Transformational Thought
When I was a child, my friends and I would play this game. We would go into the basement at night and turn off all the lights … and then try and find each other. The mixed feelings were similar to watching a scary movie when you are afraid, but at the same time, excited with an interesting blend of anticipation and reluctance for the unexpected. One of my friends was almost paralyzed with the fear that one of us might grab and scare him in the total darkness. At times I would crawl along the floor for safety or to execute a surprise attack. Weird how we didn’t really like the game, but we would frequently play it. Don’t know why … peer pressure I guess. Still to this day, when it is pitch black, I remember some of those experiences.
Looking at our struggles as adults, we can find ourselves still wandering in the darkness of immaturity and insecurity. To avoid or limit danger, we start crawling on the basement floors of our lives. We get so used to that strategy that when the lights are finally turned on, we keep crawling with a blindfold in place, unable to let the light show us where danger lies and where the path to freedom and fulfillment really is.
I see so many people crawling through their lives on the basement floor, cursing the darkness … while all the time God is shining brightly. Not only is He shining brightly around you, if you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is shining in you.
You can allow that light to shine through you and out of you to illuminate your path by making Godly decisions. Decisions in line with God’s will keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart and keep that light brightly shining. Making wrong decisions puts the flesh on the throne of your heart and puts a bushel over that light. God wants each of us to be light-bearers … to be lighthouses. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will shine God’s light from your face into your surroundings and to those around you. But the key is the quality of the decisions you make. This is why The Holy Bible (and we at Lighthouse) stress Godly decision-making skills. It truly is the key to your life, because you will make 5,000 – 10,000 decisions … just today!
Today, when you see “darkness” around you, stop, pray, and think about the Holy Spirit shining through you. Get out of His way by confessing your wrong decisions. Then start making the decisions you know you should. Be bold, and He will shine through you. You know what He wants you to do, even though it might go against your agenda, so just do it and see the magic that happens. Blessings or curses, it all comes down to the decisions you make and whether you have a “Thy will be done” or ”My will be done” mindset and motivation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I do not like the darkness. I want to live in Your radiant light. When I do find myself in spiritual darkness I reach for Your guiding hand. I reach for Your hand in joyful trust, knowing You will never leave my side. I pray, Father, that I may brighten the world by reflecting who You are. Help me, Lord, to spread Your light into the darkness of someone’s life. I pray this in the name of Jesus who is the light of the world; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:20
Showing posts with label Vulnerability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vulnerability. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: Forgive Them Instead of Giving Them More Power
Transformational Thought
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful, least understood and most underused concept taught in the Bible. Wow, Satan is so diabolically deceitful.
Jesus gives us all a startling warning about not forgiving others: if we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Now we know God does forgive us even though there is no way we can perfectly and totally forgive all those who have transgressed us. But think about it – how long are you willing to go without the forgiveness of God? Great sinners are transformed, today and eternally, into exceptional Christians, all because of the power of forgiveness … the gift of forgiveness.
You see, when someone hurts us, our pride is wounded. We feel various pains, some inflicted on us and some from past wounds, that we blame on the other person. We have a great need to see that person experience hurt and pain to make the “score” even. But we then become dependent on seeing our attacker experience pain, and we aren’t “healed” unless they do. Unknowingly, that gives the other person ongoing control and power over us. They can always interfere with and control the timeline of their apology, experiencing consequences, or receiving justice for their offenses.
Give the gift of forgiveness to others, and especially to yourself. Free your offender and yourself. Allow God to come heal and teach you both how to grow the Mind of Christ.
Jesus modeled forgiveness perfectly for us. Think of all those whom Jesus forgave: the woman caught in adultery, Peter who denied he knew Jesus, the criminal on the cross … and those who crucified Him. Giving forgiveness brings joy and peace … withholding forgiveness brings bitterness, victimization, the need see the offender to suffer and experience revenge.
