Transformational Thought
Two talented tightrope walkers amazed the crowd with acrobatics while crossing treacherous Niagara Falls. After many dangerous stunts, one acrobat asked the crowd if they thought he could cross the rope pushing his partner in a wheelbarrow. One man yelled, “I believe you can because you performed so many amazing feats already.” After the acrobat wheeled his partner across the Falls in the wheelbarrow, he again asked the crowd to be next and get in the wheelbarrow. No one came forward. They believed he could accomplish the feat, but lacked enough faith to put their own life in his hands.
Would you get in that acrobat’s wheelbarrow? Intellectual faith (or belief) is knowing you would be safe. Behavioral faith puts into action what we actually believe. There are simple truths that just jump out of The Holy Bible and grab us. Hebrews 11:16 contains one of those “ah ha” truths: Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Everyday is filled with these crossroads … of whether we truly believe God is who He says He is, does what He says He does, and knows all He says He knows. Do we just intellectually believe but in our daily lives avoid His wheelbarrow test? Or do we really have faith as evidenced by action based on that intellectual knowledge? This is where the rubber meets the road. You see, it is not just believing ... belief is where it starts and is the first intellectual step. But then you have to have faith, make it real, apply it to your life, take the leap into His hands with all your being.
Faith in Jesus as Lord of your life is what separates the spiritually mature from the spiritually struggling believer. Faith tells God we are willing to put our life, our needs, and our fate in His hands, and are willing to let Him be in control instead of us. We actually get in the wheelbarrow … without reservation or fear! We recognize that He is God, and we are His flawed human children who need all He will infinitely give. God loves this like any parent would. When we are truly able to have behavioral faith, admit our weakness, see His strength, and start getting out of His way, He can do amazing transformational work in our lives!!!!
Today, take a chance. Do one thing differently … the way you know God wants you to do it even though you haven’t in the past. Watch God lead you into freedom. Take a ride in His wheelbarrow. Remember the simple formula of Christian life: Believe > Receive > Become. And the arrows are ever growing doses and actions of faith. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know my increased faith and belief in You is pleasing to You, for You tell me in scripture that without faith it is impossible to please You. I pray that all those reading and walking on these Stepping Stones are becoming a more pleasing people to You. I know that believing that You exist is only the beginning; I know You want a personal, dynamic, life-transforming relationship with me and the entire Stepping Stones community and the world. I know those of us who “earnestly seek You” will be rewarded with Your intimate presence. I place all hope in You, Lord. I pray that You restore me to full health of body, mind and spirit. I pray this in the name of the One who got in Your wheelbarrow and went to the cross, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, he I will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2
that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God
1 Corinthians 2:5
Showing posts with label Stewardship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stewardship. Show all posts
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Stepping Stones: Failures: Let God In More
Transformational Tip
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes; "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I were defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But looking back on some of those failures, I see that they created the greatest opportunity for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you?
Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust Him learn, and try again with His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step of a situation…instead, it is just one of the many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in more to help us.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek in. Ask God in, reflect what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…most of all, don’t put that area of struggle above your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses, one of His very own children through the blood of Christ. Don’t let a single failure continue to defeat you. As Christians, the war is won, failure isn’t a possibility. We have daily battles and He will equip us if we let Him.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about what you have learned from failure.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending to me other believers to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank, You, for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the one who You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes; "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I were defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But looking back on some of those failures, I see that they created the greatest opportunity for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you?
Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust Him learn, and try again with His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step of a situation…instead, it is just one of the many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in more to help us.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek in. Ask God in, reflect what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…most of all, don’t put that area of struggle above your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses, one of His very own children through the blood of Christ. Don’t let a single failure continue to defeat you. As Christians, the war is won, failure isn’t a possibility. We have daily battles and He will equip us if we let Him.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community about what you have learned from failure.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending to me other believers to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank, You, for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the one who You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: Put God on Speed Dial…World on Hold
Transformational Tip
I remember, some time ago, actually making the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other things. I knew I needed to “get right with God”…it seemed like such a big task, needed lots of time…wanted to do it right, but just couldn’t get to it at that time…had too much urgent items on the “To Do” list.
With such short-sidedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand, and most efficiently and joyfully, get those other ‘to do’s’, done. Furthermore, I didn’t make the connection of how much greater my risk was of trying to do it alone. How much more vulnerable I was…how truly naked I was.
Most of us live amongst people who glorify busyness…who have made time a tyrant that controls their life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world; putting God on hold…put Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives.
