it now! SO HURRY!
We juggle careers, marriage, family responsibilities, social obligations, hobbies, church and volunteer activities. While we constantly hurry to fit in more and more, we are teaching our kids to do the same. School kids fall in bed exhausted after homework, sports, dance, and a myriad of activities. Often times, they never got a chance to just relax and play.
Why do we speed up the merry-go-round? Our insecurity and the fear of missing something, falling behind, or being found out to be less than we want others to see us, or our pride in wanting our will be done, and then not resting because someone else’s plan will control us. So Satan gives us an answer: Hurry! One of the biggest enemies to our spiritual maturity is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted, and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. In our fast-paced culture, there is an epidemic of “hurry sickness”.
If you feel you are always running behind and wish your day could be 30 hours long, you are suffering from hurry sickness. The results? Constant stress. Frustration. Fatigue. Strained relationships. Feelings of incompetence. Mixed-up priorities. And most important … neglecting time with God. That neglect can rob you of the rest and peace He wants to give you.
In today's scripture, God calls us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, stop trying so hard to do it all in your time and your own way. Stop fighting and struggling. Remember that He is God … and you are not. We need to spend quiet time with Him. We need to remember that He is in control. He wants us to put Him first and to rest in Him ... to lean on Him for help. We need to let Him guide us in order to find balance for our lives.
Today, when you are in a hurry, STOP! Ask yourself, “Why?” “Is this situation really life-and- death?” “I am so rushed and frenzied, have I really even examined why I am doing this task?” Focus on Him and His plan … not our own. Only then will we be able to step off the treadmill of hurry and onto the path of Christ-likeness and experience His peace. Your decision, choose wisely!
Prayer
Father, I am tired of being overly busy. I have so much going on. I know I am neglecting some of the most important things. At the top of that list is my time with You. Please forgive me. Help me to get my life and time in balance. Help me to remember to focus on You and to depend on Your strength. Please heal me of this hurry sickness. Help me tolerate the discomfort that is the engine for my hurry and instead turn to You for comfort, rest, and answers. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
Just before my dad died, he had the opportunity to speak privately with each of his 14 children. He offered his last bits of advice to each of us. Some of my siblings got some heavy messages … but mine was really pretty short and simple. My dad told me that I needed to slow down, not always be in such a hurry. Although simple for him to say, and simple for me to understand, it isn’t so simple to do. (Don’t a lot of aspects of life fall into that category?)
At a business conference last week, I actually saw a man walking down the hallway with two cell phones … one in each ear. Do you ever find yourself texting several people at once, talking to two or three people at a time on the phone, and all-the-while Googling something on your computer? And then we demand instant results. Faster internet. Faster food. Faster answers. We want it … and we want it now! SO HURRY!
We juggle careers, marriage, family responsibilities, social obligations, hobbies, church and volunteer activities. While we constantly hurry to fit in more and more, we are teaching our kids to do the same. School kids fall in bed exhausted after homework, sports, dance, and a myriad of activities. Often times, they never got a chance to just relax and play.
Why do we speed up the merry-go-round? Our insecurity and the fear of missing something, falling behind, or being found out to be less than we want others to see us, or our pride in wanting our will be done, and then not resting because someone else’s plan will control us. So Satan gives us an answer: Hurry! One of the biggest enemies to our spiritual maturity is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted, and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. In our fast-paced culture, there is an epidemic of “hurry sickness”.
If you feel you are always running behind and wish your day could be 30 hours long, you are suffering from hurry sickness. The results? Constant stress. Frustration. Fatigue. Strained relationships. Feelings of incompetence. Mixed-up priorities. And most important … neglecting time with God. That neglect can rob you of the rest and peace He wants to give you.
In today's scripture, God calls us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, stop trying so hard to do it all in your time and your own way. Stop fighting and struggling. Remember that He is God … and you are not. We need to spend quiet time with Him. We need to remember that He is in control. He wants us to put Him first and to rest in Him ... to lean on Him for help. We need to let Him guide us in order to find balance for our lives.
Today, when you are in a hurry, STOP! Ask yourself, “Why?” “Is this situation really life-and- death?” “I am so rushed and frenzied, have I really even examined why I am doing this task?” Focus on Him and His plan … not our own. Only then will we be able to step off the treadmill of hurry and onto the path of Christ-likeness and experience His peace. Your decision, choose wisely!
Prayer
Father, I am tired of being overly busy. I have so much going on. I know I am neglecting some of the most important things. At the top of that list is my time with You. Please forgive me. Help me to get my life and time in balance. Help me to remember to focus on You and to depend on Your strength. Please heal me of this hurry sickness. Help me tolerate the discomfort that is the engine for my hurry and instead turn to You for comfort, rest, and answers. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: Too Shy To Call Your Bodyguard?
Transformational Thought
I grew up in a rough part of town, and all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight … to be tough. I wasn’t that tough, but I had an older brother who was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie’s brother, I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations … I carried with me my big brother’s strength, for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie … and no one wanted to do that.
Some days I feel so limited, so inept … so clumsy and weak. I’m sure you have days like this, too. We all do. On days like these remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations. We have a big brother, an advocate, a protector. Our bodyguard in this spiritual war is so willing and able to step in and lend us His toughness and power. Will you accept His offer?
As a kid, it wasn’t all about just me, because my brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us … depends on us … and nobody is there to help us. Depending or relying on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency is what we’ve been brainwashed and trained to practice, and it seems so reasonable to strive for. But putting my confidence in myself, to meet my needs, to solve everything and to soothe me … wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
So today, remember that it’s not about your human limitations, or even about your strength. It’s all about His strength. We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner … we have our all-powerful Lord and God. Recall the times where He has protected you from the world or your own mistakes … like speeding, impulse spending, dating and sexual mistakes, words you wish you could take back. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God’s power and promises, and put your confidence in His track record, not yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God our Father, I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you, my Lord. Through faith, I receive Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations … beyond my physical ability and strength … for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I stop measuring my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations … the focus is Your Strength, not mine. I believe that by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name of the One who is my Big Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6
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
I grew up in a rough part of town, and all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight … to be tough. I wasn’t that tough, but I had an older brother who was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie’s brother, I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations … I carried with me my big brother’s strength, for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie … and no one wanted to do that.
Some days I feel so limited, so inept … so clumsy and weak. I’m sure you have days like this, too. We all do. On days like these remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations. We have a big brother, an advocate, a protector. Our bodyguard in this spiritual war is so willing and able to step in and lend us His toughness and power. Will you accept His offer?
As a kid, it wasn’t all about just me, because my brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us … depends on us … and nobody is there to help us. Depending or relying on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency is what we’ve been brainwashed and trained to practice, and it seems so reasonable to strive for. But putting my confidence in myself, to meet my needs, to solve everything and to soothe me … wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
So today, remember that it’s not about your human limitations, or even about your strength. It’s all about His strength. We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner … we have our all-powerful Lord and God. Recall the times where He has protected you from the world or your own mistakes … like speeding, impulse spending, dating and sexual mistakes, words you wish you could take back. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God’s power and promises, and put your confidence in His track record, not yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God our Father, I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you, my Lord. Through faith, I receive Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations … beyond my physical ability and strength … for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I stop measuring my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations … the focus is Your Strength, not mine. I believe that by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name of the One who is my Big Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6
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
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: “I Saved a Seat For You!”
