Stepping Stones: Are You” Super Bowling” Everyday Life?

February 3, 2012

Transformational Thought

Super Bowl Sunday has almost become a national holiday. It’s the most-watched TV show with 111 million viewers, taking in $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, and it’s the biggest betting day of the year. On this day more employees “call-out-sick”, 1 billion wings are eaten, the most pizzas are ordered, and unfortunately, it’s the worst day for domestic violence.

The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event … so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever, and the loser is branded a choker… forever, or until they get back again and win. The commercials, halftime mega-shows, plays, players, and personalities are seared in our minds or become societal icons.

One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife. Can you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.

But you see, life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events … meeting God, getting married, birthing a child, losing a loved one, starting day-1 on the dream job, having an affair, taking grand vacations, learning a child has a disability, starting school, helping a child leave for college, experiencing divorce, getting fired, coping with a natural disaster, 9/11. You get the idea … they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events whose immediate and long term impact are important but smaller. And some other life events rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.

The reality: 99% of life is either a regular season game or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to many of our daily events as if they had the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. To prove it to you, we forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We erroneously feel many things in life are all-important and life-changing.

Patients, both male and female, tell me they have been impacted by one question I’ve asked, namely, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, realistic, and Godly perspective about everyday events.

Today, remember Super Bowl-magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately “Super Bowling” it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior. Life is your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things … this truth, and my faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26

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

Stepping Stones: Wisdom, not Weakness

January 2, 2012

Transformational Thought

What a whirlwind the last 6 weeks from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Day have been. Gifts were exchanged. Many traveled all over. Vacations from school and work were needed and enjoyed. The parties are over. Will Congress approve a holiday to get over the holidays?

Now that the buzz of the holidays is now behind us and the bills are coming in, some of the hurts and psychological wounds are oozing and affecting our functioning. For many, this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the holiday season, maybe many seasons, start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.

Even though we all struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot live life successfully using only our own power does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue, that we’ve developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!

“I can deal with this situation myself…I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites…I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son…he’ll straighten up. I don't want your charity…I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself…I don’t need a therapist for that. Alcohol just helps me relax, I’m not addicted. These pain killers are prescribed, so they are good for me.”

Sound familiar?

It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise, we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people and treatment options.

Unfortunately, being in the behavioral health field, there is no slow season. But the weeks between Halloween and the end of March are incredibly busy. This period right after New Year’s Day, is when many make a courageous life-changing decision to go to residential addiction treatment. This incredible and much needed New Year’s resolution needs help to make it happen. Be wise, ask for help.

Today, if you are struggling with a life-interfering behavior, now is the time to ask God for help, because you can’t grind it on your own. Call our helpline 877.562.2565. We will help you put together a plan to find the best Christian treatment option to help you stop that behavior and transform your life! If you know someone who is struggling, call us or give our number or website www.LighthouseNetwork.org to your loved one. After your friendship with them, this could be the most influential gift you can give. Remember, asking for God’s help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. It will truly change your life, and I know because it changed mine and we get to help hundreds each month do the same! Your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, I have always wanted to feel that on my own I could handle whatever life brings me. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and I ask for Your help with my struggle. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear Your answer when You send it. If the answer involves me going away to treatment, please humble me to accept this gracious and powerful gift. I pray in the name of the One who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12

Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On

Transformational Thought

The Music Man, a famous Broadway musical from the 50’s that was made into a fun movie, is one of my all-time favorites. The setting is River City, Iowa, perfect small town USA, a Garden of Eden. An infamous conman, Harold Hill, rolls into town and fabricates trouble with a capital T, singing a famous song Ya Got Trouble. Then he cons the residents into buying a pricey solution. It’s a great movie to watch with the kids, especially if you have one with a lisp as I did.

In reality, trouble is all around us, especially in today’s society. In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed … which way are you leaning? In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.

What should I do about this relationship? Which job should I seek? How will I make the mortgage payment this month? How can I help my daughter? Should I confront that problem or wait? What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding … or are you going to trust God?

Satan is always playing with our heads. We also wrestle with our own litany of hurts, letdowns, and frustrations from times when we trusted others. All that scar tissue from the past interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again with someone else. The message society tries to drive home is, “You can only rely on and trust yourself.”

Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for your agenda to be met?

If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves you with a love so great that you can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today. If not God, who is worthy and capable of trust in these questions? Certainly not you!

Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
O Almighty God, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. Am I ever really in control of my life anyway? Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Stepping Stones: God Promotes You, Now What?

Transformational Thought

It’s fun watching our girls get excited about babysitting opportunities. Our pride oozes when we hear our friends rave at how mature and skillful our girls are in this new role. You see, authority is being delegated to them, and then they exercise good moral judgment while ruling over the kids they have responsibility for. These are 2 key characteristics God designed in us. They represent broad analogies of His own attributes. First, He promotes us above all creation and delegates authority to us, and second, He gives us morality.

In regards to the first characteristic, He gave Adam and Eve (and therefore all humans) authority over creation. We don’t create out of nothing as God can, but we are creative. We don’t command the nature as He does, but we understand what it is to tame animals, or bring the elements under our authority in metalwork, or in cultivating crops.

As for the second characteristic, God built into us a sense of right and wrong, as well as the responsibility to choose right over wrong. Consider this … we’re the only creatures who understand the concept of shame, because we’re the only creatures who understand what it is to break rules or to do the wrong thing. Birds don’t apologize; cats don’t get embarrassed; dogs don’t have law courts.

God wants you to bring creation under His authority through the exercise of your authority. Your family, your job, and your recreation, just to name a few, are facets of the creation that He has entrusted to your care. You have free will, so these aspects are yours to do with as you decide: either for His glory (which is also to your benefit, satisfaction, and growth), or to ultimate destruction. There is no middle ground.

Every longing of your heart, every desire, or impulse to act, create, manage, control, or fix is actually a reflection of the impulse to exercise the authority He has delegated to you, and to exercise your sense of right and wrong.

Today, when you have impulses submit those regarding authority and morality to Him. That is, exercise self-control over each impulse and then ask, “What Would Jesus Do?” We are not animals that react instinctively. God gave each of us a great mind and a sense of morality to maximize our responses, thus glorifying Him and fulfilling ourselves at the same time. Your decision, so choose well … and you’ll find two things becoming increasingly true: you’ll love Him more AND suffer discomfort a lot less.

Prayer
Holy Father, Mighty God: In You we live, and move, and have our entire being. From You we receive the authority to order our lives as we please: either for our good and Your glory, or for our own glory and pain-filled living. Please have mercy on us, that we may increasingly understand that the best authority is that which is exercised according to Your word, and the best morality is that which resonates with Your will. This we ask, through the sacrifice of Christ, and all God’s children say, – AMEN!

The Truth
“Let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26-28

Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
Genesis 2:15-17

Stepping Stones: God’s Great Puzzle

Transformational Thought

I was blessed to be born into a family of 14 children. After 60 years my brothers and sisters remain my teachers, accountability partners … and my best friends.

When her children where raised and living all across the country, my mother would cherish the times when we could all be together in her home. She prepared meals for days prior to the gatherings. She was in her glory when she took a head count and confirmed all were present.

At one such gathering, I had traveled 800 miles with my four young daughters to be part of this reunion. I noticed on this day that my mother appeared a bit “down”, so I asked her if everything was OK. She reminded me that my brother Jamie wasn’t able to join this gathering. I said flippantly, "What’s the big deal? You've got 13 other children here. Why aren't you satisfied with that?” And then came one of mom’s many treasured lessons.

She said that one missing piece is important because without all the pieces of the puzzle, the picture is incomplete … it ruins the beauty of putting the puzzle on display. She went on, as she always did, to link it to God and his Word.

She explained that like a puzzle, the body of Christ consists of many parts, which together make a complete picture. God has equipped each believer with the particular gifts needed to do what God has called him or her to do. When that person is missing or not following up with their role, an important part of God's plan is missing. The picture is incomplete. Not only does that person miss out on being part of God’s great puzzle, but all the other pieces are affected too and won’t connect as a whole.

Remember, that God has a perfect plan for His body of believers … including you! Like the pieces of a puzzle, each one of us has a specific place, a specific task to do. When every piece is in its God-designed place, the picture is perfect. But when a piece … even one … is missing, the body is incomplete.

