Transformational Thought
Think back to your childhood. Remember some of the activities you were involved in, like athletics, band, music or voice lessons, a play, gymnastics, dance, 4-H, or horseback riding. Maybe for you it was an academic team, cheerleading, scouts, or a church youth group or activity.
I remember how much I looked forward to my sports practices and games. As scenarios played out in my head, I would try to forecast what I would do, or what the opponents would do, and imagine the possible outcomes. I would circle dates and times, and as I imagined these events they would fill my mind and push everything else out. I had to be on my deathbed to miss a practice, let alone a game. In fact, I even missed some summer vacations to play more ball.
Part of my full commitment to athletic activities came from my love of sports, but also I showed up because my coach expected me to. He could tell within 3 minutes if I had kept my commitment to practice since last time. In a way, he held me accountable for what I committed to do and was responsible for. But the main reason I showed up was that my teacher gave me the impression that I had the ability to play with greater skill than I believed I could, and he would get me to that level. This is an incredibly powerful tool and it was always quite motivating to me.
What if you could have a daily or hourly appointment with someone who loves you … someone who accepts you just as you are, while seeing in you far more than you see in yourself? What if this ultimate teacher, coach, or parent could relieve your stress, forgive all your transgressions, and eliminate your guilt, insecurity, and especially your world-weariness? In addition, HE could equip you to lead a fulfilled, successful, and abundant life. Wouldn’t you be wildly excited to get to those appointments, practices and games? What could ever hold you back?
If such a place and person did exist, and I hope you know He does, you could be confident that your greatest enemy would not want you going to these appointments, and that he would try to talk you out of it, or hide it from you. Well, God is waiting … for you to come to Him. And your enemy is always trying to get in your way, getting in your head, steering you away from the perfect teacher, or trying to steer you to an impostor coach (or activity) that will lead you astray.
Today, identify one activity that is keeping you from life-giving practice sessions with God. Why do you let them interfere? How are you de-valuing God’s impact in these coaching sessions? Why do you place so much value on the impostor’s coaching? Instead
, allow His love and acceptance, as well as His expectation of who He is helping you to become, to motivate you. Don’t let anything interfere with your sessions, because nothing will give you more than that session with Him. Identify one activity you can shorten to go to a Place and to Someone for all you desire. Find practical ways to begin laying a path to Him. Make dates with Him and then keep those dates. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Perfect Coach and God, I know deep in my heart that spending time with You is the most important and rewarding investment of time I can make … yet, it is also the most difficult part of my daily behavior to master. I pray, Father, that You quiet the evil spirits who work so tirelessly to deceive me with intrusive thoughts and distractions. Help me submit to the Holy Spirit to master my flesh’s impulses and knee-jerk desires. I pray in the name of Your Son and my ultimate teacher, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139:1-2
Showing posts with label Surrender. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surrender. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Time Embezzles Purpose and Peace
Transformational Thought
When I was directing a psychiatric unit in our community hospital, one of my responsibilities was to perform psychiatric consultations to other areas of the hospital. One time I was called to the ICU to help determine whether an older man was competent. He wanted to stop all treatment, and it seemed death would be only days away if treatment were stopped.
He was hooked up to so many machines, some keeping him alive … others taking measurements. There was one machine he watched frequently. After asking him why, he told me that it was the machine that monitored his heartbeat. I asked innocently what would happen if his heart stopped. The answer I expected was “An electrical shock triggers my heart to start beating again,” or “Nurses and doctors come running.” Instead, he said, “There’s a little speaker on the back of the machine and it will say ‘Good-bye.’”
While he was just trying to be funny, his comment affected me. It jolted me into the reality that his life was almost over … and that before I knew it, a speaker on the back of some machine would be telling me it’s time to say “Good-bye.”
In Psalm 90:12 Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days right, 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 ranked by eternal values.
Unfortunately, I am often surprised by how much time I invest in the minutiae of this life. I act as if the hours in a week are endless when I engage in some of these activities. Now, please hear me say, we all need some pursuits that are just in-the-moment, not necessarily of eternal impact, activities that refresh and entertain us. But, really look at the number of these activities compared to the most important ones, those that build our relationship with God and each other.
Satan certainly throws many distractions our way and the world system gets us thinking these distractions are more life-sustaining and fulfilling than the activities God wants us to pursue. Once in this trap, you might have to chew off a big part of yourself to save your soul. Our identity, purpose, peace, and joy get sucked out of us while we’re trapped.
Today, start keeping a journal or daytimer to document the activities of your day. Put a (+) next to activities that help you engage God or others in a positive way. Put a (–) if they keep you from engaging with God or others. Begin thinking about time as an embezzler, covertly sneaking in to steal days, weeks, and even years from you. Try to remember to use each day for your God as if it were your last … for all too soon the little speaker will say, “Good-bye.” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear 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. I know sometimes the activities you have in my schedule seem burdensome or tiring to me. But strengthen me to see them as You do and to take part in them. By following Your will, I will be lifted up, and enjoy peace and fulfillment that are indescribable in a devotional. I pray in the name of the One who gave His every minute for mankind and me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - 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
He was hooked up to so many machines, some keeping him alive … others taking measurements. There was one machine he watched frequently. After asking him why, he told me that it was the machine that monitored his heartbeat. I asked innocently what would happen if his heart stopped. The answer I expected was “An electrical shock triggers my heart to start beating again,” or “Nurses and doctors come running.” Instead, he said, “There’s a little speaker on the back of the machine and it will say ‘Good-bye.’”
While he was just trying to be funny, his comment affected me. It jolted me into the reality that his life was almost over … and that before I knew it, a speaker on the back of some machine would be telling me it’s time to say “Good-bye.”
In Psalm 90:12 Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days right, 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 ranked by eternal values.
Unfortunately, I am often surprised by how much time I invest in the minutiae of this life. I act as if the hours in a week are endless when I engage in some of these activities. Now, please hear me say, we all need some pursuits that are just in-the-moment, not necessarily of eternal impact, activities that refresh and entertain us. But, really look at the number of these activities compared to the most important ones, those that build our relationship with God and each other.
Satan certainly throws many distractions our way and the world system gets us thinking these distractions are more life-sustaining and fulfilling than the activities God wants us to pursue. Once in this trap, you might have to chew off a big part of yourself to save your soul. Our identity, purpose, peace, and joy get sucked out of us while we’re trapped.