Today, don’t let your pride get in the way of forgiving others. If you are withholding forgiveness, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy … and spread it to others. Make your joy grow today and gain the must-have forgiveness of your Lord for your sins. Remember, forgiveness is a gift, not for others, but really for you, and will be very pleasing to God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I thank You, Lord, for the many examples of forgiveness demonstrated by Your Son Jesus. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Lord, help me spread Your message about forgiveness. I pray this through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price so that my sins may be forgiven; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful, least understood and most underused concept taught in the Bible. Wow, Satan is so diabolically deceitful.
Jesus gives us all a startling warning about not forgiving others: if we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Now we know God does forgive us even though there is no way we can perfectly and totally forgive all those who have transgressed us. But think about it – how long are you willing to go without the forgiveness of God? Great sinners are transformed, today and eternally, into exceptional Christians, all because of the power of forgiveness … the gift of forgiveness.
You see, when someone hurts us, our pride is wounded. We feel various pains, some inflicted on us and some from past wounds, that we blame on the other person. We have a great need to see that person experience hurt and pain to make the “score” even. But we then become dependent on seeing our attacker experience pain, and we aren’t “healed” unless they do. Unknowingly, that gives the other person ongoing control and power over us. They can always interfere with and control the timeline of their apology, experiencing consequences, or receiving justice for their offenses.
Give the gift of forgiveness to others, and especially to yourself. Free your offender and yourself. Allow God to come heal and teach you both how to grow the Mind of Christ.
Jesus modeled forgiveness perfectly for us. Think of all those whom Jesus forgave: the woman caught in adultery, Peter who denied he knew Jesus, the criminal on the cross … and those who crucified Him. Giving forgiveness brings joy and peace … withholding forgiveness brings bitterness, victimization, the need see the offender to suffer and experience revenge.
Today, don’t let your pride get in the way of forgiving others. If you are withholding forgiveness, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy … and spread it to others. Make your joy grow today and gain the must-have forgiveness of your Lord for your sins. Remember, forgiveness is a gift, not for others, but really for you, and will be very pleasing to God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I thank You, Lord, for the many examples of forgiveness demonstrated by Your Son Jesus. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Lord, help me spread Your message about forgiveness. I pray this through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price so that my sins may be forgiven; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Being the Author or the Star Actor, Your Choice
Transformational Thought
As a kid, I was not a big reader, hated it actually. But I did love comic books, and they were so good back in the 50’s – 70’s. I always fantasized about writing a comic book series, great characters, exciting adventures, poppin’ graphics and all the extras. But not only was I a poor reader, I couldn’t draw even a little.
Writing a book is hard…trying to figure out the overall message, the setting, characters, twists, plot, how deep to go. So many decisions and details to keep track of and integrate. Knowing the ending so you can pace and detail the rest of the story. That’s a lot of pressure and responsibility!
If you trust in God, then you should believe that He writes, actually prepares, each day for you with the most tender concern and attention to detail. Scripture is loaded with examples of how important we are to God and the powerful parts of the great script He has written especially for us and with our needs and desires at the top of our agenda.
Just being an actor in the story is so much easier…give me the script, let me absorb it, get into character, and act out my part. So when you wake in the morning, don’t take the role of author, with all the headaches and stress that come with that job, by trying to fill up the blank page of your day. Instead, be on the lookout for what our supreme Author has drawn up for your day and life. What an illusion it is when people think they can live independently from God…do it on our own, be in charge of and write our own story. I tried that many times in the past and it always ended in frustration, anxiety, and t one point, jail.
Try to live responsively…meaning responding to what God has planned for you. Living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with the ultimate realty. God’s sovereignty, power, control, autonomy, and His ultimate authority over the whole multiverse (all the universes!).