Today, take ownership of your place in the puzzle. Are you absent … a piece that dropped off the table? Are some of your edges worn down or jagged … not fitting smoothly into the other pieces? Ask for feedback today from 2 people who are close to you. How can you fit better into God’s puzzle? Your decisions can sabotage God’s perfect fit, so align your decisions with God’s ways. Stop working against God. Working with your God-designed fit will lead to a pleasurable and easier life. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Father God, Thank You, Father, for letting me know that I am an important part of Your Grand puzzle. And thank You, Father, for equipping each member of Christ's body, the church, to do what You have called him or her to do. Help me to be aware and sensitive as You lead me to do my part. And help me encourage others to fulfill what You have called them to do. I ask this in the name of the ultimate picture on the puzzle box, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – Amen!

The Truth
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:4-5

Stepping Stones: “By their fruit you will know them”

Transformational Thought

I suffer from slight claustrophobia. On a recent business flight I got stuck in a middle seat. I’d rather be in a dentist chair than sit in a middle seat on an airplane. And while I haven’t taken my tape measure with me, I am quite sure the airlines take an inch of seat width away from us each year.

While already feeling cramped, this tall gentleman sits in the aisle seat next to me and spreads out … his knee and elbow infringing into my small space. I’m thinking this is going to be a very long flight. I struggle with whether I should confront him about seat etiquette, but as I prayed about it for a moment, and started assessing my options, a much better choice surfaced. Better options do surface when we prayerfully apply self-control to a situation.

I decided to talk with him. He was such a joy to talk with, that I forgot all about being in a middle seat. He was filled with kindness and peace. It’s such a beautiful thing to see God in the face of others. We went back and forth so effortlessly that our flight seemed about 10 minutes long. I never even noticed a hint of physical discomfort even though my physical circumstances were unchanged from my initial assessment.

Our natural inclination to see life from a me-centered perspective in which we constantly need or feel entitled to comfort can lead to a poor, unsettled attitude. That perspective keeps us from opportunities to experience God in ourselves or thru others.

A lot of different religious groups will give you all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. Jesus has one simple answer: "by their fruit you will know them." Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL.

Today, say the holy fruit out loud and ask the Lord to make it true in you. Then take the next step, confess any sin in your life since your last confession. You can even use the “and I confess all my unknown sins and seek to turn from those activities.” Then the Holy Spirit is back on the throne of your heart opening your ears to His voice and guidance. As you follow, this amazing fruit will be yours to taste and enjoy. It will satisfy the desires of your heart. The alternative route, the fruit of the flesh, will rot in your belly and destroy you as well.

Prayer
Father God, Thank You for Your constant presence … thank You for Your answers to my prayers. And thank You, Father, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit I call upon you. Please fill me more with Your Holy Spirit and the all the character You possess. I want to exhibit the qualities of that man You seated next to me on that flight … I want to be like Your child, Jesus, in whose name I pray; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-25

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Psalm 37:4-5

Stepping Stones: From The Inside Out

Transformational Thought

I know when I was at my lowest point … Essex County jail in Newark, NJ, ripped shirt, cut and bloodied face, bruised and battered body, sitting alone in a cold jail cell … I knew something was really messed up. But my focus was on trying to clean up the outer part of my life, trying to be a better decision-maker to improve my external behavior. A funny thing happened as I started this “makeover.” I realized in order to improve the part of me everyone saw, I had to really examine what was going on inside, in my heart first. Far too often, we focus on our outward self, but true transformation only can happen from the inside. Then it ripples outward.

I realized, at the center of my heart, I was worshipping a lot of insignificant items. You see, when you glorify something or worship it, you give it great weight in your life. The root of the Hebrew word for "glorify" carries the idea of "weight" or "heaviness". An object with great mass that weighs a lot, like the sun, causes gravitational forces that in turn causes other, smaller objects to orbit around it.

Ideally, I worship God. He’s bigger than and weighs more than anything else in my life, and He then determines the orbits of everything else around Him. God at the center, not just intellectually, but evidenced by my attitude in life, the words I speak, and my actions.