Today, start keeping a journal or daytimer to document the activities of your day. Put a (+) next to activities that help you engage God or others in a positive way. Put a (–) if they keep you from engaging with God or others. Begin thinking about time as an embezzler, covertly sneaking in to steal days, weeks, and even years from you. Try to remember to use each day for your God as if it were your last … for all too soon the little speaker will say, “Good-bye.” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear 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. I know sometimes the activities you have in my schedule seem burdensome or tiring to me. But strengthen me to see them as You do and to take part in them. By following Your will, I will be lifted up, and enjoy peace and fulfillment that are indescribable in a devotional. I pray in the name of the One who gave His every minute for mankind and me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - 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
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be Free By Being Controlled
Transformational Thought
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where seemingly contradictory words appear side by side to describe a concept. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is: “Be free by being controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible. You are probably thinking, isn’t the definition of freedom: ability to self-rule, no restrictions or controls, release from captivity or slavery. Freedom is the absence of control, so how do we get freedom by being controlled?
But this is a lesson we see and learn clearly and frequently throughout life. Obey the rules, or controls, of the land, and you get to be free from the confines of prison. Submitting to your teacher’s control, instruction, learning principles, and strategy allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control provides you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent. Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form.
The same is true spiritually. As you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, put on the daily armor (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions, you become free from the world and are supernaturally empowered by God. You become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Unfortunately, this law of life runs contrary to the world’s misguided system. That’s why the concept seems like an oxymoron. Satan is trying to trick you into thinking you are smart and independent enough, and thus, do not need to submit to any controls in order to live free. Observing the examples above is easy, but submitting our inner thought world and our entire being to an intangible person often seems beyond our me-centered agenda and vision. If you don’t choose God’s controls, by default, you will be using your own near-sighted ones, or Satan’s destructive ones.
Today, look at the controls in your life that allow you freedom. Also look at areas in your life that aren’t working out well. You most likely need some stronger controls or guidance in those areas. When you sin confess it, immediately. This gets you back into unimpeded fellowship with God, and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH. Your decision, choose your controls well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way, I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where seemingly contradictory words appear side by side to describe a concept. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is: “Be free by being controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible. You are probably thinking, isn’t the definition of freedom: ability to self-rule, no restrictions or controls, release from captivity or slavery. Freedom is the absence of control, so how do we get freedom by being controlled?
But this is a lesson we see and learn clearly and frequently throughout life. Obey the rules, or controls, of the land, and you get to be free from the confines of prison. Submitting to your teacher’s control, instruction, learning principles, and strategy allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control provides you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent. Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form.
The same is true spiritually. As you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, put on the daily armor (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions, you become free from the world and are supernaturally empowered by God. You become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Unfortunately, this law of life runs contrary to the world’s misguided system. That’s why the concept seems like an oxymoron. Satan is trying to trick you into thinking you are smart and independent enough, and thus, do not need to submit to any controls in order to live free. Observing the examples above is easy, but submitting our inner thought world and our entire being to an intangible person often seems beyond our me-centered agenda and vision. If you don’t choose God’s controls, by default, you will be using your own near-sighted ones, or Satan’s destructive ones.
Today, look at the controls in your life that allow you freedom. Also look at areas in your life that aren’t working out well. You most likely need some stronger controls or guidance in those areas. When you sin confess it, immediately. This gets you back into unimpeded fellowship with God, and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH. Your decision, choose your controls well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way, I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: Rely On Yourself, Or Rest In Him?
Transformational Thought
There was a big burly lumberjack who came from a long line of lumberjacks. His parents named him … Jack. He was hired to cut down 30 trees a day. For the first few days the 30 trees fell easily under his axe, since Jack was a stud. But on day 5 he only cut down 25 trees, and on day 10 only 8. On day 20, even though he was swinging that axe faster and harder than on day 1, only 3 trees fell. Jack was so confused and frustrated, not to mention very tired since he was working harder than ever.
The supervisor was worried about his best worker and came to observe why Jack’s performance had trailed off so dramatically. The supervisor saw that the lumberjack’s axe was completely dull. So he told Jack, who was huffing and puffing and on the verge of exhaustion, that he needed to sharpen his axe. Jack fearfully blurted, “I can’t. I don’t have time … I need to cut down 30 trees today and I am already behind.”
Does this describe you some days? So many of us are exhausted, worn out, and in need of true relaxation and refreshment. I don’t mean sleep … I mean real psychological and spiritual rest. We keep swinging harder and faster, but our blades, our tools, are dull and getting duller by the minute. By dull, I mean our life and decision-making skills, really our psychological and emotion management skills, just aren’t as honed as they should be or as we need them to be.
We’ve been so indoctrinated to think resting means idleness or laziness. Our insecurity and past mistakes push our need to swing furiously and often, to show that we are worthy, or to make up for our past. Jesus, who had the most to do, rested often. Resting in God has two huge benefits: first, it allows us to sharpen our axes as we clear our lenses and hone our skills; second, when we relax in His presence, we demonstrate trust in Him to take over and accomplish what we can’t. We always need to find that balance between trusting and resting in Him and being an active and good steward of what we can control.
Trust is such a rich word, filled with meaning and direction for our life. So many of us do the exact opposite of what God wants for us. We turn away from Him when we are exhausted because we associate God with duty and diligence. We wrongly believe that going to Him means we have to do more, instead of allowing Him to give us more.
Today, set aside 15 minutes to take a rest and specifically lean on, trust in, and be confident with God. Meditate on His power and His love for you. Relax in His presence. When you lean on Him for support and rest, He delights in your trusting confidence in Him. Then as you rest, listen to what He is telling you, either directly or through your circumstances. He will talk to you. Your decision, rest in Him or rely on yourself, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You depleted and worn out. I come to You, Lord, for refreshment. I know that resting in You will save me. I thank You, Father, for Your reassuring Word that You spoke through Your prophet Isaiah, telling me that coming to You in quietness and trust shall be my strength. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may lean on Your understanding, not mine. I pray this with trust and expectation, and in the name of One who rested in You perfectly, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 30:15
There was a big burly lumberjack who came from a long line of lumberjacks. His parents named him … Jack. He was hired to cut down 30 trees a day. For the first few days the 30 trees fell easily under his axe, since Jack was a stud. But on day 5 he only cut down 25 trees, and on day 10 only 8. On day 20, even though he was swinging that axe faster and harder than on day 1, only 3 trees fell. Jack was so confused and frustrated, not to mention very tired since he was working harder than ever.