Transformational Thought
When I was growing up my family moved around a lot, and I was rather shy. Middle of junior year, we moved to NJ. First day, I go to lunch, get through the line, and I’m wondering how embarrassed I will feel if I don’t see any of the several people I met at baseball practice the evening before. Like a miracle, I hear 2 girls (Debbie and Jill) I had never met call out. “Hey Karl, we saved a seat for you.” Wow, that meant so much. They were cute, too. I still remember what they did to this day.
Just think about that warm feeling we get when someone tells us they will save a place for us in line … or at the table. It sends a clear message … they care about us and our heart. Even more, they are willing to expend energy to show their feelings for us by taking action. Walking the walk.
Now think about what God’s Word says to us. Like the prodigal son, we all have taken our inheritance and gone our own way … following our me-centered desires. We say no to our Father’s plan … pushing away His protection for our self-destructive follies and pursuits. The father was ready to take his prodigal son home, give him a feast, and honor his return.
Our Father will do even more … think of the place He is holding for us. Think about His promise to bring us back from captivity. He sacrificed His only Son to secure a place at the ultimate banquet table for us. Think about His promise to give us hope and a future ... the awesome gift of enjoying eternity … in His glorious kingdom. God saved your life and He is saving a place for you at His glorious table. Accept His invitation. It’s free to you and lasts FOREVER!
Today, listen to the amazing invitation God extends to you everyday. It should warm your heart, bring a peace to your emotional turmoil, and excite your mind. Just as you feel loved when others go out of their way to give you something grand, you should feel and know the Father’s love every minute of this day. Let this assurance and gift form the lenses you use, especially when storms strike. It’s your decision how you view His invitation, so choose well.
Prayer
Father God, I believe that You have thoughts of peace and not of evil for me. I believe You have plans for me and a special future; You have given me hope. I know that when I call upon You and pray to You, You listen. I know that when I search for You, I find You, for You are always there for me. I know that You, and only You, have the power to bring me out of captivity. I thank You, my Father in heaven, for Your love and Your plans and for saving a place in line for me. I thank You for Jesus, my Savior, for without You, I am nothing, just lost and alone. I pray this in the name of the one who took my place on the cross so I can have a place at God’s banquet table, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity ...
Jeremiah 29:11
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
Just think about that warm feeling we get when someone tells us they will save a place for us in line … or at the table. It sends a clear message … they care about us and our heart. Even more, they are willing to expend energy to show their feelings for us by taking action. Walking the walk.
Now think about what God’s Word says to us. Like the prodigal son, we all have taken our inheritance and gone our own way … following our me-centered desires. We say no to our Father’s plan … pushing away His protection for our self-destructive follies and pursuits. The father was ready to take his prodigal son home, give him a feast, and honor his return.
Our Father will do even more … think of the place He is holding for us. Think about His promise to bring us back from captivity. He sacrificed His only Son to secure a place at the ultimate banquet table for us. Think about His promise to give us hope and a future ... the awesome gift of enjoying eternity … in His glorious kingdom. God saved your life and He is saving a place for you at His glorious table. Accept His invitation. It’s free to you and lasts FOREVER!
Today, listen to the amazing invitation God extends to you everyday. It should warm your heart, bring a peace to your emotional turmoil, and excite your mind. Just as you feel loved when others go out of their way to give you something grand, you should feel and know the Father’s love every minute of this day. Let this assurance and gift form the lenses you use, especially when storms strike. It’s your decision how you view His invitation, so choose well.
Prayer
Father God, I believe that You have thoughts of peace and not of evil for me. I believe You have plans for me and a special future; You have given me hope. I know that when I call upon You and pray to You, You listen. I know that when I search for You, I find You, for You are always there for me. I know that You, and only You, have the power to bring me out of captivity. I thank You, my Father in heaven, for Your love and Your plans and for saving a place in line for me. I thank You for Jesus, my Savior, for without You, I am nothing, just lost and alone. I pray this in the name of the one who took my place on the cross so I can have a place at God’s banquet table, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity ...
Jeremiah 29:11
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
Friday, June 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: Can You Write A Better Instruction Manual Than God?
Transformational Thought
God created our mind, our free will, and us. Like any good “manufacturer” He included an instruction manual telling us how to properly use His creation to get the most out of it. The Holy Bible is His instruction manual, and wow, is it so powerful and life changing. Read the story below and see how one sentence of scripture can teach us so much.
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter 3, they came across verse 3, which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week she called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
What can we take away from this beautiful story?
1. Our Lord wants the impurities out of our body, soul (mind), and spirit. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
2. Our Lord is with us every minute of every day as we go through the process of refinement and purification. “…he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire”
3. Our Lord knows how much we can take, and his timing is perfect because it is his timing “For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed” our Lord will never give us more burdens than we can manage as long as we are living according to his word.
4. Our Lord truly wants to see us grow to be like Him. "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the wisdom and guidance that comes from You Holy Word. I thank You for the depth of meaning held within each word. I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit so that I may see more clearly the messages You intend me to take away from your Word. I pray that You will help me absorb and extract the full message from Your Word and share it with others so that they too can experience Your glory and wisdom. I pray this in the name of the Living Word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
Malachi 3:3
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6-7
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.
Hebrews 4:12
God created our mind, our free will, and us. Like any good “manufacturer” He included an instruction manual telling us how to properly use His creation to get the most out of it. The Holy Bible is His instruction manual, and wow, is it so powerful and life changing. Read the story below and see how one sentence of scripture can teach us so much.
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter 3, they came across verse 3, which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week she called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
What can we take away from this beautiful story?
1. Our Lord wants the impurities out of our body, soul (mind), and spirit. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
2. Our Lord is with us every minute of every day as we go through the process of refinement and purification. “…he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire”
3. Our Lord knows how much we can take, and his timing is perfect because it is his timing “For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed” our Lord will never give us more burdens than we can manage as long as we are living according to his word.
4. Our Lord truly wants to see us grow to be like Him. "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the wisdom and guidance that comes from You Holy Word. I thank You for the depth of meaning held within each word. I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit so that I may see more clearly the messages You intend me to take away from your Word. I pray that You will help me absorb and extract the full message from Your Word and share it with others so that they too can experience Your glory and wisdom. I pray this in the name of the Living Word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
Malachi 3:3
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6-7
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.
Hebrews 4:12
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be Aware of Your Insufficiency
Transformational Thought
It’s funny to watch someone who thinks they know everything, has the situation all planned out, takes a lot of pride in being in control of the whole enchilada, and then has it all blow up in his face. I’m sure this kind of thing has never happened to you either, right?
We all occasionally have experiences when our pride and ignorance blend together to get us believing we are actually God. Acting like we know everything, can foresee the future, and have all the power to make a perfect ending play out. What are we thinking!
Do you ever forget where you put something? Make the wrong choice in a situation? How about getting accused by your kids (or parents) of not hearing very well? Have you missed an appointment? Is there even one topic you know everything about? Do you have trouble predicting the future? Recognizing the limits of our understanding is a good thing. The more we recognize and accept our limitations, the more it will enhance our relationship with God.