We can worship many things. The short list: self, need for control, safety, love, acceptance, importance, competence, money, material things ... or nice things like kids, house, spouse, job, ministry … the list is really endless. But all these lead to the same miserable destination.

No matter what trivial item I choose to worship, the weight I give it in my life will shape and determine the orbits of everything else in my life around it, including God. Listen to me closely! Placing God in a position orbiting around anything else is a formula for disaster. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign over all things. His place is at the center and He orders the orbits of everything else in a great way.

Today, when you make your decisions, examine what is at the center of your heart/universe. Start by asking "What is my greatest need right now?" or "What does my life depend on in this situation?" Then take stock of the downside when you are worshipping anything other than God. Please give God the place and weight He deserves. It transformed my life, and will transform yours. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, through this renewed intimacy with You, I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person. Now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You, my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you, Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace, Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I know now that a delay does not mean “no.” I hold your hand Jesus with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parent’s hands as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand, Lord, let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to You, God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always had God at the center of His heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:12-14

Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Personal Gift Card

Transformational Thought

So many times, we make mistakes. Even big sinful ones. Unfortunately, we often let our fleshly me-centered nature and Satan go to town with these sins to cripple, bind, and blind us. The chains are made of guilt, shame, self-pity, lame excuses, blame-shifting, depression, fear, anxiety, isolation, addiction, insecurity, and the list goes on.

In the Holy Bible, when the crowd was about to stone the woman caught in adultery, they asked Jesus; “What do you say we do?” Jesus started to write in the sand and then said, “Anyone here who has never sinned can through the first stone at her.”

The young men look to the old … the old look into their hearts and they are the first to drop their stones. Jesus then asks the woman if anyone has judged her guilty … she says “no one, Lord”. Then Jesus says; “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

How do you think God reacts when you fail? Listen carefully because this is critical: He writes it down … not in the sand or on paper, but on a cross and with Jesus’ blood. His message has three words: “Paid in Full”. He’s given you a prepaid gift card that He paid in full for your penalty. Your response is …. confess your sin and receive His gift.

Hear this. Your personal gift card is not permission to sin … that is a whole different topic. Your gift card is freedom from the condemnation your sin would bring if it weren’t for such a gracious God who is perfectly holy and just, but also perfectly loving and merciful.

Today, redeem your gift card. How? Confession. We don’t use it enough. We sin a bunch, but most only confess, what, once a week … once a day … three times a day? I know I sin more than that, and I bet you do too. Examine your thoughts and actions. When you miss God’s mark, stop and confess missing the mark and celebrate your freedom Christ purchased from the slave market of sin. Your renewed and liberated mind is now freer than ever before to make Godly decisions. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You with a thankful heart, so thankful You sent Your son to pay the price for my sin, and thankful for Your gift of forgiveness. What a comfort to think of the words; “Paid in Full”. Better yet, thanks for the eternal life you offer me, free from sin’s devastation. Help me learn from Your wisdom and apply it to my everyday life. Please help me to not judge others’ hearts. Let me be Your disciple, not a judge. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Focus my eyes on my heart and intentions, and not on those of others. I pray this in the name of the One who paid the ultimate price for my gift card, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-9

Stepping Stones: Closeness, Not Absence, Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Transformational Thought

When we were first married, predicting what my wife would order for dinner, knowing how she would react to a surprise, or guessing how she would handle a hurtful situation were works in progress and nearly impossible to predict. Now I know what my wife will order in different restaurants, the movies she likes, what words hurt or encourage her, and how she will react to different people and situations. She know me the same way, although she still has a false belief that someday I will like the vegetables she makes each night at dinner.

How did we get to know each other’s mind so well? It wasn’t easy, although sometimes it was fun. But it took time. In fact, it was the time we spent together paying attention and listening to each other. We were motivated to know each other’s minds, both to love the other person better as well as to help make life more manageable and enjoyable.

God’s intent for us is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ … to develop the mind of Christ. In order for this to happen, I need to know Christ … really understand who He is and how He thinks. How do you really get to know anybody? You spend time with them and pay attention. Once you see how they think and get to know their perspective, you can really appreciate what they love and why they love it. As you spend more time with Jesus, you can’t help but care for Him more, and start to love the things He loves.

