April 6, 2012
Transformational Thought
Let me tell you about some of the best days of my life. I was on national TV for a football competition when I was 12 years old, and again at age 13. My parents gave me a great surprise birthday party when I was 18. My wife and 3 girls gave me an awesome surprise 40th birthday party. The day I met my wife – love at first sight. Wedding day, and night. The birth of all 3 of the greatest daughters and children a father could ever dream of. These were unbelievably great days, but amazingly, I wasn’t even alive for the greatest day of my life.
You see, almost 2000 years ago, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the only Perfect Man who ever lived, endured humiliation, persecution, the false accusations of ignorant and corrupted peons posing as rulers, to die a physically painful death on the cross … for ME! He took the punishment for all my sins, the big ones and little ones – and that is a lot of sin.
He was even willing to endure a 3-hour separation from His Father, their first separation ever, as He bore the ugliness and pain of my sins. He was willing to do that for me … and for YOU!
Because of Good, no, GREAT FRIDAY, and by accepting His death and payment, I am free of Satan’s power, man’s schemes, sin’s guilt, and death’s grip. I am in God’s loving, powerful, and protective arms forever. What relief and peace I now experience, no matter what God allows to come into my life. He uses every experience to purify and grow me into His child and a disciple of Christ.
Today, humbly accept Christ as your Savior and Lord if you haven’t already. He died for your daily freedom and for eternal freedom too. Does your greatest day compare with mine? The cool thing is that it can be yours too. If you have accepted Christ, remember the elation of that day and pass this on to someone who needs to experience his or her greatest day ever. Life is your decision, and this is the biggest choice you will ever make, so choose well.
Prayer
Glorious Heavenly Father, Thanks for Your eternal love, that pursued me from Heaven above to a dirty manger, lived as a menial carpenter in a slave family, working with 12 guys who needed a lot of help, being falsely accused, scorned, whipped, tortured, and killed … for me. I am sorry I stray from You. But Your love and sacrifice don’t depend on my obedience. It truly was, is, and will always be, unconditional. Help me rest in this truth and Your redeeming act every day, and live a life of joy so others see Your mercy, grace, power, and love. In Jesus’ great name, the name above all names; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
Luke 23:34-47
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Dark Dungeon of Ungratefulness
Transformational Thought
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and the four-day weekend ushers in a break we all appreciate. Thanksgiving seems like the eye of the storm, the calm nestled between the crazy pace of autumn, when work and school are in high gear, and the impending mad rush of the Christmas and New Year season.
It’s great to have our family all together again for the first time in over 3 months as our oldest just got home from college, like many others who journey home to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else … and even if none of these other things existed in our lives … Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be simply thankful, a time to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
You see, we live in an age of entitlement … and it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to so many things. We often focus on what we want or don’t have instead of all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash … the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve … very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have been granted and blessed with … every single day.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much, instead of giving you what you deserve. Your decision, choose well.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future. We are thankful for you and your encouragement to us.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the One who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and the four-day weekend ushers in a break we all appreciate. Thanksgiving seems like the eye of the storm, the calm nestled between the crazy pace of autumn, when work and school are in high gear, and the impending mad rush of the Christmas and New Year season.
It’s great to have our family all together again for the first time in over 3 months as our oldest just got home from college, like many others who journey home to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else … and even if none of these other things existed in our lives … Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be simply thankful, a time to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
You see, we live in an age of entitlement … and it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to so many things. We often focus on what we want or don’t have instead of all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash … the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve … very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have been granted and blessed with … every single day.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much, instead of giving you what you deserve. Your decision, choose well.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future. We are thankful for you and your encouragement to us.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the One who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Friday, August 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Grandma’s Vision Ain’t So Good
Transformational Thought
Dominique, my oldest daughter is moving into a house just off campus at University of Pittsburgh. She’s already had enough of dorm partying and is moving in with two Christian girls. She and Martine are leaving tonight to take some furniture and clean up. They will stay with my cousin, Chuckie. Pitt is 45 minutes from 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 see sporadically over the years.