You see, we all have limits. But unfortunately, we don’t recognize where they are … so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, doesn’t it, getting more out of who we are? Unwittingly though, the reality is that we are putting our confidence in and getting our confidence from … Ourselves! This means I am relying on me … what I bring to the table … what I can do.
Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket … who He is … His character … His promises … His instructions in the Bible. The assurance of God’s sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliability, love and sacrifice for us, only that will allow us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually … beyond our daily bread and blessings. We need Him for the many (5,000-10,000) decisions we must make each day.
Today, recognize your global insufficiency, but also pay attention to your daily limits. Start to look to God to fill in the area beyond your limits. Then you will start to gain your confidence from Him and truly rest in Him. We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my need for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However, I feel just the opposite. I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water; what I don’t understand is below. I come to You, my Father, full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches. I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always got it right, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
It’s funny to watch someone who thinks they know everything, has the situation all planned out, takes a lot of pride in being in control of the whole enchilada, and then has it all blow up in his face. I’m sure this kind of thing has never happened to you either, right?
We all occasionally have experiences when our pride and ignorance blend together to get us believing we are actually God. Acting like we know everything, can foresee the future, and have all the power to make a perfect ending play out. What are we thinking!
Do you ever forget where you put something? Make the wrong choice in a situation? How about getting accused by your kids (or parents) of not hearing very well? Have you missed an appointment? Is there even one topic you know everything about? Do you have trouble predicting the future? Recognizing the limits of our understanding is a good thing. The more we recognize and accept our limitations, the more it will enhance our relationship with God.
You see, we all have limits. But unfortunately, we don’t recognize where they are … so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, doesn’t it, getting more out of who we are? Unwittingly though, the reality is that we are putting our confidence in and getting our confidence from … Ourselves! This means I am relying on me … what I bring to the table … what I can do.
Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket … who He is … His character … His promises … His instructions in the Bible. The assurance of God’s sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliability, love and sacrifice for us, only that will allow us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually … beyond our daily bread and blessings. We need Him for the many (5,000-10,000) decisions we must make each day.
Today, recognize your global insufficiency, but also pay attention to your daily limits. Start to look to God to fill in the area beyond your limits. Then you will start to gain your confidence from Him and truly rest in Him. We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my need for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However, I feel just the opposite. I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water; what I don’t understand is below. I come to You, my Father, full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches. I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always got it right, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Friday, May 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: Take Your Life Out of the Microwave
Transformational Thought
Whether it relates to food, finances, sex, my favorite sporting event, an upcoming vacation, holidays, events with my wife or daughters, my schedule for the day, my strategy to deal with a stressor or conflict, plans to navigate a relationship obstacle … waiting without knowing if and how is so agonizing and unfair. Killing time and being patient to see whether my “master plan”, “needs”, or “expert” solutions will actually occur, or whether I have to accept someone else’s plan (who obviously doesn’t know or care about me as much as I do) is sometimes a tortuous struggle and significant test of my self-control.
Wow! So many beliefs within that first paragraph were incredible distortions of the truth. But in the moment, I totally believe them. When left to my own understanding, using my old crappy lenses to view life, my ability to assess present situations is often faulty, especially when I just go with my initial “gut” view and response.
We are in a microwave society ... the “I want all my needs met now,” or at least, “give me a sign that they will be met pretty soon” mentality. Now is not soon enough for most people. In this hurry-up world, it’s so difficult to let God set the pace, and accept His wisdom and decisions.
We need to slow down the merry-go-round of life … by taking a closer look at life through God’s lenses. Try accepting that God’s timing is perfect timing. Understand that a delay in your requests does not mean “no” forever. But if no is the answer you do get, understand that God only means “No, because I love you and actually have something better than what you asked for.”
Today, instead of getting impatient, frustrated, or wallowing in self-pity about what you didn’t get, be excited for the “something better” that God has in store for you or has already given you today. Be patient for His timing and accept His wisdom about what you do need today. Examine the glitches in your plan to see what the Perfect Teacher is teaching you today. WITHIN REACH helps you respond well to the situations God sovereignly brings to your life today.
Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I am being transformed from the inside out. For far too long I have been focusing on the outer person; now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, You will transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord … I do not resist this change, nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I hold your hand, Lord, with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents’ hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand and let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. Thank You, Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who was never rushed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 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. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 37:3-6
Whether it relates to food, finances, sex, my favorite sporting event, an upcoming vacation, holidays, events with my wife or daughters, my schedule for the day, my strategy to deal with a stressor or conflict, plans to navigate a relationship obstacle … waiting without knowing if and how is so agonizing and unfair. Killing time and being patient to see whether my “master plan”, “needs”, or “expert” solutions will actually occur, or whether I have to accept someone else’s plan (who obviously doesn’t know or care about me as much as I do) is sometimes a tortuous struggle and significant test of my self-control.
Wow! So many beliefs within that first paragraph were incredible distortions of the truth. But in the moment, I totally believe them. When left to my own understanding, using my old crappy lenses to view life, my ability to assess present situations is often faulty, especially when I just go with my initial “gut” view and response.
We are in a microwave society ... the “I want all my needs met now,” or at least, “give me a sign that they will be met pretty soon” mentality. Now is not soon enough for most people. In this hurry-up world, it’s so difficult to let God set the pace, and accept His wisdom and decisions.
We need to slow down the merry-go-round of life … by taking a closer look at life through God’s lenses. Try accepting that God’s timing is perfect timing. Understand that a delay in your requests does not mean “no” forever. But if no is the answer you do get, understand that God only means “No, because I love you and actually have something better than what you asked for.”
Today, instead of getting impatient, frustrated, or wallowing in self-pity about what you didn’t get, be excited for the “something better” that God has in store for you or has already given you today. Be patient for His timing and accept His wisdom about what you do need today. Examine the glitches in your plan to see what the Perfect Teacher is teaching you today. WITHIN REACH helps you respond well to the situations God sovereignly brings to your life today.
Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I am being transformed from the inside out. For far too long I have been focusing on the outer person; now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, You will transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord … I do not resist this change, nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I hold your hand, Lord, with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents’ hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand and let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. Thank You, Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who was never rushed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 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. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 37:3-6
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: God’s Great Puzzle
Transformational Thought
I was blessed to be born into a family of 14 children. After 60 years my brothers and sisters remain my teachers, accountability partners … and my best friends.
When her children where raised and living all across the country, my mother would cherish the times when we could all be together in her home. She prepared meals for days prior to the gatherings. She was in her glory when she took a head count and confirmed all were present.
At one such gathering, I had traveled 800 miles with my four young daughters to be part of this reunion. I noticed on this day that my mother appeared a bit “down”, so I asked her if everything was OK. She reminded me that my brother Jamie wasn’t able to join this gathering. I said flippantly, "What’s the big deal? You've got 13 other children here. Why aren't you satisfied with that?” And then came one of mom’s many treasured lessons.
She said that one missing piece is important because without all the pieces of the puzzle, the picture is incomplete … it ruins the beauty of putting the puzzle on display. She went on, as she always did, to link it to God and his Word.
She explained that like a puzzle, the body of Christ consists of many parts, which together make a complete picture. God has equipped each believer with the particular gifts needed to do what God has called him or her to do. When that person is missing or not following up with their role, an important part of God's plan is missing. The picture is incomplete. Not only does that person miss out on being part of God’s great puzzle, but all the other pieces are affected too and won’t connect as a whole.
