Transformational Thought
Our GPS is so awesome. We just got back from our annual family vacation down south, a road trip to the beach with several stops on the way. No maps, no pulling over to figure out where we were, no arguments with my wife about whether or not we were lost, no nagging from the kids that they were sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot.
Even though the GPS was always right, and very easy to use after a while, it wasn’t so easy in the beginning. My biggest obstacle was that it took me a while to really trust it … especially when a different route looked quicker. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted directions from our sweet-talking GPS.
You see, sometimes the path for our life is fuzzy. We don’t know which direction to go or what step to take next. But God, who is our guiding Lighthouse and personalized GPS, promises to always guide us, his children. Remember the 3 wise men? God took them right to the spot and then back home away from trouble. For you, just plug in the destination – Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions! Stop trying to take short cuts that just get you more lost.
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and need an expert, all-knowing guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead, we are at great risk. Going your way and even veering off course a just a few degrees will quickly take you far from your destination and your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop while contemplating a couple decisions today. Before you execute them, ask yourself one question, “Whose GPS am I using, God’s or mine?”. Look at your motivations in the decision at hand and consider whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before acting never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step into the way of peace. As always, Your decision – God’s GPS or yours? Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times I don’t know which way to go. I confess, Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way … the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please, Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light; I live in a cold, dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word enlightens my mind and heart. Let it empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart, Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. I pray in the name of the one who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:2,9-10
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: Lost and Need a GPS?
Transformational Thought
Our GPS is awesome. We just got back from a family vacation. Typical road trip down south with several destinations to the beach. No maps, no pulling over to figure out where we are, no arguments with my wife whether we are lost or not, no nagging from the kids that they are sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot.
Even though the GPS was always right, and easy to use after a while, it wasn’t so easy in the beginning and I it took me awhile to really trust it…especially when an alternative route looked inviting. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted direction from our sweet-talking GPS.
Sometimes our life pathway is fuzzy, we don’t know which direction or step to take next. But as a child of God, our guiding Lighthouse, our personalized GPS, He promises to always guide us. Remember the 3 wise men. Just plug in the destination – Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions!
The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and need a more expert, all-knowing guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead, we are at great risk. Going your way and even veering off course a just a few degrees will ultimately, in just a short time, take you far from your Lord.
Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop a couple decisions today, and before you execute them, ask yourself one question. “What GPS am I using, God’s or mine?” Look at your motivations in the decision at hand and whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before you act never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step onto into the way of peace. Like always, Your choice – God’s GPS or yours?
Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times I don’t know which way to go. I confess ,Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way…to walk in the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light; I live in a cold dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word will enlighten my mind and heart and will empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. I pray in the name of the one who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:2,9-10
Friday, July 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: Where Is Your Brain Remote Control?
Transformational Tip
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid...just the original...Kirk and Spock were the dynamic duo of the universe. Well that's a future devotional. I loved the episodes where they went back in time and did something that affected the future...their present... usually messing up their lives or the world. Then they had to figure out how to go back and make everything right again so their present and future would be OK. So often we're like that, spending a lot of time thinking about what we could change about our past so our lives would be better now. Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take the stepping stones, one at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past comes up, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus' victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you now and in the future. Do you know where your brain remote control is?
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that's within reach for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' victorious name I pray - AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid...just the original...Kirk and Spock were the dynamic duo of the universe. Well that's a future devotional. I loved the episodes where they went back in time and did something that affected the future...their present... usually messing up their lives or the world. Then they had to figure out how to go back and make everything right again so their present and future would be OK. So often we're like that, spending a lot of time thinking about what we could change about our past so our lives would be better now. Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take the stepping stones, one at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past comes up, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus' victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you now and in the future. Do you know where your brain remote control is?
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that's within reach for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' victorious name I pray - AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Nothing Can Stop You
Transformational Tip
When you decide on a course of action that is in line with God's will, nothing on this earth can overpower you except you, for He is with you and for you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move step by step toward your goal, but don't be discouraged...never give up. Satan wants your failure, but God wants your success. Whose will and instruction will you align yourself? Don't conform to the world or Satan's will, but pursue God's will through His instruction manual and lead a transformed life. With Your Lord by your side you can overcome any obstacle. Move forward with bold and assured expectations
Prayer
Dear Father,
I praise You and thank You. I thank You for the power and wisdom of Your Word. I want to stay close to You and do things Your way, not my way. I ask that You show me Your path moment by moment, step by step. Instead of me dashing headlong toward my goal, I let You set the pace. I find it easy to trust you on quiet days when nothing much happens...but then the storms come and I am overwhelmed. Help me focus on You, help me remember how much You love me and how I must trust You. I know the more I trust You, the more you enable me to do. Thank You Lord.
The Truth
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3
When you decide on a course of action that is in line with God's will, nothing on this earth can overpower you except you, for He is with you and for you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move step by step toward your goal, but don't be discouraged...never give up. Satan wants your failure, but God wants your success. Whose will and instruction will you align yourself? Don't conform to the world or Satan's will, but pursue God's will through His instruction manual and lead a transformed life. With Your Lord by your side you can overcome any obstacle. Move forward with bold and assured expectations
Prayer
Dear Father,
I praise You and thank You. I thank You for the power and wisdom of Your Word. I want to stay close to You and do things Your way, not my way. I ask that You show me Your path moment by moment, step by step. Instead of me dashing headlong toward my goal, I let You set the pace. I find it easy to trust you on quiet days when nothing much happens...but then the storms come and I am overwhelmed. Help me focus on You, help me remember how much You love me and how I must trust You. I know the more I trust You, the more you enable me to do. Thank You Lord.
The Truth
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Moving Forward
Transformational Tip
Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take one step at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, that any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit.
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take one step at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, that any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit.
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
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