One stop is always to my little Granny Guzy’s house. Wow! So many memories as I ride up the hill to her house above the Monongahela River. She pinches my cheeks, calls me junior, (ever since I can remember she never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast. She sees me like I am still 8 years old. And it’s very hard to see myself accurately - as a 48 y.o. adult, a professional, a husband and father - when I’m being perceived through lenses that portray me as an 8 y.o.
So, 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 the mentality, “My kingdom come, My will be done.”
Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God … see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and valued. Healing, comfort, protection, and peace are abundantly provided, but we need to seek them and steward them well. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous story about God’s love for you. Read and see just how much He loves you. He offers you more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than you could ever get from Satan’s world system.
Today, look in the mirror and evaluate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, perhaps while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21 (the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 & 20 (the Easter story). Don’t say, “I know these stories, I can skip the reading” … READ THEM. They are short. Use this time to see yourself thru God’s lenses. You will clear your eyes and head quickly. 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. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence, which 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
Dominique, my oldest daughter is moving into a house just off campus at University of Pittsburgh. She’s already had enough of dorm partying and is moving in with two Christian girls. She and Martine are leaving tonight to take some furniture and clean up. They will stay with my cousin, Chuckie. Pitt is 45 minutes from 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 see sporadically over the years.
One stop is always to my little Granny Guzy’s house. Wow! So many memories as I ride up the hill to her house above the Monongahela River. She pinches my cheeks, calls me junior, (ever since I can remember she never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast. She sees me like I am still 8 years old. And it’s very hard to see myself accurately - as a 48 y.o. adult, a professional, a husband and father - when I’m being perceived through lenses that portray me as an 8 y.o.
So, 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 the mentality, “My kingdom come, My will be done.”
Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God … see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and valued. Healing, comfort, protection, and peace are abundantly provided, but we need to seek them and steward them well. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous story about God’s love for you. Read and see just how much He loves you. He offers you more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than you could ever get from Satan’s world system.
Today, look in the mirror and evaluate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, perhaps while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21 (the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 & 20 (the Easter story). Don’t say, “I know these stories, I can skip the reading” … READ THEM. They are short. Use this time to see yourself thru God’s lenses. You will clear your eyes and head quickly. 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. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence, which 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
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
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: Why Did They Get More Than ME?
Transformational Thought
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. In short, our stuff isn’t satisfying enough. We spend so much time and energy focusing on what others have, what we are missing, or both. We think having what others have will bring satisfaction, happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort and uneasiness.
The tenth commandment is "thou shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. Being content really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives.
In other words, He is providing exactly what we need at this moment … so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I really needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have certainly known ahead of time and provided it for me.
We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. But sometimes we pray and give thanks like we are on autopilot. Don't be complacent in being thankful. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God really is, who we are, and the relationship that is really playing out in our everyday lives. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap believing God is always withholding the essentials we need for our satisfaction.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Do you get caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda to pursue your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? You have to decide, many times a day, what attitude and lenses you will use, because your actions will flow from these decisions you make.
Today, know Your God as the Great Giver. Make lists of all that He has given you in all areas of your life ... then take time throughout your day to pray short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find giving thanks opens clear lines of communication between you and your Lord. You will see Him more for the loving and care-taking Father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. In short, our stuff isn’t satisfying enough. We spend so much time and energy focusing on what others have, what we are missing, or both. We think having what others have will bring satisfaction, happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort and uneasiness.
The tenth commandment is "thou shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. Being content really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives.
In other words, He is providing exactly what we need at this moment … so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I really needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have certainly known ahead of time and provided it for me.
We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. But sometimes we pray and give thanks like we are on autopilot. Don't be complacent in being thankful. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God really is, who we are, and the relationship that is really playing out in our everyday lives. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap believing God is always withholding the essentials we need for our satisfaction.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Do you get caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda to pursue your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? You have to decide, many times a day, what attitude and lenses you will use, because your actions will flow from these decisions you make.