Remember, that God has a perfect plan for His body of believers … including you! Like the pieces of a puzzle, each one of us has a specific place, a specific task to do. When every piece is in its God-designed place, the picture is perfect. But when a piece … even one … is missing, the body is incomplete.
Today, take ownership of your place in the puzzle. Are you absent … a piece that dropped off the table? Are some of your edges worn down or jagged … not fitting smoothly into the other pieces? Ask for feedback today from 2 people who are close to you. How can you fit better into God’s puzzle? Your decisions can sabotage God’s perfect fit, so align your decisions with God’s ways. Stop working against God. Working with your God-designed fit will lead to a pleasurable and easier life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father God, Thank You, Father, for letting me know that I am an important part of Your Grand puzzle. And thank You, Father, for equipping each member of Christ's body, the church, to do what You have called him or her to do. Help me to be aware and sensitive as You lead me to do my part. And help me encourage others to fulfill what You have called them to do. I ask this in the name of the ultimate picture on the puzzle box, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:4-5
I was blessed to be born into a family of 14 children. After 60 years my brothers and sisters remain my teachers, accountability partners … and my best friends.
When her children where raised and living all across the country, my mother would cherish the times when we could all be together in her home. She prepared meals for days prior to the gatherings. She was in her glory when she took a head count and confirmed all were present.
At one such gathering, I had traveled 800 miles with my four young daughters to be part of this reunion. I noticed on this day that my mother appeared a bit “down”, so I asked her if everything was OK. She reminded me that my brother Jamie wasn’t able to join this gathering. I said flippantly, "What’s the big deal? You've got 13 other children here. Why aren't you satisfied with that?” And then came one of mom’s many treasured lessons.
She said that one missing piece is important because without all the pieces of the puzzle, the picture is incomplete … it ruins the beauty of putting the puzzle on display. She went on, as she always did, to link it to God and his Word.
She explained that like a puzzle, the body of Christ consists of many parts, which together make a complete picture. God has equipped each believer with the particular gifts needed to do what God has called him or her to do. When that person is missing or not following up with their role, an important part of God's plan is missing. The picture is incomplete. Not only does that person miss out on being part of God’s great puzzle, but all the other pieces are affected too and won’t connect as a whole.
Remember, that God has a perfect plan for His body of believers … including you! Like the pieces of a puzzle, each one of us has a specific place, a specific task to do. When every piece is in its God-designed place, the picture is perfect. But when a piece … even one … is missing, the body is incomplete.
Today, take ownership of your place in the puzzle. Are you absent … a piece that dropped off the table? Are some of your edges worn down or jagged … not fitting smoothly into the other pieces? Ask for feedback today from 2 people who are close to you. How can you fit better into God’s puzzle? Your decisions can sabotage God’s perfect fit, so align your decisions with God’s ways. Stop working against God. Working with your God-designed fit will lead to a pleasurable and easier life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father God, Thank You, Father, for letting me know that I am an important part of Your Grand puzzle. And thank You, Father, for equipping each member of Christ's body, the church, to do what You have called him or her to do. Help me to be aware and sensitive as You lead me to do my part. And help me encourage others to fulfill what You have called them to do. I ask this in the name of the ultimate picture on the puzzle box, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:4-5
Friday, May 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: From The Inside Out
Transformational Thought
I know when I was at my lowest point … Essex County jail in Newark, NJ, ripped shirt, cut and bloodied face, bruised and battered body, sitting alone in a cold jail cell … I knew something was really messed up. But my focus was on trying to clean up the outer part of my life, trying to be a better decision-maker to improve my external behavior. A funny thing happened as I started this “makeover.” I realized in order to improve the part of me everyone saw, I had to really examine what was going on inside, in my heart first. Far too often, we focus on our outward self, but true transformation only can happen from the inside. Then it ripples outward.
I realized, at the center of my heart, I was worshipping a lot of insignificant items. You see, when you glorify something or worship it, you give it great weight in your life. The root of the Hebrew word for "glorify" carries the idea of "weight" or "heaviness". An object with great mass that weighs a lot, like the sun, causes gravitational forces that in turn causes other, smaller objects to orbit around it.
Ideally, I worship God. He’s bigger than and weighs more than anything else in my life, and He then determines the orbits of everything else around Him. God at the center, not just intellectually, but evidenced by my attitude in life, the words I speak, and my actions.
We can worship many things. The short list: self, need for control, safety, love, acceptance, importance, competence, money, material things ... or nice things like kids, house, spouse, job, ministry … the list is really endless. But all these lead to the same miserable destination.
No matter what trivial item I choose to worship, the weight I give it in my life will shape and determine the orbits of everything else in my life around it, including God. Listen to me closely! Placing God in a position orbiting around anything else is a formula for disaster. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign over all things. His place is at the center and He orders the orbits of everything else in a great way.
Today, when you make your decisions, examine what is at the center of your heart/universe. Start by asking "What is my greatest need right now?" or "What does my life depend on in this situation?" Then take stock of the downside when you are worshipping anything other than God. Please give God the place and weight He deserves. It transformed my life, and will transform yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person. Now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace, Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I know now that a delay does not mean “no.” I hold your hand Jesus with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parent’s hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand, Lord, let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to You, God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always had God at the center of His heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
I know when I was at my lowest point … Essex County jail in Newark, NJ, ripped shirt, cut and bloodied face, bruised and battered body, sitting alone in a cold jail cell … I knew something was really messed up. But my focus was on trying to clean up the outer part of my life, trying to be a better decision-maker to improve my external behavior. A funny thing happened as I started this “makeover.” I realized in order to improve the part of me everyone saw, I had to really examine what was going on inside, in my heart first. Far too often, we focus on our outward self, but true transformation only can happen from the inside. Then it ripples outward.
I realized, at the center of my heart, I was worshipping a lot of insignificant items. You see, when you glorify something or worship it, you give it great weight in your life. The root of the Hebrew word for "glorify" carries the idea of "weight" or "heaviness". An object with great mass that weighs a lot, like the sun, causes gravitational forces that in turn causes other, smaller objects to orbit around it.
Ideally, I worship God. He’s bigger than and weighs more than anything else in my life, and He then determines the orbits of everything else around Him. God at the center, not just intellectually, but evidenced by my attitude in life, the words I speak, and my actions.
We can worship many things. The short list: self, need for control, safety, love, acceptance, importance, competence, money, material things ... or nice things like kids, house, spouse, job, ministry … the list is really endless. But all these lead to the same miserable destination.
No matter what trivial item I choose to worship, the weight I give it in my life will shape and determine the orbits of everything else in my life around it, including God. Listen to me closely! Placing God in a position orbiting around anything else is a formula for disaster. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign over all things. His place is at the center and He orders the orbits of everything else in a great way.
Today, when you make your decisions, examine what is at the center of your heart/universe. Start by asking "What is my greatest need right now?" or "What does my life depend on in this situation?" Then take stock of the downside when you are worshipping anything other than God. Please give God the place and weight He deserves. It transformed my life, and will transform yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person. Now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace, Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I know now that a delay does not mean “no.” I hold your hand Jesus with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parent’s hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand, Lord, let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to You, God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always had God at the center of His heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
Monday, May 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Unresolved Anger Has Poisonous Roots!