Today, instead of making the choice(yes, it is always your decision and a choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes and spend time with God. Have a conversation with Him, bring Him your greatest concerns, read a few pages of scripture…pray prayers of simple thanksgiving.
You will be amazed on how this daily practice will change your life. This will allow you to develop the Mind of Christ and skill you in the greatest spiritual discipline - Decision-making. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on putting the world on hold.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that you are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the directions for this journey stepping stone by stepping stone…for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please, give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son who put everything on hold to serve You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
I remember, some time ago, actually making the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other things. I knew I needed to “get right with God”…it seemed like such a big task, needed lots of time…wanted to do it right, but just couldn’t get to it at that time…had too much urgent items on the “To Do” list.
With such short-sidedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand, and most efficiently and joyfully, get those other ‘to do’s’, done. Furthermore, I didn’t make the connection of how much greater my risk was of trying to do it alone. How much more vulnerable I was…how truly naked I was.
Most of us live amongst people who glorify busyness…who have made time a tyrant that controls their life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world; putting God on hold…put Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives.
Today, instead of making the choice(yes, it is always your decision and a choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes and spend time with God. Have a conversation with Him, bring Him your greatest concerns, read a few pages of scripture…pray prayers of simple thanksgiving.
You will be amazed on how this daily practice will change your life. This will allow you to develop the Mind of Christ and skill you in the greatest spiritual discipline - Decision-making. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on putting the world on hold.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that you are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the directions for this journey stepping stone by stepping stone…for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please, give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son who put everything on hold to serve You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: Turn the Other Cheek…or NOT?!
Transformational Tip
A couple weeks ago, I was asked to speak to a Sunday School class at a neighboring church with very short notice. Bubbling up in my lungs was the sound of my knee-jerk “Yes”, but luckily, before crossing my lips, I was able to edit it into a “thanks for asking, but I need to look at a future date.”
In the past, it was difficult for me to say “No”. As people, our natural tendency is to ‘go with the flow’ or ‘don’t make waves’…so we become conflict avoiders…some a little, but some a lot.
As Christians, this usually gets amplified…we are called to be ‘peacekeepers’ or ‘peacemakers’. Forgiveness is fundamental to our faith. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and give our clothes to a thief. Saying “No” seems like a very un-Christian response to someone in need.
As a psychiatrist and former church elder, I have seen so many burnt out Christians who seem to think that more is always better…some who actually believed it un-Christian to say no. Their efforts become scattered and they always seemed to be out of steam. But like that Energizer bunny, they just keep on doing.
Today, before you jump into (or continue) “doing” the Christian thing…saying “yes” and adding more to the plate…spend time with God. Pray that you receive both direction and empowerment consistent with His will. In order to know His will…you gotta spend time in His presence. He has specific plans and purpose for you, so you need to be more purposeful in seeking it with Him. This is not a job or a task, rather a beautiful and peaceful privilege.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on how receiving direction and empowerment.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that You designed a path for my life. I pray, Father, that You make known this pathway to me…and that You give me the strength and courage to follow that path. Empower me, Father, and let all see that I am powered my You. Let me not focus my efforts on simply doing more, let me focus on doing what You want and need of me. Help me today, Lord, to do what is within my ability to further Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive, refresh and empower me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31
A couple weeks ago, I was asked to speak to a Sunday School class at a neighboring church with very short notice. Bubbling up in my lungs was the sound of my knee-jerk “Yes”, but luckily, before crossing my lips, I was able to edit it into a “thanks for asking, but I need to look at a future date.”
In the past, it was difficult for me to say “No”. As people, our natural tendency is to ‘go with the flow’ or ‘don’t make waves’…so we become conflict avoiders…some a little, but some a lot.
As Christians, this usually gets amplified…we are called to be ‘peacekeepers’ or ‘peacemakers’. Forgiveness is fundamental to our faith. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and give our clothes to a thief. Saying “No” seems like a very un-Christian response to someone in need.
As a psychiatrist and former church elder, I have seen so many burnt out Christians who seem to think that more is always better…some who actually believed it un-Christian to say no. Their efforts become scattered and they always seemed to be out of steam. But like that Energizer bunny, they just keep on doing.