Today, know Your God as the Great Giver. Make lists of all that He has given you in all areas of your life ... then take time throughout your day to pray short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find giving thanks opens clear lines of communication between you and your Lord. You will see Him more for the loving and care-taking Father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Friday, April 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Greatest Day of All Time
Transformational Thought
I was on national TV for a football competition when I was 12 and 13 years old. My parents gave me a great surprise birthday party when I was 18, and my wife and 3 girls gave me an awesome surprise 40th birthday party. The day I met my wife – love at first sight. Wedding Day, and night. The birth of all 3 of the greatest daughters and children a father could ever dream of.
These were unbelievably great days, but amazingly, I wasn’t even alive for the greatest day of my life.
You see, almost 2000 years ago, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the only Perfect Man who ever lived, endured humiliation, persecution, the false accusations of ignorant and corrupted peons posing as rulers, to die a physically painful death on the cross…for ME! He took my punishment for all, and that is a lot, of my sins, the big ones and little ones.
He was even willing to endure the 3 hour separation from His Father, their first separation ever, as He bore my sins. He was willing to do that for Me…and for YOU!
Because of Good, no, GREAT FRIDAY, and in accepting His death and payment, I am free of Satan’s power, man’s schemes, sin’s guilt, and death’s grip. I am in God’s loving, powerful, and protective arms forever. What relief and peace, no matter what God allows to come into my life to purify and grow me into His child and a disciple of Christ.
Today, if you haven’t already, humbly accept Christ as your Savior and Lord….. He died for your daily and eternal freedom, too. Does your greatest day compare with mine? The cool thing is that it can be yours, too. If you have accepted Christ, remember your elation of that day and pass this on to someone who needs to experience the greatest day ever.
Prayer
Glorious Heavenly Father, Thanks for Your eternal love, that pursued me from Heaven above, to a dirty manger, then living as a menial carpenter in a slave family, working with 12 guys that needed a lot of help, being falsely accused, scorned, whipped, tortured, and killed…..for me. I am sorry I stray from You, but Your love and sacrifice doesn’t depend on my obedience. It truly was, is, and will always be, unconditional. Help me rest in this truth and Your redeeming act every day, and live a rejoicing life so other’s see Your mercy, grace, power, and love. In Jesus’ great and humble name above all names; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
Luke 23:34-47
I was on national TV for a football competition when I was 12 and 13 years old. My parents gave me a great surprise birthday party when I was 18, and my wife and 3 girls gave me an awesome surprise 40th birthday party. The day I met my wife – love at first sight. Wedding Day, and night. The birth of all 3 of the greatest daughters and children a father could ever dream of.
These were unbelievably great days, but amazingly, I wasn’t even alive for the greatest day of my life.
You see, almost 2000 years ago, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the only Perfect Man who ever lived, endured humiliation, persecution, the false accusations of ignorant and corrupted peons posing as rulers, to die a physically painful death on the cross…for ME! He took my punishment for all, and that is a lot, of my sins, the big ones and little ones.
He was even willing to endure the 3 hour separation from His Father, their first separation ever, as He bore my sins. He was willing to do that for Me…and for YOU!
Because of Good, no, GREAT FRIDAY, and in accepting His death and payment, I am free of Satan’s power, man’s schemes, sin’s guilt, and death’s grip. I am in God’s loving, powerful, and protective arms forever. What relief and peace, no matter what God allows to come into my life to purify and grow me into His child and a disciple of Christ.
Today, if you haven’t already, humbly accept Christ as your Savior and Lord….. He died for your daily and eternal freedom, too. Does your greatest day compare with mine? The cool thing is that it can be yours, too. If you have accepted Christ, remember your elation of that day and pass this on to someone who needs to experience the greatest day ever.