Transformational Thought
When you feel angry with someone or something, do you express your feelings … or do you hold the anger inside? People who bury their anger usually believe they are doing the right thing by appearing calm on the outside. The reality, however, is that unresolved anger can fester and develop into resentment, bitterness, or even depression.
Some people respond to anger by immediately holding it in, but then releasing it or letting it go a short time later without hurting themselves or others. When we handle our feelings like this, the results are often beneficial. But if you tend to hold your anger inside and grow resentful, ask God to help you share your angry feelings with people as they occur. Not in a rage or with unkind words … just an honest expression of your feelings.
The Bible teaches that we shouldn't carry anger overnight. Get it settled before going to bed. Otherwise, it is likely that resentment will begin to grow. We see various passages in the Bible where God and Jesus expressed their anger or displeasure.
As we discussed yesterday, anger is just a God-given warning system … letting us know when a real or potential problem exists. Until you actually do something about the underlying problem, your brain will continue to, thankfully, warn you. Not addressing the problem is what allows anger to grow, fester, and either overflow and come out in harmful ways, or be directed inward leading to real negative self-talk, low self-image, depression, isolation, self-loathing, and a whole list of battles against ourselves.
Perhaps you are already experiencing bitterness because of past unexpressed grievances. The answer … Acknowledge the hurt … Forgive or ask for forgiveness … Then address and solve the original problem your anger warned about. You won’t have to try so hard to let go of the anger … because, when the problem is resolved, that original anger will go away.
Holding on to bitterness can damage your relationship with God, relationships with others, and your peace of mind. It even harms your health, especially your heart, blood pressure, digestive system, and brain chemistry. Being a problem solver, and forgiving and being forgiven can change all that. Ask God … He will help you.
Today, notice if someone is angry. Ask them, “You seem angry or upset. There must be some problem that your anger is warning you about. Can I help you work or solve that problem?” You can ask the same to yourself as well. WITHIN REACH helps you understand and utilize these negative feelings to be a great decision-maker.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me and help me deal with this resentment I have been carrying. Give me the strength and wisdom to acknowledge the hurt, control my anger, identify and solve the underlying issue, and forgive and move forward. Thank You for the wonderful way You designed me. Help me understand that design better so I can be a great steward of my mind and free will by using my emotions in the way You designed. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the best mirror for my eye exam, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many
Hebrews 12:15
When you feel angry with someone or something, do you express your feelings … or do you hold the anger inside? People who bury their anger usually believe they are doing the right thing by appearing calm on the outside. The reality, however, is that unresolved anger can fester and develop into resentment, bitterness, or even depression.
Some people respond to anger by immediately holding it in, but then releasing it or letting it go a short time later without hurting themselves or others. When we handle our feelings like this, the results are often beneficial. But if you tend to hold your anger inside and grow resentful, ask God to help you share your angry feelings with people as they occur. Not in a rage or with unkind words … just an honest expression of your feelings.
The Bible teaches that we shouldn't carry anger overnight. Get it settled before going to bed. Otherwise, it is likely that resentment will begin to grow. We see various passages in the Bible where God and Jesus expressed their anger or displeasure.
As we discussed yesterday, anger is just a God-given warning system … letting us know when a real or potential problem exists. Until you actually do something about the underlying problem, your brain will continue to, thankfully, warn you. Not addressing the problem is what allows anger to grow, fester, and either overflow and come out in harmful ways, or be directed inward leading to real negative self-talk, low self-image, depression, isolation, self-loathing, and a whole list of battles against ourselves.
Perhaps you are already experiencing bitterness because of past unexpressed grievances. The answer … Acknowledge the hurt … Forgive or ask for forgiveness … Then address and solve the original problem your anger warned about. You won’t have to try so hard to let go of the anger … because, when the problem is resolved, that original anger will go away.
Holding on to bitterness can damage your relationship with God, relationships with others, and your peace of mind. It even harms your health, especially your heart, blood pressure, digestive system, and brain chemistry. Being a problem solver, and forgiving and being forgiven can change all that. Ask God … He will help you.
Today, notice if someone is angry. Ask them, “You seem angry or upset. There must be some problem that your anger is warning you about. Can I help you work or solve that problem?” You can ask the same to yourself as well. WITHIN REACH helps you understand and utilize these negative feelings to be a great decision-maker.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me and help me deal with this resentment I have been carrying. Give me the strength and wisdom to acknowledge the hurt, control my anger, identify and solve the underlying issue, and forgive and move forward. Thank You for the wonderful way You designed me. Help me understand that design better so I can be a great steward of my mind and free will by using my emotions in the way You designed. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the best mirror for my eye exam, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many
Hebrews 12:15
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: Anger…Right or Wrong?
Transformational Thought
Anger: right or wrong? The answer is that anger is right … but it can also be wrong. Anger is a God-given emotional energy designed for good. But the way we use and express anger-produced energy can often be dysfunctional and lead to sin … though it doesn't have to. With God's help, we can control the thoughts and actions that come after an event precipitates some angry feelings in us.
The Bible tells of many times when anger was a positive force for achieving good: Moses' anger when the Israelites worshipped idols resulted in their repentance (Exodus 32:19-35); Jesus' anger motivated him to clear blasphemers and abusers from his Father's temple (Luke 19:45-48).
Actually, it seems like God is angry and jealous during half of the Old Testament, as man chronically rejects Him to do his own thing, especially the Israelites. Remember the flood, Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah? We know God never sins, so anger itself can’t be a bad thing.
In fact, our anger can be a positive force in many daily situations. Appropriate anger in response to our children's wrong behaviors can motivate us as parents to exert firm but loving discipline. Anger against injustices and wrongdoing in our communities can motivate us to do something positive about the situation. Anger energizes and motivates us to take action when we might be reluctant or passive in areas of struggle or conflict. Tomorrow, we will dig into anger’s best and main role in our lives.
But our anger can also lead to sinful acts of selfishness, unkindness or even aggression. It is our responsibility to use our anger-induced energy in positive ways, even if it's just walking around the block to cool off.
Today, if you experience anger, stop and remember that anger itself isn’t bad. It’s what you decide to do with your anger that will determine a positive or negative outcome. As we find with most situations in life: It's your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for the times I have used my anger in sinful ways instead of as a positive force. I know I get irritated easily and for reasons that are me-centered. Help me to control my thoughts and actions and to use my anger in positive ways. Help me to develop eyes that see life more clearly and from a bigger picture view. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry … but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger: right or wrong? The answer is that anger is right … but it can also be wrong. Anger is a God-given emotional energy designed for good. But the way we use and express anger-produced energy can often be dysfunctional and lead to sin … though it doesn't have to. With God's help, we can control the thoughts and actions that come after an event precipitates some angry feelings in us.
The Bible tells of many times when anger was a positive force for achieving good: Moses' anger when the Israelites worshipped idols resulted in their repentance (Exodus 32:19-35); Jesus' anger motivated him to clear blasphemers and abusers from his Father's temple (Luke 19:45-48).
Actually, it seems like God is angry and jealous during half of the Old Testament, as man chronically rejects Him to do his own thing, especially the Israelites. Remember the flood, Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah? We know God never sins, so anger itself can’t be a bad thing.