The supervisor was worried about his best worker and came to observe why Jack’s performance had trailed off so dramatically. The supervisor saw that the lumberjack’s axe was completely dull. So he told Jack, who was huffing and puffing and on the verge of exhaustion, that he needed to sharpen his axe. Jack fearfully blurted, “I can’t. I don’t have time … I need to cut down 30 trees today and I am already behind.”
Does this describe you some days? So many of us are exhausted, worn out, and in need of true relaxation and refreshment. I don’t mean sleep … I mean real psychological and spiritual rest. We keep swinging harder and faster, but our blades, our tools, are dull and getting duller by the minute. By dull, I mean our life and decision-making skills, really our psychological and emotion management skills, just aren’t as honed as they should be or as we need them to be.
We’ve been so indoctrinated to think resting means idleness or laziness. Our insecurity and past mistakes push our need to swing furiously and often, to show that we are worthy, or to make up for our past. Jesus, who had the most to do, rested often. Resting in God has two huge benefits: first, it allows us to sharpen our axes as we clear our lenses and hone our skills; second, when we relax in His presence, we demonstrate trust in Him to take over and accomplish what we can’t. We always need to find that balance between trusting and resting in Him and being an active and good steward of what we can control.
Trust is such a rich word, filled with meaning and direction for our life. So many of us do the exact opposite of what God wants for us. We turn away from Him when we are exhausted because we associate God with duty and diligence. We wrongly believe that going to Him means we have to do more, instead of allowing Him to give us more.
Today, set aside 15 minutes to take a rest and specifically lean on, trust in, and be confident with God. Meditate on His power and His love for you. Relax in His presence. When you lean on Him for support and rest, He delights in your trusting confidence in Him. Then as you rest, listen to what He is telling you, either directly or through your circumstances. He will talk to you. Your decision, rest in Him or rely on yourself, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You depleted and worn out. I come to You, Lord, for refreshment. I know that resting in You will save me. I thank You, Father, for Your reassuring Word that You spoke through Your prophet Isaiah, telling me that coming to You in quietness and trust shall be my strength. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may lean on Your understanding, not mine. I pray this with trust and expectation, and in the name of One who rested in You perfectly, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 30:15
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Alchemist
Transformational Thought
My little granny turned 90 years old last January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be angry with me sharing this embarrassing information. One thing I love about her is she still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church (where I was baptized as an infant), twice a month to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands, rheumatoid mis-shaped hands. You see, deep fried perogies is my most favorite food … followed closely by homemade ice cream.
My granny is the dough master. For you non-cooks, the dough master has the most physically grueling task when making perogies. Granny keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies, but none of the younger women have the stamina to do what 90 year old granny cranks out. Perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, and it is because of the talent of the cook. Think about alchemy, the ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist.
So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others … or with our God. We feel we are a waste. But nothing is wasted when you share it with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can turn the darkness of your worst failures into bright beauty and hope. He can glean joy out of sorrow … peace out of adversity. Your God, the Master Chef, delights in blending His love, grace and forgiveness with our pride, sin and failures. He transforms His children from sinful wretches into wonderful disciples.
Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness … He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your “needs” and instead, depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him bringing this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content, and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence seeping into all the nooks and crannies of your life. Only your best friend, the King of Kings, could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call You my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe that You, and only You, can bring beauty out of my lost dreams … out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try to bring my junk to You for transformation I get stuck in self-pity … in my brokenness and in my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You can place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted … and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3
Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
My little granny turned 90 years old last January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be angry with me sharing this embarrassing information. One thing I love about her is she still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church (where I was baptized as an infant), twice a month to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands, rheumatoid mis-shaped hands. You see, deep fried perogies is my most favorite food … followed closely by homemade ice cream.
My granny is the dough master. For you non-cooks, the dough master has the most physically grueling task when making perogies. Granny keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies, but none of the younger women have the stamina to do what 90 year old granny cranks out. Perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, and it is because of the talent of the cook. Think about alchemy, the ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist.
So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others … or with our God. We feel we are a waste. But nothing is wasted when you share it with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can turn the darkness of your worst failures into bright beauty and hope. He can glean joy out of sorrow … peace out of adversity. Your God, the Master Chef, delights in blending His love, grace and forgiveness with our pride, sin and failures. He transforms His children from sinful wretches into wonderful disciples.
Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness … He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your “needs” and instead, depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him bringing this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content, and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence seeping into all the nooks and crannies of your life. Only your best friend, the King of Kings, could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call You my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe that You, and only You, can bring beauty out of my lost dreams … out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try to bring my junk to You for transformation I get stuck in self-pity … in my brokenness and in my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You can place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted … and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3
Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: How Do You Fill Your Vessel?
Transformational Thought
This banner ad came across my screen yesterday as I was on the Internet: “10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less.” Wow, what a deal! I would even splurge and give 10 minutes. Be honest with yourself, would you have clicked on the link? I would really like to know how many people clicked in search of quick-hit happiness. I’m even more curious to see how many Christians clicked.
Why is happiness, true lasting happiness, regardless of circumstances, so hard to “find”? And when we do find happiness … why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels, but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled. Our fleshly lenses are so me-oriented. We want more to soothe us; we focus on our discomforts and what we don’t have. It makes happiness so elusive. Our selfish need to have more makes happiness very short-lived.
I need my vessel to be filled over and over because I get empty so quickly. But while we are earthen vessels, God designed us to be filled with heavenly content that can’t leak out … to fill our vessels with Him and His wisdom. Whether we choose to use this full vessel, or just pour it out and replace it with other stuff that easily leaks out, is the million-dollar decision that is up to us.
So where do you go to “fill-up?” What do you put in your vessel? When you put the right God-gifts in your vessel, do you use and re-use them and enjoy the happiness they bring? Or do you pour them out and replace them with a cheap substitute? Do you go to the dollar store to grab items that break easily, causing you to revisit frequently without ever being satisfied? Go to the quality store where the valuable items that take more commitment to “buy” and patiently pursue quality that lasts.
Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is excited and proud to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time … do not rush the process. Examine some truths you already know and see if you can apply them to a couple more small areas of your life over and over, instead of applying cheap imitations from the world or your past. This is how you use and re-use the Glory-gifts in your vessel. Where you look for happiness is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel … and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You, my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence … I need You endlessly for renewal. I have been empty for so long, Father … for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect … a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake … that You made me to allow the world’s stuff to leak out and to hold in your glory-gifts. This keeps me looking at You and coming to You for renewal. Thank You, Father. All praise and glory be to You. I also pray, Father, that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit … the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. And as You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse into other people’s lives. Let me do Your work today, Lord, in ways that I don’t even understand. I pray in need of and through the perfect filling for my vessel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16
This banner ad came across my screen yesterday as I was on the Internet: “10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less.” Wow, what a deal! I would even splurge and give 10 minutes. Be honest with yourself, would you have clicked on the link? I would really like to know how many people clicked in search of quick-hit happiness. I’m even more curious to see how many Christians clicked.