Today, show yourself your belief in God being the true author of your story. When you are feeling some pressure and uncertain how to write the next scene of your life, STOP! Then respond to His script. Look for what He has written and is trying to communicate through the story He wrote specifically for you in His word, The Holy Bible. This shows you really believe He loves you, is sovereign, and is true to His promises. Your choice, you be the author, or let God be the author. You aren’t equipped to be The author, have fun being the star actor in your story and follow The Author and Director’s instruction. WITHIN REACH will equip you to learn God’s will for your life and do it.
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the creator; You are the initiator of my very life. This is how I want to live my life – discovering what You are doing and then responding to the opportunities You place before me. I know by Your Word that this is the most joyful and productive way to live. You know, Lord, that there is a part of me that likes to be in control…call the shots. Please teach me, Lord, the art of living responsively. I thank You for Your sovereignty. Teach me to understand and believe that Your sovereignty over every aspect of my life increases my security. I know responding to You requires concentration, however this world is rigged to distract me from You. Protect me, Lord, form all forms of distraction that hamper my ability to keep a constant look-out for You. I pray with confidence in the name of the Author of my salvation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
As a kid, I was not a big reader, hated it actually. But I did love comic books, and they were so good back in the 50’s – 70’s. I always fantasized about writing a comic book series, great characters, exciting adventures, poppin’ graphics and all the extras. But not only was I a poor reader, I couldn’t draw even a little.
Writing a book is hard…trying to figure out the overall message, the setting, characters, twists, plot, how deep to go. So many decisions and details to keep track of and integrate. Knowing the ending so you can pace and detail the rest of the story. That’s a lot of pressure and responsibility!
If you trust in God, then you should believe that He writes, actually prepares, each day for you with the most tender concern and attention to detail. Scripture is loaded with examples of how important we are to God and the powerful parts of the great script He has written especially for us and with our needs and desires at the top of our agenda.
Just being an actor in the story is so much easier…give me the script, let me absorb it, get into character, and act out my part. So when you wake in the morning, don’t take the role of author, with all the headaches and stress that come with that job, by trying to fill up the blank page of your day. Instead, be on the lookout for what our supreme Author has drawn up for your day and life. What an illusion it is when people think they can live independently from God…do it on our own, be in charge of and write our own story. I tried that many times in the past and it always ended in frustration, anxiety, and t one point, jail.
Try to live responsively…meaning responding to what God has planned for you. Living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with the ultimate realty. God’s sovereignty, power, control, autonomy, and His ultimate authority over the whole multiverse (all the universes!).
Today, show yourself your belief in God being the true author of your story. When you are feeling some pressure and uncertain how to write the next scene of your life, STOP! Then respond to His script. Look for what He has written and is trying to communicate through the story He wrote specifically for you in His word, The Holy Bible. This shows you really believe He loves you, is sovereign, and is true to His promises. Your choice, you be the author, or let God be the author. You aren’t equipped to be The author, have fun being the star actor in your story and follow The Author and Director’s instruction. WITHIN REACH will equip you to learn God’s will for your life and do it.
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the creator; You are the initiator of my very life. This is how I want to live my life – discovering what You are doing and then responding to the opportunities You place before me. I know by Your Word that this is the most joyful and productive way to live. You know, Lord, that there is a part of me that likes to be in control…call the shots. Please teach me, Lord, the art of living responsively. I thank You for Your sovereignty. Teach me to understand and believe that Your sovereignty over every aspect of my life increases my security. I know responding to You requires concentration, however this world is rigged to distract me from You. Protect me, Lord, form all forms of distraction that hamper my ability to keep a constant look-out for You. I pray with confidence in the name of the Author of my salvation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: Too Shy To Call Your Bodyguard?
Transformational Thought
I grew up in a rough part of town, and all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight … to be tough. I wasn’t that tough, but I had an older brother who was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie’s brother, I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations … I carried with me my big brother’s strength, for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie … and no one wanted to do that.
Some days I feel so limited, so inept … so clumsy and weak. I’m sure you have days like this, too. We all do. On days like these remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations. We have a big brother, an advocate, a protector. Our bodyguard in this spiritual war is so willing and able to step in and lend us His toughness and power. Will you accept His offer?