In fact, our anger can be a positive force in many daily situations. Appropriate anger in response to our children's wrong behaviors can motivate us as parents to exert firm but loving discipline. Anger against injustices and wrongdoing in our communities can motivate us to do something positive about the situation. Anger energizes and motivates us to take action when we might be reluctant or passive in areas of struggle or conflict. Tomorrow, we will dig into anger’s best and main role in our lives.
But our anger can also lead to sinful acts of selfishness, unkindness or even aggression. It is our responsibility to use our anger-induced energy in positive ways, even if it's just walking around the block to cool off.
Today, if you experience anger, stop and remember that anger itself isn’t bad. It’s what you decide to do with your anger that will determine a positive or negative outcome. As we find with most situations in life: It's your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for the times I have used my anger in sinful ways instead of as a positive force. I know I get irritated easily and for reasons that are me-centered. Help me to control my thoughts and actions and to use my anger in positive ways. Help me to develop eyes that see life more clearly and from a bigger picture view. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry … but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Ephesians 4:26-27
Friday, April 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: “Turn To Jesus” Means…
Transformational Thought
How refreshing is this fact … Jesus never changes! When you climbed out of bed this morning, regardless of how you might have felt, or the subtle changes you went through, He had not changed during the night. He is trustworthy and consistent.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
No matter what your situation, you can turn to Jesus. Turn to Jesus … what does that mean? Obviously not just a physical turning, but something more practical and powerful. Turning our back on the world’s values, ways of measuring success, influences, and decision-making strategies. Turning away from the desires of our flesh.
What choices are you facing? We all make one very key decision in every circumstance we face that determines the outcome of that particular situation … the choice of the lenses I will use to view, experience, and assess this particular event God has allowed to come into my life. Turning toward, understanding, grabbing hold of, and using God’s instruction, forgiveness, grace, promises, and character to form the lenses I use to view each situation God brings my way. This is what I mean by turning toward Jesus. Following Jesus … choosing His way and His lenses, not yours … choosing to receive His love … choosing to trust Him.
If you use His lenses, of course you will still have problems and challenges. Remember the trials Jesus endured? But each one of these opportunities (yes, I called them opportunities) will be easier to navigate in a way that grows you psychologically and spiritually, because it won’t be you who is responding to the adversity. It will be Jesus who lives in you, who will be responding. You will be perceiving and responding in a Christ-like way, having the Mind of Christ.
Today, choose to trust Jesus and do things His way. God has room to work in your life. He will help you move on past the hurt, pain, or failures of the past. He will give you hope for the future. Use lenses based on who He is and what He teaches. Don’t use those distorted lenses with all the muck we’ve accumulated from this world.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do want to trust You … not just verbalize it, but actually do it in every circumstance. I know You love me and that Your plan for me is the best plan. Please keep me on track … show me the next step … and the next one after that. I know turning to You isn’t physical, it is all mental. Help me turn it all over to You and allow Your perspective to be my lenses. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one who I choose to follow, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Proverbs 3:5-7
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
How refreshing is this fact … Jesus never changes! When you climbed out of bed this morning, regardless of how you might have felt, or the subtle changes you went through, He had not changed during the night. He is trustworthy and consistent.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
No matter what your situation, you can turn to Jesus. Turn to Jesus … what does that mean? Obviously not just a physical turning, but something more practical and powerful. Turning our back on the world’s values, ways of measuring success, influences, and decision-making strategies. Turning away from the desires of our flesh.
What choices are you facing? We all make one very key decision in every circumstance we face that determines the outcome of that particular situation … the choice of the lenses I will use to view, experience, and assess this particular event God has allowed to come into my life. Turning toward, understanding, grabbing hold of, and using God’s instruction, forgiveness, grace, promises, and character to form the lenses I use to view each situation God brings my way. This is what I mean by turning toward Jesus. Following Jesus … choosing His way and His lenses, not yours … choosing to receive His love … choosing to trust Him.
If you use His lenses, of course you will still have problems and challenges. Remember the trials Jesus endured? But each one of these opportunities (yes, I called them opportunities) will be easier to navigate in a way that grows you psychologically and spiritually, because it won’t be you who is responding to the adversity. It will be Jesus who lives in you, who will be responding. You will be perceiving and responding in a Christ-like way, having the Mind of Christ.
Today, choose to trust Jesus and do things His way. God has room to work in your life. He will help you move on past the hurt, pain, or failures of the past. He will give you hope for the future. Use lenses based on who He is and what He teaches. Don’t use those distorted lenses with all the muck we’ve accumulated from this world.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do want to trust You … not just verbalize it, but actually do it in every circumstance. I know You love me and that Your plan for me is the best plan. Please keep me on track … show me the next step … and the next one after that. I know turning to You isn’t physical, it is all mental. Help me turn it all over to You and allow Your perspective to be my lenses. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one who I choose to follow, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Proverbs 3:5-7
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Shortcuts: Better Think Twice
Transformational Thought
Yesterday I was standing in line at the omelet making station of a nice restaurant serving brunch … there were 4 or 5 people ahead on me in line. A well-dressed, middle-age man with his teenage son walked in front of the line in an attempt to place their omelet orders. The chef making the omelets gently told the man there was a line.
As the man stepped back, I assumed he was just making an honest mistake, so I jokingly asked; “Were you trying to cut in line?” His response surprised … and saddened me. He said, “Absolutely … if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.”
It’s a hard element to measure, but it sure feels like our society is increasingly turning to shortcuts and even cheating to get what they want. And the guy in the omelet line was not only attempting to cheat … he even adapted a slogan to glorify it. If this is what he openly does in public, he must even be worse when no one is looking, when no accountability is in place to contain him. What is he teaching his young son?
Then I realized how often “I cut in line” in my day. Sleeping in … taking that extra doughnut or cookie … not confronting a situation that needs it … procrastinating a less desirable task or project … judging someone before all the evidence is in … doing a task halfway … leaving that wrapper behind the garbage for someone else to pick up. And these all happened before lunch! I am too embarrassed to tell you my major “short-cuts” … otherwise labeled bad habits, addictions, or dysfunctional patterns of cheating in life.
It’s unbelievable what we are willing to do to avoid a little discomfort … rationalizing it so we believe it is self-protective, when actually, it is self-destructive. Our shortcuts harm our brain circuitry, our personality and psychological skill maturation, and they are especially harmful to our spiritual walk in developing the Mind of Christ. You see, these shortcuts don’t renew the mind, they undermine, weaken, and deceive or brainwash the mind.
Today, examine your behavior and actions. Are you taking shortcuts or cheating? Why? Is feeling “good” or avoiding some discomfort worth sacrificing yourself so much? Be mindful that even minor infractions eventually trend toward major violations. However, minor character- building actions truly renew your mind so you become a powerful lighthouse of character. As always, the choice is yours … don’t harm yourself, choose well.
Prayer
O God, I confess that I have been guilty of cheating … in small and in big ways. I ask Your forgiveness, Father. I know You have protected me from many consequences of my shortcuts … thank You for Your amazing grace. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that He may guide me to the “right-way” … into “Your way” in all that I do. Help me not to be deceived into believing the shortcuts are beneficial to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who always avoided shortcuts with ultimate integrity and character, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Luke 16:10
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Proverbs 29:27
Yesterday I was standing in line at the omelet making station of a nice restaurant serving brunch … there were 4 or 5 people ahead on me in line. A well-dressed, middle-age man with his teenage son walked in front of the line in an attempt to place their omelet orders. The chef making the omelets gently told the man there was a line.