Why is happiness, true lasting happiness, regardless of circumstances, so hard to “find”? And when we do find happiness … why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels, but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled. Our fleshly lenses are so me-oriented. We want more to soothe us; we focus on our discomforts and what we don’t have. It makes happiness so elusive. Our selfish need to have more makes happiness very short-lived.
I need my vessel to be filled over and over because I get empty so quickly. But while we are earthen vessels, God designed us to be filled with heavenly content that can’t leak out … to fill our vessels with Him and His wisdom. Whether we choose to use this full vessel, or just pour it out and replace it with other stuff that easily leaks out, is the million-dollar decision that is up to us.
So where do you go to “fill-up?” What do you put in your vessel? When you put the right God-gifts in your vessel, do you use and re-use them and enjoy the happiness they bring? Or do you pour them out and replace them with a cheap substitute? Do you go to the dollar store to grab items that break easily, causing you to revisit frequently without ever being satisfied? Go to the quality store where the valuable items that take more commitment to “buy” and patiently pursue quality that lasts.
Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is excited and proud to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time … do not rush the process. Examine some truths you already know and see if you can apply them to a couple more small areas of your life over and over, instead of applying cheap imitations from the world or your past. This is how you use and re-use the Glory-gifts in your vessel. Where you look for happiness is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel … and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You, my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence … I need You endlessly for renewal. I have been empty for so long, Father … for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect … a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake … that You made me to allow the world’s stuff to leak out and to hold in your glory-gifts. This keeps me looking at You and coming to You for renewal. Thank You, Father. All praise and glory be to You. I also pray, Father, that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit … the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. And as You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse into other people’s lives. Let me do Your work today, Lord, in ways that I don’t even understand. I pray in need of and through the perfect filling for my vessel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?
Transformational Thought
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.
Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.
God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, 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. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave 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. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to 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 amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - 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 and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.
Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.
God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, 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. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave 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. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to 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 amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - 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
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Avoid God’s Will Because It Hurts?
Transformational Thought
I was recently in a situation in which a close friend revealed some information that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But it was uncomfortable for me to deliver that Godly response, and I knew it would be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I shared what God put on my heart, the friendship might end. Well I said it. And, thankfully, I know we are both better because I did. I know you’ve been in that kind of situation too. How did you feel?
Incidents like this in the past really pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. Then I realized my mistake. My fear was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger. But God never intended that we make decisions based on our emotions.
One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly … that Satan's way (or our fleshly way) is on-sale, cheaper, better and less costly. Satan's ways will always result in immediate spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain) damage. The enemy’s solutions also result in long-term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.
The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living ... to go beyond what is natural and to do what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember, His will not only does what is good for us ... it does what is the best for us. Following God's will accomplishes what is best for you and those around you.
Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Do the right thing regardless of how uncomfortable it makes you or how the other person might feel. Live by faith ... not by sight. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid of the discomfort this will actually cause. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually … I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. Help me to rely on your peace and comfort. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect … He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
I was recently in a situation in which a close friend revealed some information that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But it was uncomfortable for me to deliver that Godly response, and I knew it would be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I shared what God put on my heart, the friendship might end. Well I said it. And, thankfully, I know we are both better because I did. I know you’ve been in that kind of situation too. How did you feel?
Incidents like this in the past really pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. Then I realized my mistake. My fear was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger. But God never intended that we make decisions based on our emotions.
One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly … that Satan's way (or our fleshly way) is on-sale, cheaper, better and less costly. Satan's ways will always result in immediate spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain) damage. The enemy’s solutions also result in long-term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.
The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living ... to go beyond what is natural and to do what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember, His will not only does what is good for us ... it does what is the best for us. Following God's will accomplishes what is best for you and those around you.
Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Do the right thing regardless of how uncomfortable it makes you or how the other person might feel. Live by faith ... not by sight. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid of the discomfort this will actually cause. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually … I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. Help me to rely on your peace and comfort. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect … He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
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
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stepping Stones: He Wasn’t Where He Should Have Been
Transformational Thought
I was driving during the holidays to visit family. With a wife and 3 girls in the car we had to take a bathroom break, upsetting my “set a travel time record” mentality. We took a break at one of the mega rest stops off the turnpike. The place was pretty crowded with holiday travelers, and I ended up sitting at a table just next to a family of 4.
Now that my children are grown or growing up, I truly enjoy the voices of young children. I can still recall clearly my daughters’ childhood voices…it’s a great source of joy for me. One of children at the table next to me was a talker. About 10 years old, she was trying hard to get her father’s attention. “Daddy, when we get home can I…Daddy, what do you want for Christmas…Daddy, Daddy...” As I was listening, I realized I wasn’t hearing any response from the dad, so I looked over and saw that he was looking completely the other way, not hearing a word his daughter was saying. He wasn’t even there…wasn’t where he needed to be. Eventually the little girl stopped trying…but she kept looking up at him with hopeful expectation that he was going to respond. But he never did.
I, of course, have no way of knowing his circumstances or his thoughts. And I know that there were times as a young father that I was just as guilty of not engaging with my girls when they needed me. Oh, how I long for the opportunity to go back and do it differently. I certainly am not judging that father, but it brought to mind how easily the distractions of the day and of the world can take our focus off the attention needed by our children.
Isn’t this the same way we respond to God’s voice and prompting, focusing instead on more trivial and transient distractions? Thinking the guidance of these distractions is more important than God’s guidance? This is exactly where Satan wants you, and when signals warning about danger should start sounding in your heart.
Today and every day, try to really connect with your children or loved ones. After Jesus, these people in your life are the greatest gift God gives. They are also the most important mission field most of us are ever called to. The easiest way to start showing your love, respect, and honor for them is by giving them your full attention when they are talking to you. But more importantly, when God is talking to you, stop and listen!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that being faithful parents and guiding our children toward You is very important to You. Help me and all parents truly listen to our children and to make them feel secure and loved…and through us, get to know the security and love You are excited to give them. Give all parents the wisdom and strength for this most important task of parenting. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14
I was driving during the holidays to visit family. With a wife and 3 girls in the car we had to take a bathroom break, upsetting my “set a travel time record” mentality. We took a break at one of the mega rest stops off the turnpike. The place was pretty crowded with holiday travelers, and I ended up sitting at a table just next to a family of 4.