As a kid, it wasn’t all about just me, because my brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us … depends on us … and nobody is there to help us. Depending or relying on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency is what we’ve been brainwashed and trained to practice, and it seems so reasonable to strive for. But putting my confidence in myself, to meet my needs, to solve everything and to soothe me … wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
So today, remember that it’s not about your human limitations, or even about your strength. It’s all about His strength. We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner … we have our all-powerful Lord and God. Recall the times where He has protected you from the world or your own mistakes … like speeding, impulse spending, dating and sexual mistakes, words you wish you could take back. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God’s power and promises, and put your confidence in His track record, not yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God our Father, I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you, my Lord. Through faith, I receive Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations … beyond my physical ability and strength … for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I stop measuring my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations … the focus is Your Strength, not mine. I believe that by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name of the One who is my Big Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I grew up in a rough part of town, and all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight … to be tough. I wasn’t that tough, but I had an older brother who was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie’s brother, I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations … I carried with me my big brother’s strength, for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie … and no one wanted to do that.
Some days I feel so limited, so inept … so clumsy and weak. I’m sure you have days like this, too. We all do. On days like these remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations. We have a big brother, an advocate, a protector. Our bodyguard in this spiritual war is so willing and able to step in and lend us His toughness and power. Will you accept His offer?
As a kid, it wasn’t all about just me, because my brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us … depends on us … and nobody is there to help us. Depending or relying on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency is what we’ve been brainwashed and trained to practice, and it seems so reasonable to strive for. But putting my confidence in myself, to meet my needs, to solve everything and to soothe me … wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
So today, remember that it’s not about your human limitations, or even about your strength. It’s all about His strength. We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner … we have our all-powerful Lord and God. Recall the times where He has protected you from the world or your own mistakes … like speeding, impulse spending, dating and sexual mistakes, words you wish you could take back. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God’s power and promises, and put your confidence in His track record, not yours. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God our Father, I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you, my Lord. Through faith, I receive Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations … beyond my physical ability and strength … for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I stop measuring my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations … the focus is Your Strength, not mine. I believe that by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name of the One who is my Big Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
Luke 17:5-6
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: Why Are We Afraid?
Transformational Thought
I have noticed lately how easy it is for people to share their shortcomings, perhaps because of the struggling economy. They readily confess that they suffer from all types of physical, material, or emotional problems. It doesn’t take much prodding to learn they have lost a job, experience financial struggles, have a bad temper, or that they are self-centered … they will even tell you they are “not that smart.”
But one thing no one wants to admit (to themselves or others) is that they are cowards. No one likes to let on that they are afraid of anything. Of all our human frailties, cowardice seems by far the least popular. Yet we all struggle with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, so we all experience small and large fears pretty regularly.
Fear gets in the way of so many things in our lives, but this is not how God wants us to live. Fear shows doubt regarding God’s sovereignty, His love for us, and His power over our problems. Remember His answer for our biggest concern: we were headed for eternal damnation because of our sin until Jesus died for us. God has an answer for every predicament, need, suffering, or anticipated suffering.
Pray for and develop courage from God, the only true and lasting source of real and triumphant courage. Then you will free yourself from the fears that keep you from God’s peace and joy. You see, God’s word speaks to us clearly about the need to be brave and “fear not.” This message is contained in virtually every book of The Holy Bible. When we really put on the full armor, then actually use it, bravery is an automatic outcome.
What concerns you? What do you worry about or fear? Why? What do you need to believe differently about yourself and about God for your fear to go away? Usually problems result from distorted views about what really is painful, how much pain we can handle, and the power, promises, and peace God provides when we are in pain.