As the man stepped back, I assumed he was just making an honest mistake, so I jokingly asked; “Were you trying to cut in line?” His response surprised … and saddened me. He said, “Absolutely … if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.”
It’s a hard element to measure, but it sure feels like our society is increasingly turning to shortcuts and even cheating to get what they want. And the guy in the omelet line was not only attempting to cheat … he even adapted a slogan to glorify it. If this is what he openly does in public, he must even be worse when no one is looking, when no accountability is in place to contain him. What is he teaching his young son?
Then I realized how often “I cut in line” in my day. Sleeping in … taking that extra doughnut or cookie … not confronting a situation that needs it … procrastinating a less desirable task or project … judging someone before all the evidence is in … doing a task halfway … leaving that wrapper behind the garbage for someone else to pick up. And these all happened before lunch! I am too embarrassed to tell you my major “short-cuts” … otherwise labeled bad habits, addictions, or dysfunctional patterns of cheating in life.
It’s unbelievable what we are willing to do to avoid a little discomfort … rationalizing it so we believe it is self-protective, when actually, it is self-destructive. Our shortcuts harm our brain circuitry, our personality and psychological skill maturation, and they are especially harmful to our spiritual walk in developing the Mind of Christ. You see, these shortcuts don’t renew the mind, they undermine, weaken, and deceive or brainwash the mind.
Today, examine your behavior and actions. Are you taking shortcuts or cheating? Why? Is feeling “good” or avoiding some discomfort worth sacrificing yourself so much? Be mindful that even minor infractions eventually trend toward major violations. However, minor character- building actions truly renew your mind so you become a powerful lighthouse of character. As always, the choice is yours … don’t harm yourself, choose well.
Prayer
O God, I confess that I have been guilty of cheating … in small and in big ways. I ask Your forgiveness, Father. I know You have protected me from many consequences of my shortcuts … thank You for Your amazing grace. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that He may guide me to the “right-way” … into “Your way” in all that I do. Help me not to be deceived into believing the shortcuts are beneficial to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who always avoided shortcuts with ultimate integrity and character, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Luke 16:10
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Proverbs 29:27
Monday, February 28, 2011
Stepping Stones: Who Are You Building a Tower With?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we talked about unity. Where there is unity, there is much strength … even if people are unified for the wrong reason.
After the flood in Genesis, the world had only one language. The people decided to build a great city with a tower that would go to the heavens. Why? Not to honor God, but to make a name for themselves, and to prevent being scattered over the face of the whole earth. Knowing that this would be an ongoing temptation for man, God confused the language of the people and scattered them all over the earth.
Unity in and of itself is not necessarily good ... it’s the object or cause that unifies the people that is important. So, we need to make sure we are pursuing Godly causes with Godly motives. The oneness we should seek must be in Christ and through Christ, which reunites us with the Father and honors our Savior, Jesus Christ.
These people of Genesis truly were powerfully united. But their purpose was prideful and offensive to the holiness of God. They were not seeking to reunite with God. They were pursuing equality with God, actually trying to be like God with divine acceptance and status, but through their own human effort.
It sounds ridiculous to say, “I would never do that,” right? But we act and think a number of times each day with that same “my kingdom come” mentality. We idolize or focus on ourselves first, and don’t bring God into the picture until we become desperate or until someone else reminds us that God is part of our lives.
If we unite to seek power or success, focusing solely on human effort, for human rewards, from human motivations, we displease God … and are destined to ultimately fail. This especially holds true for the church; we must be focused on Christ, not on the building, organization, or denomination.
Today, take a look at those you are uniting with … for what goal … and with what motivation. Where is Jesus and the gospel in this pursuit? Be focused on honoring God, not yourself. Always recognize your total dependence on Him. Let us stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Prayer
My Father and my Lord, Forgive me for the times that I've united with others to accomplish something, focusing on selfish ambition and desires rather than honoring You and accomplishing Your will. Help me to always focus on You more than any organization or ambition. It is my desire and goal to honor You in all I do. I pray this and all prayers for the One who teaches about true unity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Philippians 1:27
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ‘Til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:12,13
Yesterday we talked about unity. Where there is unity, there is much strength … even if people are unified for the wrong reason.
After the flood in Genesis, the world had only one language. The people decided to build a great city with a tower that would go to the heavens. Why? Not to honor God, but to make a name for themselves, and to prevent being scattered over the face of the whole earth. Knowing that this would be an ongoing temptation for man, God confused the language of the people and scattered them all over the earth.
Unity in and of itself is not necessarily good ... it’s the object or cause that unifies the people that is important. So, we need to make sure we are pursuing Godly causes with Godly motives. The oneness we should seek must be in Christ and through Christ, which reunites us with the Father and honors our Savior, Jesus Christ.
These people of Genesis truly were powerfully united. But their purpose was prideful and offensive to the holiness of God. They were not seeking to reunite with God. They were pursuing equality with God, actually trying to be like God with divine acceptance and status, but through their own human effort.
It sounds ridiculous to say, “I would never do that,” right? But we act and think a number of times each day with that same “my kingdom come” mentality. We idolize or focus on ourselves first, and don’t bring God into the picture until we become desperate or until someone else reminds us that God is part of our lives.
If we unite to seek power or success, focusing solely on human effort, for human rewards, from human motivations, we displease God … and are destined to ultimately fail. This especially holds true for the church; we must be focused on Christ, not on the building, organization, or denomination.
Today, take a look at those you are uniting with … for what goal … and with what motivation. Where is Jesus and the gospel in this pursuit? Be focused on honoring God, not yourself. Always recognize your total dependence on Him. Let us stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Prayer
My Father and my Lord, Forgive me for the times that I've united with others to accomplish something, focusing on selfish ambition and desires rather than honoring You and accomplishing Your will. Help me to always focus on You more than any organization or ambition. It is my desire and goal to honor You in all I do. I pray this and all prayers for the One who teaches about true unity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Philippians 1:27
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ‘Til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:12,13
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: How Selective is Your Club?
Transformational Thought
So many clubs exist that have very specific criteria for membership … the Italian Club … civic clubs like Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis … Masons … country clubs … labor unions … political parties. Different companies are selective, as are the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Colleges, med schools, the military … even families have criteria and selection processes for membership.
In today's world, harmony and tolerance have become goals within themselves. Peace at any cost … All ways lead to God … Live and let live. Such "tolerant" attitudes actually lead to intolerance of anyone who claims to have the answer or truth. Religions or moral “clubs,” or groups with a certain belief, seem to be treated differently. Having criteria, or a selection process seems to be intolerable.
Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to God, the only way to real peace. In Isaiah 9:6 He is called the Prince of Peace. God calls us to love all people, but agreeing that other faiths can lead to God just so we can seek unity and “peace” is to deny our own faith … the teachings of God, the existence and work of Jesus, and the Holy Bible. And in doing so, we deny Jesus as our Savior.
As Christians, we are not expressing Christ-like love when we are willing to accept as OK the beliefs of those who deny Christ or who live sinful lifestyles … all for the sake of unity and peace. The Bible is clear about God, Jesus, and moral issues.