Now that my children are grown or growing up, I truly enjoy the voices of young children. I can still recall clearly my daughters’ childhood voices…it’s a great source of joy for me. One of children at the table next to me was a talker. About 10 years old, she was trying hard to get her father’s attention. “Daddy, when we get home can I…Daddy, what do you want for Christmas…Daddy, Daddy...” As I was listening, I realized I wasn’t hearing any response from the dad, so I looked over and saw that he was looking completely the other way, not hearing a word his daughter was saying. He wasn’t even there…wasn’t where he needed to be. Eventually the little girl stopped trying…but she kept looking up at him with hopeful expectation that he was going to respond. But he never did.
I, of course, have no way of knowing his circumstances or his thoughts. And I know that there were times as a young father that I was just as guilty of not engaging with my girls when they needed me. Oh, how I long for the opportunity to go back and do it differently. I certainly am not judging that father, but it brought to mind how easily the distractions of the day and of the world can take our focus off the attention needed by our children.
Isn’t this the same way we respond to God’s voice and prompting, focusing instead on more trivial and transient distractions? Thinking the guidance of these distractions is more important than God’s guidance? This is exactly where Satan wants you, and when signals warning about danger should start sounding in your heart.
Today and every day, try to really connect with your children or loved ones. After Jesus, these people in your life are the greatest gift God gives. They are also the most important mission field most of us are ever called to. The easiest way to start showing your love, respect, and honor for them is by giving them your full attention when they are talking to you. But more importantly, when God is talking to you, stop and listen!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that being faithful parents and guiding our children toward You is very important to You. Help me and all parents truly listen to our children and to make them feel secure and loved…and through us, get to know the security and love You are excited to give them. Give all parents the wisdom and strength for this most important task of parenting. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Stepping Stones: “Do you think you will eat all that?”
Transformational Thought
I was recently on a business trip to Miami. Got in the night before my meeting and decided to have dinner at an outdoor café. It was late and I was the only customer there. I ordered what I thought was an appetizer and dinner, but when the food came, it was apparent that I had enough food for two full dinners. The waiter left and I began picking and choosing the best of the two plates.
Just then, a homeless man quickly came to my tableside and asked in a very polite manner; “Do you think you will eat all that?” The restaurant manager came to shoo the man away…but I told him that I had invited the man as my guest. The homeless man (dirty, a bit scary, and a little drunk) took off his hat, brushed back his hair and took the seat across from me with the pride and excitement of being invited to join a royal feast.
We had a great meal together. I actually had to talk him into coffee and dessert. During dinner, he confessed that alcoholism was the reason he was homeless and gave me an open invitation to ask any questions I’d like. He was a gentle, smart man. It was one of the most interesting conversations I have ever had.
When the meal came to an end, I asked Bill, “If I give you $20, can you promise me that you will use it for food?” After giving the offer some thought, he said that he could not make that commitment to me…and that he didn’t want to lie to me…and said he would most likely use it for whiskey. After a few minutes of silence he said; “I’ll make you a deal, I’ll use half for food and half for booze” and then stuck out his hand to shake on the deal.
As he got up to leave he asked, “Do you think God sent you to me?” His question almost blew my off my chair. Even now, I really don’t know who God sent to whom.
Today, instead of judging others and exalting yourself, try to help someone in some way. Remember, we are most like Christ when showing compassion and generosity to someone less fortunate. Before you think that you are the great helper for someone else, ask first, “Did God bring them into my life to help me or show me something I need to know or learn?”
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open heart…I invite You into my life in an ever-increasing way. I pray, Father, that Your over-generous love will flow through me each day and touch those around me. I ask that You show me how to serve others, help others, and to give to others without expecting anything in return. I know, Lord, that there is no way I can out-give You, for You have already given me so much. I pray in the name of my teacher and Your Son, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40
I was recently on a business trip to Miami. Got in the night before my meeting and decided to have dinner at an outdoor café. It was late and I was the only customer there. I ordered what I thought was an appetizer and dinner, but when the food came, it was apparent that I had enough food for two full dinners. The waiter left and I began picking and choosing the best of the two plates.
Just then, a homeless man quickly came to my tableside and asked in a very polite manner; “Do you think you will eat all that?” The restaurant manager came to shoo the man away…but I told him that I had invited the man as my guest. The homeless man (dirty, a bit scary, and a little drunk) took off his hat, brushed back his hair and took the seat across from me with the pride and excitement of being invited to join a royal feast.
We had a great meal together. I actually had to talk him into coffee and dessert. During dinner, he confessed that alcoholism was the reason he was homeless and gave me an open invitation to ask any questions I’d like. He was a gentle, smart man. It was one of the most interesting conversations I have ever had.
When the meal came to an end, I asked Bill, “If I give you $20, can you promise me that you will use it for food?” After giving the offer some thought, he said that he could not make that commitment to me…and that he didn’t want to lie to me…and said he would most likely use it for whiskey. After a few minutes of silence he said; “I’ll make you a deal, I’ll use half for food and half for booze” and then stuck out his hand to shake on the deal.
As he got up to leave he asked, “Do you think God sent you to me?” His question almost blew my off my chair. Even now, I really don’t know who God sent to whom.
Today, instead of judging others and exalting yourself, try to help someone in some way. Remember, we are most like Christ when showing compassion and generosity to someone less fortunate. Before you think that you are the great helper for someone else, ask first, “Did God bring them into my life to help me or show me something I need to know or learn?”
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open heart…I invite You into my life in an ever-increasing way. I pray, Father, that Your over-generous love will flow through me each day and touch those around me. I ask that You show me how to serve others, help others, and to give to others without expecting anything in return. I know, Lord, that there is no way I can out-give You, for You have already given me so much. I pray in the name of my teacher and Your Son, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Stepping Stones: Don’t Think You Need A Counselor?
Transformational Thought
The other day I got into an argument with my wife. As usual, it was a pretty trivial spark that started a much bigger fire. If someone had run that same situation by me in the morning, I would have easily described the ideal solution to manage the situation. My theoretical solution would have been beneficial to my wife and me, and honored God. But in the moment, I was governed by my insecurities, and blew it.