Today, identify some of your vulnerable or fearful areas. Take God’s promises seriously and see how it affects your vulnerable spots. Again, a decision you need to make many times a day … God’s protection or the world’s. Your decision will either keep you captive to fear and the world … or set you free. So choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on the outside I am tough, but on the inside I am so stricken with fear. I am such a coward. God, please give me courage. I need courage in all aspects of my life. I need courage to do good and to resist all forms of evil. I need courage to follow Your commandments and to overcome my fears, both rational and irrational. Give me the courage I need, Lord, to win the struggle against neuroses and anxieties. I need Your courage to overcome my addictions and to persevere though the storms in my life. Give me courage, Lord, to give witness to Your truth and to do great things in Your name. Father, I pray that all in the Stepping Stones community gain Your courage and lose their fear. Remove their fear, Father, and give them Your peace … the peace that surpasses all human understanding. I pray in the name of my rock and refuge, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 15:1
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:4
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
Revelation 1:17
I have noticed lately how easy it is for people to share their shortcomings, perhaps because of the struggling economy. They readily confess that they suffer from all types of physical, material, or emotional problems. It doesn’t take much prodding to learn they have lost a job, experience financial struggles, have a bad temper, or that they are self-centered … they will even tell you they are “not that smart.”
But one thing no one wants to admit (to themselves or others) is that they are cowards. No one likes to let on that they are afraid of anything. Of all our human frailties, cowardice seems by far the least popular. Yet we all struggle with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, so we all experience small and large fears pretty regularly.
Fear gets in the way of so many things in our lives, but this is not how God wants us to live. Fear shows doubt regarding God’s sovereignty, His love for us, and His power over our problems. Remember His answer for our biggest concern: we were headed for eternal damnation because of our sin until Jesus died for us. God has an answer for every predicament, need, suffering, or anticipated suffering.
Pray for and develop courage from God, the only true and lasting source of real and triumphant courage. Then you will free yourself from the fears that keep you from God’s peace and joy. You see, God’s word speaks to us clearly about the need to be brave and “fear not.” This message is contained in virtually every book of The Holy Bible. When we really put on the full armor, then actually use it, bravery is an automatic outcome.
What concerns you? What do you worry about or fear? Why? What do you need to believe differently about yourself and about God for your fear to go away? Usually problems result from distorted views about what really is painful, how much pain we can handle, and the power, promises, and peace God provides when we are in pain.
Today, identify some of your vulnerable or fearful areas. Take God’s promises seriously and see how it affects your vulnerable spots. Again, a decision you need to make many times a day … God’s protection or the world’s. Your decision will either keep you captive to fear and the world … or set you free. So choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on the outside I am tough, but on the inside I am so stricken with fear. I am such a coward. God, please give me courage. I need courage in all aspects of my life. I need courage to do good and to resist all forms of evil. I need courage to follow Your commandments and to overcome my fears, both rational and irrational. Give me the courage I need, Lord, to win the struggle against neuroses and anxieties. I need Your courage to overcome my addictions and to persevere though the storms in my life. Give me courage, Lord, to give witness to Your truth and to do great things in Your name. Father, I pray that all in the Stepping Stones community gain Your courage and lose their fear. Remove their fear, Father, and give them Your peace … the peace that surpasses all human understanding. I pray in the name of my rock and refuge, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 15:1
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:4
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
Revelation 1:17
Friday, May 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: I Hope You Get Addicted to this Sleeping Pill!
Transformational Thought
So many times I have patients who come to me with complaints of not feeling rested. We discuss their sleep patterns and “sleep hygiene”… like noise, blinds or light in the room, temperature, bed partner, evening eating, exercise habits, caffeine and alcohol use. Sometimes these corrections help, but usually, something else is going on.
You see, they do need a rest, but not a nap or more sleep. Physical rest isn’t the core issue. What they actually need is a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering them each day. More sleep or a nap only rests the body. It’s not our bodies that needs rest … it’s our souls.