The double standard for “clubs” really shows me the existence, power, and agenda of Satan, who wants people to believe being nice is all you need to do to be Holy, thus engaging with God by avoiding Christ. Satan wants to push the idea that we can connect with God on our own power, through our efforts. This is why we get stuck on the law, legalism, and have difficulty absorbing God’s gracious gift of forgiveness.
Today, begin expressing Jesus' love by loving people where they are, by building relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, by sharing the truths of the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only answer. Don’t let anybody guilt you into thinking Christianity is the only club with intolerant selection criteria. Show them how compassion and rigidity can coexist.
Prayer
My Father, Help me never to deny my faith by accepting the unscriptural beliefs of others for the sake of unity and peace. Help me love others, no matter what their faith. Help me love them enough to build relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, to share the truth of the Gospel with them … and to do so with love. Help me communicate in a manner that lets all understand that Jesus is the only way. I pray this and all prayers through the One you sent to show us the way, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
So many clubs exist that have very specific criteria for membership … the Italian Club … civic clubs like Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis … Masons … country clubs … labor unions … political parties. Different companies are selective, as are the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Colleges, med schools, the military … even families have criteria and selection processes for membership.
In today's world, harmony and tolerance have become goals within themselves. Peace at any cost … All ways lead to God … Live and let live. Such "tolerant" attitudes actually lead to intolerance of anyone who claims to have the answer or truth. Religions or moral “clubs,” or groups with a certain belief, seem to be treated differently. Having criteria, or a selection process seems to be intolerable.
Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to God, the only way to real peace. In Isaiah 9:6 He is called the Prince of Peace. God calls us to love all people, but agreeing that other faiths can lead to God just so we can seek unity and “peace” is to deny our own faith … the teachings of God, the existence and work of Jesus, and the Holy Bible. And in doing so, we deny Jesus as our Savior.
As Christians, we are not expressing Christ-like love when we are willing to accept as OK the beliefs of those who deny Christ or who live sinful lifestyles … all for the sake of unity and peace. The Bible is clear about God, Jesus, and moral issues.
The double standard for “clubs” really shows me the existence, power, and agenda of Satan, who wants people to believe being nice is all you need to do to be Holy, thus engaging with God by avoiding Christ. Satan wants to push the idea that we can connect with God on our own power, through our efforts. This is why we get stuck on the law, legalism, and have difficulty absorbing God’s gracious gift of forgiveness.
Today, begin expressing Jesus' love by loving people where they are, by building relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, by sharing the truths of the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only answer. Don’t let anybody guilt you into thinking Christianity is the only club with intolerant selection criteria. Show them how compassion and rigidity can coexist.
Prayer
My Father, Help me never to deny my faith by accepting the unscriptural beliefs of others for the sake of unity and peace. Help me love others, no matter what their faith. Help me love them enough to build relationships with them and, as the Holy Spirit leads, to share the truth of the Gospel with them … and to do so with love. Help me communicate in a manner that lets all understand that Jesus is the only way. I pray this and all prayers through the One you sent to show us the way, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: Enabling: Good Intentions Gone Wrong
Transformational Thought
We have all seen a loved one make some destructive decisions. When someone we love is in the grip of a harmful pattern, we naturally want to help. In spite of our best intentions, our efforts are sometimes actually more harmful instead of helpful. We call this enabling, otherwise known as good intentions gone wrong.
Enabling allows those who are struggling to continue in their self-destructive behaviors. It keeps them from feeling the painful consequences that would have significant influence in convincing them to stop before their problem spirals out of control. Today's Scripture cautions us that if we rescue a person from the consequences of his or her choices, we'll just have to do it again … and again. We are then called a “nag” or a “martyr.”
Here are common examples of enabling. Do you find yourself covering up or “living with” the behavior of a friend, child, or loved one, or bailing them out of trouble? You might make excuses for them or even blame yourself for their problem. Are you reminding them to do certain chores or tasks so that they don’t get the consequences they deserve? Do you find yourself giving them "one more chance" … over and over again? Do you care more than they do about the consequences they might get?
A big component of our enabling behavior is our inability to tolerate negative feelings in others or ourselves. These feelings are generated when someone struggles and faces potential consequences. We feel very uncomfortable when they feel sad or hurt, or have to endure a consequence. So we keep nagging, threatening, or pushing them to accomplish their task, and sometimes we even do the test for them.
Today, be mindful that your responsibility to your troubled loved one is to be supportive and to facilitate their growth, not to inhibit it in their particular area of struggle. You need to empathize and pray for, but not fix it, because they need to learn how to fix it. You aren’t going to be around all the time. You need to encourage them when they have made an error, but not protect them from the necessary consequences. You must allow them to learn from the consequences of their actions and not rescue them. All of us need to look at whether we are helping or harming the struggling people in our lives. And then we can begin the process of being a supporter instead of an enabler. Let God, not you determine the consequences that will open their eyes, change their behavior, and hopefully, transform their heart.
Prayer
Dear God, not fixing my loved one’s problems is so hard. My urge is to come to the rescue instead of letting her suffer the consequences. I realize I have to come to the rescue again and again … that nothing really gets fixed. Teach me to be a supporter instead of an enabler. Help me guide them to You … help me to trust You more. Give me the peace to tolerate my uneasiness and their discomfort. Help me to allow Your consequences and lessons for them play out. I pray this in the name of the one who gives me strength in all circumstances, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15:16-18
Enabling allows those who are struggling to continue in their self-destructive behaviors. It keeps them from feeling the painful consequences that would have significant influence in convincing them to stop before their problem spirals out of control. Today's Scripture cautions us that if we rescue a person from the consequences of his or her choices, we'll just have to do it again … and again. We are then called a “nag” or a “martyr.”
Here are common examples of enabling. Do you find yourself covering up or “living with” the behavior of a friend, child, or loved one, or bailing them out of trouble? You might make excuses for them or even blame yourself for their problem. Are you reminding them to do certain chores or tasks so that they don’t get the consequences they deserve? Do you find yourself giving them "one more chance" … over and over again? Do you care more than they do about the consequences they might get?
A big component of our enabling behavior is our inability to tolerate negative feelings in others or ourselves. These feelings are generated when someone struggles and faces potential consequences. We feel very uncomfortable when they feel sad or hurt, or have to endure a consequence. So we keep nagging, threatening, or pushing them to accomplish their task, and sometimes we even do the test for them.
Today, be mindful that your responsibility to your troubled loved one is to be supportive and to facilitate their growth, not to inhibit it in their particular area of struggle. You need to empathize and pray for, but not fix it, because they need to learn how to fix it. You aren’t going to be around all the time. You need to encourage them when they have made an error, but not protect them from the necessary consequences. You must allow them to learn from the consequences of their actions and not rescue them. All of us need to look at whether we are helping or harming the struggling people in our lives. And then we can begin the process of being a supporter instead of an enabler. Let God, not you determine the consequences that will open their eyes, change their behavior, and hopefully, transform their heart.
Prayer
Dear God, not fixing my loved one’s problems is so hard. My urge is to come to the rescue instead of letting her suffer the consequences. I realize I have to come to the rescue again and again … that nothing really gets fixed. Teach me to be a supporter instead of an enabler. Help me guide them to You … help me to trust You more. Give me the peace to tolerate my uneasiness and their discomfort. Help me to allow Your consequences and lessons for them play out. I pray this in the name of the one who gives me strength in all circumstances, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15:16-18
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