We all have so many unanswered questions about ourselves. Am I really a good person? Am I truly lovable? Why do I do the things I do? Why do I feel the way I feel? Why do I make the same mistakes as I used to? While we struggle to answer these questions for and by ourselves, it’s difficult to get to the core answers without a true counselor.
The combination of our arrogance and pride—I don’t need any therapy, thank you very much—and the fact that it’s become a profession with a stigma attached—mental illness, Freud, Prozac and all that—has kept most of us from realizing that we do need counseling. All of us. As Christians, thankfully, we have the best counselor living right inside us.
The Bible tells us Jesus sends us his Spirit as Counselor…that ought to make it clear. And apparently, we need quite a lot of counsel—the Spirit isn’t just stopping in to give us a tune-up; not even an annual checkup. He has come to stay and give us a complete makeover…from the inside out. Now we just need to figure out how to “hear” His counsel and quit sabotaging His efforts in our lives.
Today, confess your sins, then talk to God about a struggle in your life. Open His word…read the Christmas and Easter story…then listen for His counsel. If you have trouble following the counsel, or continue to sabotage His efforts, consider getting someone to help show you how to listen and follow His counsel. WITHIN REACH is a great resource we developed for this specific purpose: to help you hear God and follow His direction; to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for sending to me the ultimate Counselor, Your Holy Spirit. Help me recognize the daily need for guiding advice and for the Spirit of truth…help me listen and heed Your advice. Help me gain wisdom and courage to follow Your guidance, and humility to set aside my agenda. Thy kingdom, not my kingdom come. I pray in the name of the one who asked You to send another Counselor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth”
John 14:16–17
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:12-14
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:29-33
The other day I got into an argument with my wife. As usual, it was a pretty trivial spark that started a much bigger fire. If someone had run that same situation by me in the morning, I would have easily described the ideal solution to manage the situation. My theoretical solution would have been beneficial to my wife and me, and honored God. But in the moment, I was governed by my insecurities, and blew it.
We all have so many unanswered questions about ourselves. Am I really a good person? Am I truly lovable? Why do I do the things I do? Why do I feel the way I feel? Why do I make the same mistakes as I used to? While we struggle to answer these questions for and by ourselves, it’s difficult to get to the core answers without a true counselor.
The combination of our arrogance and pride—I don’t need any therapy, thank you very much—and the fact that it’s become a profession with a stigma attached—mental illness, Freud, Prozac and all that—has kept most of us from realizing that we do need counseling. All of us. As Christians, thankfully, we have the best counselor living right inside us.
The Bible tells us Jesus sends us his Spirit as Counselor…that ought to make it clear. And apparently, we need quite a lot of counsel—the Spirit isn’t just stopping in to give us a tune-up; not even an annual checkup. He has come to stay and give us a complete makeover…from the inside out. Now we just need to figure out how to “hear” His counsel and quit sabotaging His efforts in our lives.
Today, confess your sins, then talk to God about a struggle in your life. Open His word…read the Christmas and Easter story…then listen for His counsel. If you have trouble following the counsel, or continue to sabotage His efforts, consider getting someone to help show you how to listen and follow His counsel. WITHIN REACH is a great resource we developed for this specific purpose: to help you hear God and follow His direction; to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for sending to me the ultimate Counselor, Your Holy Spirit. Help me recognize the daily need for guiding advice and for the Spirit of truth…help me listen and heed Your advice. Help me gain wisdom and courage to follow Your guidance, and humility to set aside my agenda. Thy kingdom, not my kingdom come. I pray in the name of the one who asked You to send another Counselor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth”
John 14:16–17
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:12-14
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Proverbs 1:29-33
Friday, December 10, 2010
Stepping Stones: Don’t Leave At Intermission!
Transformational Thought
Some children take off sooner and faster than others. I come from a very large family…my siblings were all very different from each other. I particularly recall the trouble my eldest brother had getting off the ground. Poor grades…dropping out of school a number of times…a street fighter…always in some type of significant trouble. My parents tried as best they could to raise him to greater heights, but nothing seemed to work. If the race had ended then, he would have been judged a loser…a failure.
Are you a parent of a low-flying child? Let me pass on a word of encouragement. That brother made a shift in his early twenties and is now, by anyone’s standards, a high-flying success. Husband in a healthy marriage, father of a great family, master’s degree, and business owner. Most importantly, he is a man of deep faith who always finds time to let the Lord’s light shine onto those around him. At 61 years of age, he holds the admiration and praise of all his siblings.
Too often, we put premature finish lines on situations…judging them before all the data is in. God isn’t bound by time, is incredibly patient, is all-powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic, especially with timing. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of judging yourself, others, circumstances, or especially God, prematurely. You will be disappointed and lose out on many “miracles” of life.
Today, if you feel like a failure, or are disappointed, anxious, sad, or fearful, examine whether you are imposing a premature finish line on a situation. This puts God in a box and closes the curtain on the play at intermission. Realize there is more of the show, game, path, or race left and seek God’s guidance for the next phase. If you follow Him, trust Him, and practice patience, He will reveal a glorious second act in the drama you were ready to leave prematurely. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that all parents reading this devotional receive from You wisdom and patience as they raise their children. Help them to trust Your providence and grace, and to let go of their timelines for their children’s lives. Help us all use Your Son as an example as You patiently waited for His time to come. Father, help them listen to You and obey You in this great calling of being a parent. Then in all areas, help us grow in patience. Help us to see Your big picture, not to prematurely judge the small picture of our life and bail on You and Your plan for us. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“My time has not yet come."
John 2:4
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30,31
Some children take off sooner and faster than others. I come from a very large family…my siblings were all very different from each other. I particularly recall the trouble my eldest brother had getting off the ground. Poor grades…dropping out of school a number of times…a street fighter…always in some type of significant trouble. My parents tried as best they could to raise him to greater heights, but nothing seemed to work. If the race had ended then, he would have been judged a loser…a failure.
Are you a parent of a low-flying child? Let me pass on a word of encouragement. That brother made a shift in his early twenties and is now, by anyone’s standards, a high-flying success. Husband in a healthy marriage, father of a great family, master’s degree, and business owner. Most importantly, he is a man of deep faith who always finds time to let the Lord’s light shine onto those around him. At 61 years of age, he holds the admiration and praise of all his siblings.
Too often, we put premature finish lines on situations…judging them before all the data is in. God isn’t bound by time, is incredibly patient, is all-powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic, especially with timing. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of judging yourself, others, circumstances, or especially God, prematurely. You will be disappointed and lose out on many “miracles” of life.