How do you find rest for your soul? We look to so many cheats that masquerade as soothers. Food, alcohol, caffeine, isolation, our kids and their zillion activities, more work, status, a more secure retirement plan, hollow prayer, church activities and service, pornography, exercise, TV, affairs, escape into fantasy through books, movies, internet, computer relationships, social media, and games. The list really is endless.
Where will we find rest for our soul? Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Don’t fight the experiences and activities of the day. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him. He will give you the comfort, peace, and joy you desire and need so your soul will feel rested. When your soul is rested, your body can’t help but have energy when you need it and restful sleep when you need or want it.
Today, put your life in His hands the same way you put your eternal life in His hands. Examine your stressors today and embrace them as workouts to strengthen and grow you. Be thankful for who you will be after the workout. Then ask a wise person to help you see the stressor more objectively … like God sees it. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today, the way ahead of me feels steep. I am slowing down, Lord, so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult, yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your peace, Your presence. Light, life, joy, peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You, I reach for other things. As I reach, at times I drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord; I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in the name of the One who laid His life on the cross in Your hands, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8
So many times I have patients who come to me with complaints of not feeling rested. We discuss their sleep patterns and “sleep hygiene”… like noise, blinds or light in the room, temperature, bed partner, evening eating, exercise habits, caffeine and alcohol use. Sometimes these corrections help, but usually, something else is going on.
You see, they do need a rest, but not a nap or more sleep. Physical rest isn’t the core issue. What they actually need is a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering them each day. More sleep or a nap only rests the body. It’s not our bodies that needs rest … it’s our souls.
How do you find rest for your soul? We look to so many cheats that masquerade as soothers. Food, alcohol, caffeine, isolation, our kids and their zillion activities, more work, status, a more secure retirement plan, hollow prayer, church activities and service, pornography, exercise, TV, affairs, escape into fantasy through books, movies, internet, computer relationships, social media, and games. The list really is endless.
Where will we find rest for our soul? Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Don’t fight the experiences and activities of the day. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him. He will give you the comfort, peace, and joy you desire and need so your soul will feel rested. When your soul is rested, your body can’t help but have energy when you need it and restful sleep when you need or want it.
Today, put your life in His hands the same way you put your eternal life in His hands. Examine your stressors today and embrace them as workouts to strengthen and grow you. Be thankful for who you will be after the workout. Then ask a wise person to help you see the stressor more objectively … like God sees it. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today, the way ahead of me feels steep. I am slowing down, Lord, so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult, yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your peace, Your presence. Light, life, joy, peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You, I reach for other things. As I reach, at times I drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord; I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in the name of the One who laid His life on the cross in Your hands, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Stepping Stones: Get Real!
Transformational Thought
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we used them ourselves directed towards ourselves? It was hard for me, for so many years, to see who I really was. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason…the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness…lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us.
Another reason…it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah…than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs, let alone address them. The best way for us to face ourselves…to be real with ourselves…is to remember, as Christians, we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing…just imagine that…God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows him to bring out the very best in you and work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him about. Let light into that area of your life…this pushes the darkness out and real healing and transformation can occur.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that you planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord, but this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort or negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the one who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we used them ourselves directed towards ourselves? It was hard for me, for so many years, to see who I really was. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason…the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness…lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us.
Another reason…it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah…than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs, let alone address them. The best way for us to face ourselves…to be real with ourselves…is to remember, as Christians, we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing…just imagine that…God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows him to bring out the very best in you and work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him about. Let light into that area of your life…this pushes the darkness out and real healing and transformation can occur.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that you planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord, but this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort or negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the one who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stepping Stones: The Light Is In You, Just Flip The Switch
Transformational Thought
When I was a child, my brothers and I would play this game. We would go into the basement at night and turn all the lights off…and then try and find each other. I hated this game. I was almost paralyzed with the fear of one of my brothers grabbing and scaring me in the total darkness. I would crawl along the floor in the darkness. Don’t know why I played the game. “Brother-pressure” I guess. Still to this day I’m uncomfortable in the dark.