Today, before you jump into (or continue) “doing” the Christian thing…saying “yes” and adding more to the plate…spend time with God. Pray that you receive both direction and empowerment consistent with His will. In order to know His will…you gotta spend time in His presence. He has specific plans and purpose for you, so you need to be more purposeful in seeking it with Him. This is not a job or a task, rather a beautiful and peaceful privilege.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on how receiving direction and empowerment.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that You designed a path for my life. I pray, Father, that You make known this pathway to me…and that You give me the strength and courage to follow that path. Empower me, Father, and let all see that I am powered my You. Let me not focus my efforts on simply doing more, let me focus on doing what You want and need of me. Help me today, Lord, to do what is within my ability to further Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive, refresh and empower me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Stepping Stones: Time Is An Embezzler
Transformational Tip
I was visiting my father in the intensive care unit a few days before his death. He was hooked up to so many machines; some keeping him alive…others taking measurements. There was one machine my dad watched most often. After asking him why, he told me that it was a machine that monitors his heart beat. I asked innocently what happened if his heart stops. The answer I expected was “an electrical shock triggers my heart to start beating again” or “nurses and doctors come running”. Instead my dad said, “there’s a little speaker on the back of the machine and it will say ‘good-bye Paul’ ”.
While he was just trying to be funny, his comment shocked me. It gave me a jolt of reality that my dad’s life was almost over…and before I know it, a speaker on the back of some machine will be telling me, “Good-Bye.”
In Psalm 90:12 Moses prayed; “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Thinking and knowing that our days are truly numbered should help us keep an eternal perspective, which in turn should help us make decisions and choices rank by eternal values.
Give some thought about time as an embezzler…coming in at night to steal days, weeks, even years of energy that could be used for more valuable kingdom pursuits that will fulfill you and glorify God. Try to remember to use each day for your God as if it were your last…for in the blink of an eye, it will be.
Today, examine the activities of your day. Are they kingdom focused? Even in doing the laundry, having the attitude of gratitude that you have clothes to wash, a machine to wash them in, and service to your family as an opportunity from God, will allow you to take a “mundane” task, and give it eternal perspective. If the task isn’t directly kingdom advancing, or indirectly as in the laundry example, you have to think about cutting it out, as it is an embezzler. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on time as an embezzler.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for this day and every day of life You give me. I know that each day is a gift from You. Help me, Lord, to live with eternity always in view. Even as I go to work, help look at the people in the office or clients, or vendors as eternal treasures and not just random “shmoes” in my life. Help me to develop the mind of Christ and have your eternal viewpoint of my life. I ask for the courage to cut out the pleasurable but embezzling pursuits I cling to…they are a waste of time, sometimes sinful, and show my lack of trust in your instruction and love. I pray in the name of the one who secured eternity for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:37
I was visiting my father in the intensive care unit a few days before his death. He was hooked up to so many machines; some keeping him alive…others taking measurements. There was one machine my dad watched most often. After asking him why, he told me that it was a machine that monitors his heart beat. I asked innocently what happened if his heart stops. The answer I expected was “an electrical shock triggers my heart to start beating again” or “nurses and doctors come running”. Instead my dad said, “there’s a little speaker on the back of the machine and it will say ‘good-bye Paul’ ”.
While he was just trying to be funny, his comment shocked me. It gave me a jolt of reality that my dad’s life was almost over…and before I know it, a speaker on the back of some machine will be telling me, “Good-Bye.”
In Psalm 90:12 Moses prayed; “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Thinking and knowing that our days are truly numbered should help us keep an eternal perspective, which in turn should help us make decisions and choices rank by eternal values.
Give some thought about time as an embezzler…coming in at night to steal days, weeks, even years of energy that could be used for more valuable kingdom pursuits that will fulfill you and glorify God. Try to remember to use each day for your God as if it were your last…for in the blink of an eye, it will be.
Today, examine the activities of your day. Are they kingdom focused? Even in doing the laundry, having the attitude of gratitude that you have clothes to wash, a machine to wash them in, and service to your family as an opportunity from God, will allow you to take a “mundane” task, and give it eternal perspective. If the task isn’t directly kingdom advancing, or indirectly as in the laundry example, you have to think about cutting it out, as it is an embezzler. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on time as an embezzler.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for this day and every day of life You give me. I know that each day is a gift from You. Help me, Lord, to live with eternity always in view. Even as I go to work, help look at the people in the office or clients, or vendors as eternal treasures and not just random “shmoes” in my life. Help me to develop the mind of Christ and have your eternal viewpoint of my life. I ask for the courage to cut out the pleasurable but embezzling pursuits I cling to…they are a waste of time, sometimes sinful, and show my lack of trust in your instruction and love. I pray in the name of the one who secured eternity for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Psalm 119:37
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