Today, if you feel like a failure, or are disappointed, anxious, sad, or fearful, examine whether you are imposing a premature finish line on a situation. This puts God in a box and closes the curtain on the play at intermission. Realize there is more of the show, game, path, or race left and seek God’s guidance for the next phase. If you follow Him, trust Him, and practice patience, He will reveal a glorious second act in the drama you were ready to leave prematurely. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that all parents reading this devotional receive from You wisdom and patience as they raise their children. Help them to trust Your providence and grace, and to let go of their timelines for their children’s lives. Help us all use Your Son as an example as You patiently waited for His time to come. Father, help them listen to You and obey You in this great calling of being a parent. Then in all areas, help us grow in patience. Help us to see Your big picture, not to prematurely judge the small picture of our life and bail on You and Your plan for us. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“My time has not yet come."
John 2:4
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30,31
Friday, November 5, 2010
Stepping Stones: Be Free By Being Controlled
Transformational Thought
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where contradictory words appear side by side. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is; “Be free by becoming controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible, but this is a lesson we see and learn so clearly and often throughout our life. Like submitting to your teachers control, their instruction, learning principles, and strategy, allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control allows you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent.
Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form. The same is true spiritually, as you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, really put on the armor everyday (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions. You become free from the world and supernaturally empowered by God. You will become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Today, when you sin, confess it immediately. This gets you back in unimpeded fellowship with God and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work in you can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people said, – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where contradictory words appear side by side. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is; “Be free by becoming controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible, but this is a lesson we see and learn so clearly and often throughout our life. Like submitting to your teachers control, their instruction, learning principles, and strategy, allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control allows you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent.
Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form. The same is true spiritually, as you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, really put on the armor everyday (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions. You become free from the world and supernaturally empowered by God. You will become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Today, when you sin, confess it immediately. This gets you back in unimpeded fellowship with God and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work in you can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people said, – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Stepping Stones: Rely On You, Or Rest In Him?
Transformational Thought
There was a lumberjack, Jack, hired to cut down 30 trees a day. For the first few days the 30 trees fell easily under his axe, since Jack was a stud. But on day 5 he only cut down 25 trees, and on day 10 only 8. On day 20, though he was swinging that axe faster and harder than on day 1, only 3 trees fell. Jack was confused and frustrated, as well as very tired since he was working harder than ever.
The supervisor was worried about his best worker and came to observe why Jack’s performance was so poor. The supervisor saw that the lumberjack’s axe was completely dull. So he told Jack, who was huffing and puffing and on the verge of exhaustion, that he needed to sharpen his axe. Jack fearfully blurted, “I can’t. I don’t have time…I need to cut down 30 trees today.”
So many of us are exhausted, worn out, and in need of true relaxation and refreshment. I don’t mean sleep…I mean real psychological and spiritual rest. We keep swinging hard and frequently, but our blades are dull and getting duller by the minute.
We’ve been so indoctrinated to think resting means idleness or laziness. Our insecurity and past mistakes push our need to swing furiously and often, to show that we are worthy, or to make up for our past. Jesus, who had the most to do, rested often. Resting in God has two huge benefits: first, it allows us to sharpen our axes; second, when we relax in His presence, we demonstrate trust in Him to take over and accomplish what we can’t.
Trust is such a rich word, filled with meaning and direction for our life. So many of us do the exact opposite of what God wants for us. We turn away from Him when we are exhausted because we associate God with duty and diligence. We wrongly believe that going to Him means we have to do more, instead of allowing Him to give us more.
Today, set aside 15 minutes to take a rest and specifically lean on, trust in, and be confident with God. Meditate on His power and His love for you. Relax in His presence. When you lean on Him for support and rest, He delights in your trusting confidence in Him. Your decision, rest in Him or rely on yourself, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You depleted and worn out. I come to You, Lord, for refreshment. I know that resting in You will save me. I thank You, Father, for Your reassuring Word that You spoke through Your prophet Isaiah, telling me that coming to You in quietness and trust shall be my strength. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may lean on Your understanding, not mine. I pray this with trust and expectation, and in the name of one who rested in You perfectly, Jesus; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 30:15
There was a lumberjack, Jack, hired to cut down 30 trees a day. For the first few days the 30 trees fell easily under his axe, since Jack was a stud. But on day 5 he only cut down 25 trees, and on day 10 only 8. On day 20, though he was swinging that axe faster and harder than on day 1, only 3 trees fell. Jack was confused and frustrated, as well as very tired since he was working harder than ever.
The supervisor was worried about his best worker and came to observe why Jack’s performance was so poor. The supervisor saw that the lumberjack’s axe was completely dull. So he told Jack, who was huffing and puffing and on the verge of exhaustion, that he needed to sharpen his axe. Jack fearfully blurted, “I can’t. I don’t have time…I need to cut down 30 trees today.”
So many of us are exhausted, worn out, and in need of true relaxation and refreshment. I don’t mean sleep…I mean real psychological and spiritual rest. We keep swinging hard and frequently, but our blades are dull and getting duller by the minute.
We’ve been so indoctrinated to think resting means idleness or laziness. Our insecurity and past mistakes push our need to swing furiously and often, to show that we are worthy, or to make up for our past. Jesus, who had the most to do, rested often. Resting in God has two huge benefits: first, it allows us to sharpen our axes; second, when we relax in His presence, we demonstrate trust in Him to take over and accomplish what we can’t.
Trust is such a rich word, filled with meaning and direction for our life. So many of us do the exact opposite of what God wants for us. We turn away from Him when we are exhausted because we associate God with duty and diligence. We wrongly believe that going to Him means we have to do more, instead of allowing Him to give us more.
Today, set aside 15 minutes to take a rest and specifically lean on, trust in, and be confident with God. Meditate on His power and His love for you. Relax in His presence. When you lean on Him for support and rest, He delights in your trusting confidence in Him. Your decision, rest in Him or rely on yourself, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You depleted and worn out. I come to You, Lord, for refreshment. I know that resting in You will save me. I thank You, Father, for Your reassuring Word that You spoke through Your prophet Isaiah, telling me that coming to You in quietness and trust shall be my strength. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may lean on Your understanding, not mine. I pray this with trust and expectation, and in the name of one who rested in You perfectly, Jesus; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 30:15
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Alchemist
Transformational Thought
My little granny is coming up on 90 years old in January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be so angry with me telling people her age. She still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church, twice a month, to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands.