Today try to make time to sit quietly in the presence of your Lord. I know how difficult it is to concentrate, but even the effort will please God and bring you peace. Like any skill, the more you practice, the easier it gets, and the better you get at it.

Today, try taking a few minutes after reading the daily devotional to absorb God’s Word. Spend a few minutes imagining how Christ views your toughest situation today. How will you react to the situation by viewing it the way Jesus would?

Prayer
Dear Father, I am sitting quietly in Your presence, waiting and expecting Your blessings. Help make my mind still, Lord, in the midst of all the confusion. Make my mind still like a pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts You drop into my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, as I consider the challenges this day presents. Help me keep my focus on You … to keep looking to and communicating with You as we walk through this day together. I pray this in the name of the One with the perfect mind, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
1 Peter 4:1

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-17

Stepping Stones: Super Bowl Level Importance

Transformational Thought

100 million viewers, $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, biggest betting day of the year, 1 billion wings eaten, the day most pizzas ordered, and the worst day for domestic violence.

The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event…so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever and the loser is branded a choker…forever. Commercials, mega halftime shows, plays, players and personalities are seared in our mind or become societal icons.

One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife…could you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.

Life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events…getting married, child’s birth, loved one’s passing, first day on the dream job, an affair, grand vacations, kid with a disability, first day of school, child leaves for college, divorce, get fired. You get the idea - they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events and some other life events that rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.

The reality: 99% of life is either an average regular season or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to a lot of our daily events as if they have the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. We forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We feel so many things in life are all-important and life-changing.

One of the questions I ask patients (that they, even females, repeat to me years later saying it really impacted them) is, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, Godly perspective about everyday events.

Today, remember Super Bowl magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Self, is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately Super Bowling it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior.

Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things…this truth, and faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26

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

Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On

Transformational Thought

In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed? Which way are you leaning?

In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.

What should I do about this relationship?...Which job should I seek?...How will I make the mortgage payment this month?...How can I help my daughter?...What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding…or are you going to trust God?

Satan has played with our heads and we have experienced so many hurts, letdowns, and frustrations when trusting others in the past. All that scar tissue interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again to someone other than ourselves.

Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for my agenda to be met?

If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves us with a love so great that we can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today.

Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down what God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction.

Prayer
Father, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. (Am I ever really in control of my life anyway?) Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the one I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Stepping Stones: Wisdom, not Weakness

Transformational Thought

The parties are over. The buzz of the holidays is behind us. For many this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the season (maybe many seasons) start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.

Even though we struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot do it ourselves does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue that we have developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!

“I can deal with this situation myself … I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites … I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son … he will straighten up. I don't want your charity … I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself … I don’t need a therapist for that.”

Sound familiar?

It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people.

Are you dealing with a challenge, a problem that is causing you frustration and stress? Stop and ask for God’s help several times today. Then wait with bold expectation. Sometimes the answer comes that day, but often it takes several days for God to reveal His answer and will. Be patient. Asking for His help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Father, I have always wanted to feel that I could handle whatever life brings me, on my own. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and ask for your help in this situation. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear your answer when You send it. I pray in the name of the one who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12

Stepping Stones: God Promotes You, Now What?

Transformational Thought

It’s fun watching our girls get excited about babysitting opportunities. Even more pride oozes when we hear our friends rave at how mature and skillful our girls are in these new roles. You see, authority is being delegated to them, but they then exercise good moral judgment while ruling over the kids they have responsibility for. These are 2 key characteristics God designed in us. They represent broad analogies of His own attributes. 1st, He promotes us above all creation and delegates authority to us, and 2nd, He gives us morality.

In the first characteristic, He gave Adam and Eve (and therefore all humans) authority over creation. We don’t create out of nothing as God can, but we are creative. We don’t command the nature as He does; but we understand what it is to tame animals, or bring the elements under our authority in making metals, or in cultivating crops.

In the second characteristic, God built into us a sense of right and wrong, as well as the responsibility to choose right over wrong. Consider this…we’re the only creatures who understand the concept of shame, because we’re the only creatures who understand what it is to break rules or to do the wrong thing. Birds don’t apologize; cats don’t get embarrassed; dogs don’t have law courts.