Often, we get used to wandering in the dark, crawling on the basement floor of our lives. So much so, in fact, that when the lights are finally turned on, we still keep crawling with a blindfold on, unable to let the light show us where danger lies and where the path of freedom is.
I see so many people crawling through their lives, on the basement floor, cursing the darkness…while all the time God is shining so brightly. Not only is He shining brightly around you, the Holy Spirit is shining in you.
You can allow that light to shine through and out of you to illuminate your path by making Godly decisions. Decisions in line with God’s will keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart and the light brightly shining. Making wrong decisions puts the flesh on the throne of your heart and puts a bushel over that Light. God wants each of us to be light-bearers…to be lighthouses. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will shine God’s light from your face into your surroundings and to those around you. But the key is the quality of decisions you make. This is why The Holy Bible (and we) stress Godly decision-making. It is the key to life.
Today, when you see “darkness” around you, stop, pray, and think about the Holy Spirit shining through you. Get out of His way by confessing your wrong decisions. Then start making the decisions you know you should. Be bold, and He will shine through you. You know what He wants you to do even though it might go against your agenda, so just do it and see the magic that happens. Blessings or curses, it all comes down to the decisions you make and whether you have a “Thy will be done” or ”My will be done” mindset and motivation.
Prayer
Dear Father, I do not like the darkness. I want to live in Your radiant light. When I do find myself in spiritual darkness I reach for Your guiding hand. I reach for Your hand in joyful trust, knowing You will never leave my side. I pray, Father, that I may brighten the world by reflecting who You are. Help me, Lord, to spread Your light into the darkness of someone’s life. I pray this in the name of Jesus who is the light of the world; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:20
When I was a child, my brothers and I would play this game. We would go into the basement at night and turn all the lights off…and then try and find each other. I hated this game. I was almost paralyzed with the fear of one of my brothers grabbing and scaring me in the total darkness. I would crawl along the floor in the darkness. Don’t know why I played the game. “Brother-pressure” I guess. Still to this day I’m uncomfortable in the dark.
Often, we get used to wandering in the dark, crawling on the basement floor of our lives. So much so, in fact, that when the lights are finally turned on, we still keep crawling with a blindfold on, unable to let the light show us where danger lies and where the path of freedom is.
I see so many people crawling through their lives, on the basement floor, cursing the darkness…while all the time God is shining so brightly. Not only is He shining brightly around you, the Holy Spirit is shining in you.
You can allow that light to shine through and out of you to illuminate your path by making Godly decisions. Decisions in line with God’s will keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart and the light brightly shining. Making wrong decisions puts the flesh on the throne of your heart and puts a bushel over that Light. God wants each of us to be light-bearers…to be lighthouses. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you, will shine God’s light from your face into your surroundings and to those around you. But the key is the quality of decisions you make. This is why The Holy Bible (and we) stress Godly decision-making. It is the key to life.
Today, when you see “darkness” around you, stop, pray, and think about the Holy Spirit shining through you. Get out of His way by confessing your wrong decisions. Then start making the decisions you know you should. Be bold, and He will shine through you. You know what He wants you to do even though it might go against your agenda, so just do it and see the magic that happens. Blessings or curses, it all comes down to the decisions you make and whether you have a “Thy will be done” or ”My will be done” mindset and motivation.
Prayer
Dear Father, I do not like the darkness. I want to live in Your radiant light. When I do find myself in spiritual darkness I reach for Your guiding hand. I reach for Your hand in joyful trust, knowing You will never leave my side. I pray, Father, that I may brighten the world by reflecting who You are. Help me, Lord, to spread Your light into the darkness of someone’s life. I pray this in the name of Jesus who is the light of the world; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:14
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:20
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: Forgive, Don’t Give Them More Power
Transformational Thought
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful, least understood, and most commonly underused concepts included in the Bible.