You see, my granny is the dough master, the most physically grueling task when making perogies, and she keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies. Perogies, deep-fried, are my favorite food, but perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, because of the talent of the cook.
Alchemy is an ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist. So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others…or with our God. We feel we are a waste.
Nothing is wasted when it is shared with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can glean joy out of sorrow…peace out of adversity. Your God delights in transforming His Children.
Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness…He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your needs and instead, turn to depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him to bring this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence.
Only your best friend and the King of Kings could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call you my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe You and only You can bring beauty out of my lost dreams…out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try and bring my junk to you for transformation – I get stuck in my self-pity; my brokenness and my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted…and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3
Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Stepping Stones: Grandma’s Vision Ain’t So Good
Transformation Thought
My oldest daughter just started college at the University of Pittsburgh, which is very close to where my parents and I were born. I haven’t lived there in almost 40 years, but I still have many relatives there. It has been great staying with my cousin Chuckie, and catching up with some other relatives that I rarely see.
When I go to Granny Guzy’s house, she pinches my cheeks, calls me junior(ever since I could remember, she has never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast….she sees me like I am 8 yrs old still. It is very hard to see myself accurately, as a 47 you adult professional husband and father, when I am getting feedback and lenses put over my eyes that see me as an 8 yo.
How do you see yourself? If you are looking through your own eyes, chances are you will not like what you see. Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to see ourselves as alone, unloved, unwanted, unable to tolerate pain, and needing his quick fix for our problems. Sometimes our fleshly lenses skew our self-evaluation to the other end of the spectrum and we see ourselves as King of our world, much better than we really are, entitled to way more than we really deserve, you know, “My kingdom come, My will be done” mentality.
Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God…see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and protected. Healing, comfort, and peace our abundantly provided. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous love story about God’s love for you, and see just how much He loves you. He offers us more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than we could ever get from Satan’s world system.
Today, look in the mirror and valuate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21(the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 20(Easter story)… don’t say “I know these stories, I can skip the reading”…READ THEM, they are short. Use this to see yourself thru God’s lenses. Your decision, your lenses or God’s. Choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the peak of all my desires and all my hopes. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: who is, and was, and is to come. You have brought so many pleasures and blessings into my life. Thank You, Jesus. I receive Your gifts with open arms, but help me, my God, to not cling to these gifts. At times I cling to the gifts and am fearful that I might lose them, but what a peaceful thought to know that the only thing I absolutely need, is the one thing I can never lose: Your presence in me. Thank You Jesus. Today, I try to see myself through Your eyes my God. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence which safely shields me from all evil. I pray in Jesus’ never ending name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
Friday, September 10, 2010
Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?
Transformational Tip
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult. Just the original though, you know, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the dynamic duo of the universe. Every episode they would take on all challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as from within themselves. And Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where they went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would then significantly affect the future…which was Spock and Kirk’s present. The ripples into the their present usually really messed up their lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought the good deed they did, and make everything right again so their present and future would be OK.
From our own selfish desires, our limited knowledge, and our continuing need to feel good now, we often fall into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. Spending lots 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 you need to do now.
God has forgiven you as you receive Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Take your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress to God.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, 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 the remote control for your brain is? Your remote is your decision-making skills, and that is why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making.
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 amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - 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
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Stepping Stones: Do You Avoid God’s Will Because It Hurts?
Transformational Thought
I was in a situation recently where as a close friend revealed some information to me that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But the Godly response from me was uncomfortable for me to deliver, and I know it was going to be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I said what I know God put on my heart to say, the friendship might end. Wwll I said it, and I know we are both better because I said it. Have you ever been in that kind of situation?
This incident pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. And then I realized my mistake; my fear response was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger, but God never intended our emotions o be our decision-making system.
One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly and Satan's way or our fleshly way is on sale, cheaper, less costly than God’s way. Satan's ways will always and immediately result in spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain and heart) damage as well as having longer term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.
The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living...to go beyond what is natural to what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember that His will not only does what is good for us...it does what is best for us. Following God's will He will accomplish what is best for you.
Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, look to serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Live by faith...not by sight.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess, Father, that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid at what this will actually entail. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting; physically, emotionally, spiritually – I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect…He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Stepping Stones: Where Are You Looking?
Transformational Thought
We are all looking for something, whether we realize it or not. Those “things” come in different shapes and sizes, but there are common themes for all of our pursuits. Me, I was looking for identity, connection, attention, wanting to be wanted for me. As an adult, I pursued purpose, meaning, my unique calling, security for me and my family, and being loved and accepted. What are you looking for?
Actually, the more important question really is, “Where are you looking?” You will only find what you are truly looking for by looking to, at, and with God. God’s message sent through His prophet Isaiah is so simple yet so profound; “Look to me and be saved.” This certainly applies to our eternal need…but it also applies to every other suffering, need, and wayward path we take.
We grow up and are pushed to learn how to take care of ourselves. From learning to hold our bottle, walking to get our toy, feeding ourselves, doing our homework, taking the SAT’s, going off to college or work… so many milestones to become an independent functioning adult.
The downside is we develop the habit of putting our confidence in ourselves, or sometimes others opinions of how we are doing, rather than putting and getting our confidence in GOD. Looking to God, His character, His promises, His instruction. That’s what gives us confidence to pursue the right things…to make the Godly decisions that are sometimes hard.
When our confidence is in ourselves or other’s opinions, we have minimal power to overcome our fleshly needs, desires, distortions, and hurts or pains. That’s when patterns of struggle, dysfunction, even addictions are born and fed.
Today, as you make decisions, especially when you make a mistake, ask yourself, “where am I getting the confidence, instruction, or power to make that decision or soothe my pain? Is my confidence coming from my skills, insights, intellect, attributes, power? Or from God?” Confidence centered in Him generated from Him will save you in today’s battles and discomfort.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are indeed an awesome God. Who but You could be all places at all times? It amazes me to think that One as great as You care about the many details of my life…but You really do. When I think about these glorious truths…and when I turn to you, I feel safe in knowing I will never be alone again. Help me, Lord, to look at You, to keep You before me always, and to really get my confidence from my ultimate bodyguard. Otherwise, I fall back into my default mode, getting my confidence from myself, of straining so much because all outcomes seem totally up to me, and rest on my skills and what I can muster. For the little things, that seems to work, but for the big things in life, I am doomed without You. All these I ask in the confidence of Christ’s name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Isaiah 45:22
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Peter 1:15-16
which he will display at the proper time--he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:15-17
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