God wants you to bring creation under His authority through the exercise of your authority. Your family, your job, and your recreation, just to name a few…they’re all facets of the creation that He has entrusted to your care. We all have free will, so these aspects are yours to do with as you decide: either for His glory (which is also to your benefit, satisfaction, and growth), or not.

Every longing of your heart, every desire, impulse to act, create, manage, control, or fix is actually a reflection of the impulse to exercise the authority He has delegated to you and to exercise your sense of right and wrong.

Today, when you have impulses in these areas, submit those impulses regarding authority and morality to Him. That is, exercise self-control over each impulse and then ask, “What Would Jesus Do?” We are not animals that just instinctively react, God gave us a great mind and a sense of morality to maximize our responses, thus glorifying Him and fulfilling ourselves at the same time. Your decision, so choose well and you’ll find two things becoming increasingly true: you’ll love Him more AND suffer shame a lot less.

Prayer
Holy Father, Mighty God: In You we live, and move, and have our being. From You we receive the authority to order our lives as we please; either for our good and Your glory, or for our own glory and Your judgment. Please have mercy on us, that we may increasingly understand that the best authority is that which is exercised according to Your word, and the best morality is that which accords with Your will. This we ask, through the sacrifice of Christ, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!

The Truth
“Let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26-28

Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
Genesis 2:15-17

Stepping Stones: Still, Then Renew, My Mind

Transformational Tip

When we were first married, predicting what my wife would order for dinner, knowing how she would react to a surprise, or guessing how she would handle a hurtful situation were virtually impossible. Now I know what my wife will order in different restaurants, the movies she likes, what words hurt or encourage her.

How did we get to know each other’s mind so well? We spent a lot of time together, paid attention and listened to each other, and were motivated to know each other’s minds.

God’s intent for us is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ….develop the mind of Christ. I need to know Christ to really understand who He is and how He thinks. How do you get to know anybody….you spend time with them and pay attention. You see how they think, get to know their perspective, really appreciate what they love.

Try to make time to sit quietly in the presence of your Lord. I know how difficult it is to concentrate, but even the effort will please God and bring you peace. Like any skill, the more you try and practice, the easier it gets.

Today, try taking a few minutes after reading the daily devotional to absorb God’s Word. Spend a few minutes imagining how Christ looks at your biggest situation today.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am sitting quietly in Your presence, waiting and expecting Your blessings. Help make my mind still Lord, in the midst of all the confusion. Make my mind still like a pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts You drop into my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, as I consider the challenges this day presents. Help me keep my focus on You…to keep looking to and communicating with You as I walk through this day together with You. I pray this in the name of the One with the perfect mind, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
1 Peter 4:1

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-17

Stepping Stones: He Prayed For Us Before We Were Even Born

Transformational Tip

Have you ever googled yourself? I google searched myself a couple years ago and I was amazed to read what other people, people who never even met me, actually said about me. Although appalled at some of the random and ridiculous comments, I was also flattered they were reading and reacting to some of my comments in the media.

When someone who never met you actually talks about you, well that is even more empowering. How about if the King of Kings and Lord of Lords talked about you to the ultimate God of the universe? What would that do for your anxiety, depression, loneliness, or self-esteem?

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me while He was on earth? He did, in John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed to God, His Father for all future believers…for us! His key message was that He wanted all future believers to be as, and act as, one...He prayed for our unity, in Him, not outside of Him…to follow His example and modeling for us. We need to pay attention to the message He sent directly to and for us.

The unity of all those who put their faith in Christ, the power and testimony of God's love, acceptance, and the power to transcend our differences....to be a Lighthouse shining God's glory to the rest of the world. Many of you have commented on the benefits of you being part of the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional and your local church community.

Today, follow Jesus’ lead and call…pray for the Stepping Stones community (over 3000 now) and the other ministries and church communities you are involved in. Look at each other through God and Jesus’ lenses, not our own. Have a “Thy kingdom come” menality. It will transform your relationships…with God, and with people.