Prayer
Glorious Heavenly Father, Thanks for Your eternal love, that pursued me from Heaven above, to a dirty manger, then living as a menial carpenter in a slave family, working with 12 guys that needed a lot of help, being falsely accused, scorned, whipped, tortured, and killed…..for me. I am sorry I stray from You, but Your love and sacrifice doesn’t depend on my obedience. It truly was, is, and will always be, unconditional. Help me rest in this truth and Your redeeming act every day, and live a rejoicing life so other’s see Your mercy, grace, power, and love. In Jesus’ great and humble name above all names; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
Luke 23:34-47
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Stepping Stones: The Dark Dungeon of Ungratefulness
Transformational Thought
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and four-day weekend helps. This year my family gets something new as our oldest, Dominique, comes home from college for the first time, just as everyone tries to journey home…to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things existed in our lives, Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…so it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to most things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash, the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve…very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have everyday.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and four-day weekend helps. This year my family gets something new as our oldest, Dominique, comes home from college for the first time, just as everyone tries to journey home…to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things existed in our lives, Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…so it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to most things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash, the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve…very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have everyday.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
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
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Stepping Stones: Are You More Spoiled Than You Think?
Transformational Thought
Spoiled brats! I don’t hear that term as much today as I did back in the 70’s and 80’s. Now, the term is more likely to be heard referring to Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, the Kardashian Clan, or other celebrities basking in opulence.
We often think a spoiled brat refers to children, or even teens, that have a sense of entitlement. A mindset that believes anything they want is theirs without having to wait, or, all good things will happen to them and all painful things won’t happen or will be quickly removed.
But notice today, how many times do you notice in others, or yourself, how many people act entitled. This includes people who think they should have perfect health, all their loved ones healthy, more money than they need, an easy job, everyone to like them, their daily plan and agenda to work out perfectly with extra time to spare, or nobody make a mistake around them. See some of yourself in these entitled areas.
We live in an age of entitlement; everyone thinks they deserve more good stuff. You must constantly counteract the barrage of propaganda telling you that you need more…deserve more. A good way of fighting against such lies to be more thankful is by learn to see everything from God’s perspective. Let this world become your classroom. Let His Word become a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.
It’s almost impossible to have a thankful heart when you are in a constant state of wanting. A way to reverse this is to saturate your mind with Scripture: read it, think about it, and memorize portions of it. This will allow you to see things from His perspective.
Today, make a list of all the blessings you really do have in your life. To help spur thought, think of those that are disabled, in third world situations, are oppressed, or have gone through serious events. Then list why you deserve...I mean actually deserve... your positive blessings. Give thanks for your blessings, regardless of how small they are. Go to His word to cut deep into your entitlement. Remember that His word is sharper than any double-edged sword. Let Him use it to do spiritual surgery on the thoughts and attitudes of your mind and soul.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I ask that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude that I have created for myself. Release me from this prison so that I may enjoy the pleasures of a thankful heart. You allowed Your Son to enter this world as an infant…knowing the price He would have to pay. Thank You, Father. I understand why You sent Your Son Jesus to us…You sent Him to ”to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Open my eyes, Lord. I pray that Your Holy Spirit fill me with the gift to understand and spread You Holy Word. Give me a perspective-lift today; help me to see things from Your perspective. I pray to You with confidence in the name of the one who can provide my every need; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
To open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness
Isaiah 42:7
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
Psalm 119:105
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Friday, August 13, 2010
Stepping Stones: Why Did They Get More Than ME?
Transformational Thought
Many times, the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, that is, our stuff isn’t satisfying enough. We spend so much time and energy focusing on what others have or missing what we don't have. We think having those other things will bring happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort or uneasiness.
The tenth commandment is "that shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. Being content really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. He is providing exactly what we need at this moment…so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it.
I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I really needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have certainly known ahead of time and be providing it for me.
We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we pray and give thanks like on autopilot. Don't be complacent in being thankful. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God is, who we are, and the story that is really playing out in our everyday lives.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? You get caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda for your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? You have to decide, many times a day what attitude and lenses you will use, and your actions will flow according to the decision you make.
Today, know Your God as the Great Giver. Pray lists of all that He has given you...take time throughout your day for short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find this thanksgiving more clearly opens the line of communication between you and your Lord and you will see Him more for the loving and care-taking Father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Covet Or Give Thanks?