Jesus gives us all a startling warning about not forgiving others; if we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Now we know God does forgive us even though there is no way we can perfectly and totally forgive all those who have transgressed us. But think about it – how long are you willing to go without the forgiveness of God. Great sinners are transformed into exceptional Christians all because of the power of forgiveness…the gift of forgiveness.
You see, when someone hurts us, our pride is wounded and we have a great need to see that person experience hurt and pain in some way to make the “score” even. But, we then become dependent on seeing our attacker experience pain, that we aren’t “healed” unless they do experience pain. Unknowingly, that gives the other person ongoing control over us as they can always interfere with us seeing them apologize or experience consequences or justice for their offenses.
Give this gift of forgiveness to yourself and to others. Free yourself and your offender. Allow God to come heal and teach you both how to grow the Mind of Christ.
Jesus perfectly modeled forgiveness for us. Think of all those who Jesus forgave; the woman caught in adultery, Peter for denying he knew Jesus, the criminal on the cross…and those who crucified Him. The giving of forgiveness brings joy and peace…the withholding of forgiveness brings bitterness, victimization, or need for revenge.
Today, don’t let your pride get in the way of you forgiving others. If you are withholding forgiveness, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy…and spreading it to others. Make your joy grow today and gain the must-have forgiveness of your Lord for your sins.
Prayer
Dear Father, Thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it…buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord…but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me…and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I thank You, Lord, for the many examples of forgiveness demonstrated by Your Son Jesus. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave…I seek the mind of Christ. Help me, Lord, spread Your message about forgiveness. I pray this through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price so that my sins may be forgiven; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Stepping Stones: Relationship Prerequisites: Receptivity and Attentiveness
Transformational Thought
Yesterday, I was in a diner and noticed something that saddened me…it was something that I see more and more often. The man was reading the paper and enjoying some light conversation with the waitresses and the owner. A few minutes later the man’s wife come into the diner. Greetings were exchanged between her and the staff…and it was obvious they were regulars at the diner.
As the wife sat at the booth, across from her husband, I noticed that he didn’t look up from his paper to greet her…not even a hello or good morning. She kept glancing his way…but he never looked up. There was no receptivity or attentiveness on his part. I know I too, have been guilty of overlooking a loved one. How many times has this happened to you where you’ve been the ignorer or the ignored?
We love a number of people in life for many reasons, usually because we are related to them…by blood, marriage, kids, or Christ. But really loving them, whether romantically or platonically means developing real intimacy. Two key elements are willingness to open up and share our core, our everything, and be vulnerable with the other person, and also attentiveness and receptivity to what the other person is communicating to us.
God searches for those who are able to receive His gifts and blessings in full measure…those who truly yearn for and will actively pursue an intimate relationship with Him. Two traits that increase our intimacy with God are receptivity and attentiveness. Receptivity here is opening up our innermost being to be filled with God’s abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing our gaze toward Him; searching for Him in all our moments to receive His communication, instruction, and provision for us. God has done His part...opened Himself up to us through His word, sacrificed His son, and died for us. He is always attentive to our needs, thoughts, and feelings, as well as caring and providing for all our needs. Now it’s our turn.
Today, take time to reflect on the area of your life that you haven’t been receptive to God’s grace, love, forgiveness, or instruction. Why? There is something you are holding onto too tightly, so what would you have to give up to let Him in that area for you to experience change? How would your life be different if you were attentive to all He has to give for that particular area of your life? Again, you must decide. Choose to focus on these two attributes; Receptivity and Attentiveness.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are truly a God who gives, and gives, and gives. When Your Son died on the cross, He held back nothing; he poured out his life like a drink offering. I know that giving is inherent in Your nature; so thank You, Father. I pray that You help me increase my receptivity and attentiveness…knowing that both increases my ability to receive You and have the intimate relationship with You that I desire. I pray in the name of my most attentive Savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
Philippians 2:17
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Mark 10:15
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
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