Transformational Tip
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side and we spend time focusing on what others have and missing what we don't have. We think having those other things will bring happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort or uneasiness. The tenth commandment is "that shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. This really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. He is providing exactly what we need at this moment, so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have known ahead of time and be providing it for me. We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. Don't be complacent in being thankful and actually saying or giving thanks. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God is, who we are, and the story that is really playing out in our everyday lives.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Gets caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda for your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? Today know Your God as the Great Giver. Pray lists of all that he has given you...take time through-out your day for short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find this thanksgiving more clearly opens the line of communication between you and your Lord and you will see Him more for the loving and care-taking father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side and we spend time focusing on what others have and missing what we don't have. We think having those other things will bring happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort or uneasiness. The tenth commandment is "that shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. This really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. He is providing exactly what we need at this moment, so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have known ahead of time and be providing it for me. We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. Don't be complacent in being thankful and actually saying or giving thanks. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God is, who we are, and the story that is really playing out in our everyday lives.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Gets caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda for your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? Today know Your God as the Great Giver. Pray lists of all that he has given you...take time through-out your day for short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find this thanksgiving more clearly opens the line of communication between you and your Lord and you will see Him more for the loving and care-taking father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: Receive with Thanksgiving
Transformational Tip
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider. In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns...our "healing"reaction is developing defenses to make sure we don't get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control...making sure we have a plan and not dependent on others plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a different plan than ours. Our choices...1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, because our plan didn't happen, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for us. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want....frustration and angst or thankfulness. It's easier than you think...try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know I'm supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow, I can say them without feeling thankful at all...especially during difficult times. I know my Lord that I am totally dependent on You for everything...even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider. In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns...our "healing"reaction is developing defenses to make sure we don't get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control...making sure we have a plan and not dependent on others plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a different plan than ours. Our choices...1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, because our plan didn't happen, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for us. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want....frustration and angst or thankfulness. It's easier than you think...try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know I'm supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow, I can say them without feeling thankful at all...especially during difficult times. I know my Lord that I am totally dependent on You for everything...even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Not Possible to Thank Him Too Much
Transformational Tip
Thank the Lord spontaneously in response to all the beauty around you...and for your abundance of blessing. God certainly doesn't' need our thanks, but still He tells us to constantly give thanks in all things. Why?...Sincere thanks from our heart helps orient our perspective to recognize God really is the author, therefore authority, of the BIG Story and we are His precious stars of the story. He amazingly treats each one of us as if we were the stars of the story who reach our maximum potential by the end of the story. Be careful to not judge how He writes your part, because you don't know the rest of the characters, plot twists, and future chapters of the story. He does, so thank the Lord as an act of will, a disciplined prayer of thanks. Both praise and thanks expands your heart and makes room for Him so be generous with both, and peace with excitement for the next chapter will be one of many rewards.
Prayer
Father God, I thank you for all You have given me, for I know all good comes from You. Help me focus on You my Lord, help me give You thanks even when adversity strikes. Help me understand the intentions of those circumstances you have brought into my life and grow as a result of your challenging and discipline process. Help me fill my spare moments with praise and thanksgiving. I pray to you with a thankful heart, as your son prayed words of thanks at the last supper.
The Truth
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.
Acts 27:35
Thank the Lord spontaneously in response to all the beauty around you...and for your abundance of blessing. God certainly doesn't' need our thanks, but still He tells us to constantly give thanks in all things. Why?...Sincere thanks from our heart helps orient our perspective to recognize God really is the author, therefore authority, of the BIG Story and we are His precious stars of the story. He amazingly treats each one of us as if we were the stars of the story who reach our maximum potential by the end of the story. Be careful to not judge how He writes your part, because you don't know the rest of the characters, plot twists, and future chapters of the story. He does, so thank the Lord as an act of will, a disciplined prayer of thanks. Both praise and thanks expands your heart and makes room for Him so be generous with both, and peace with excitement for the next chapter will be one of many rewards.
Prayer
Father God, I thank you for all You have given me, for I know all good comes from You. Help me focus on You my Lord, help me give You thanks even when adversity strikes. Help me understand the intentions of those circumstances you have brought into my life and grow as a result of your challenging and discipline process. Help me fill my spare moments with praise and thanksgiving. I pray to you with a thankful heart, as your son prayed words of thanks at the last supper.
The Truth
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.
Acts 27:35
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