Prayer
Dear Father, All those reading the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional have come together as believers, unified as one, as a powerful witness to the reality of Your Love. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to be part of something so beautiful and so meaningful. Help us work together, Lord, in humility, and help us refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over dividing and unimportant matters. I know, Lord, that unity amongst this Team can only be achieved by each of us living first in union with You. We come together as one to give You Glory and to witness the fulfillment of Your Word. Knowing Your Son Jesus prayed for me even before I was born, gives me confidence in my struggle to work for Your Kingdom. Help me, through the daily reading of Your Word to purify my heart and mind, point out my sins and confess them to You, renew my relationship with You, and forever guide me back to the right path. I pray this in the name of the One who showed me true submission to You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:21-26

Stepping Stones: Take His Yoke

Transformational Tip
I always thought the idea of being “yoked” was one of those concepts that just didn’t fit in with my way of thinking…that it always seemed inconsistent with God’s message and the teachings of Jesus Christ. But when I read that passage today I had an entirely different perspective. The yoke can symbolize many concepts, especially Him taking some of my burden, but one application really struck me today.

I felt that He must have a purpose in this instruction and I am sure that He does not plan to use me in some mechanistic way. I see the yoke now as a vibrant kinship between me and my God as He lives in and through me. I see now that His yoke is not restrictive, harsh or pressing…rather it is comfortable, gracious and pleasant. He tells us that the yoke is necessary to learn from Him. I am believing more and more, that only He knows what is best for me.

Today, remember that only God knows what is best for you. Listen to and follow His simple instructions offered in the Holy Scripture. Be willing to take His Yoke and experience his inexpressible, glorious Joy. As you submit to this bond of love He will fill your with life and abundance. So identify one area where you are leaning on your instruction book and not His. Today, try His instead.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on being “yoked”.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I like to feel free. I delight in coming to You…but I’m not eager to be yoked. Help me, Father, to remember and believe that only You know what is best for me; even when it involves limitations and restrictions. I long to be filled with Your Life and Joy…so please show me how to take Your yoke on me. I pray in the name of my ultimate Yoke-bearer, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Stepping Stones: He Wants Us to Travel

Transformational Tip
We are born lost, spiritually lost…in a terrible place…the state of insecurity, inadequacy, isolation, overwhelmed. We long to be in a different place…peace, love, joy, security, intimacy. We need to go on a trip. In today’s scripture reading, God tells us that He goes before us. God’s imagery of going before us clearly lets us know that He desires us to go on a journey...with Him as our guide and leader…He calls us by our name.
For our journey, unfortunately, we make some poor choices regarding some important elements. Our map is random, we use the world’s strategy, our destination is me-centered or material, and we demand to be our own guide. Instead, we need to use the Bible as for our map and strategy, God to be our guide, and the mind of Christ as our destination. Our journey is of our mind, heart and Spirit. The pot of gold at the end of the journey – the fruit of the Spirit!
But, the Christian life is a dangerous pilgrimage to the Promised Land…Satan is always lurking. So, we need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit…the power and comfort of prayer…and the protection and counter attack of the armor of God.

Today, imagine yourself standing at a crossroad with two paths before you; one is your current path, the other is the journey your Lord is inviting you to take. Take and intentional step on the next stepping stone on God’s path, listen to His guidance, and resist Satan’s deception. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on “traveling.”

Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for Your gift of going before me. I like to have a map when I travel, to know exactly where I am going…how long it will take me to get there. When I look at the road ahead that You call me to travel with You, all I see is a bend in the road with the road disappearing. Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are my map and guide. Help me to encourage others to following You on this journey. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might be free to travel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, I am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:2-3
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105

Stepping Stones: Change the Channel, Tune to WGOD!

Transformational Tip
When you want to know what is going on in a school system, you go to the authority... the one who's in charge of the programs and devise the policies. You don't go to the third graders, get their reports and take them as the all encompassing views and truths of what is going on. We also don't let them determine the strategies and methods to educate our society. The media is like the third graders in both understanding and authority. The media relentlessly proclaim bad news for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This steady diet of their fare can sicken you. Instead of focusing on their fickle, ever-changing bad-news broadcasts, tune into the living Word - the one who is always the same. He is the authority, all-knowing one we need to pursue for explanations, comfort, and wisdom.
Turn the tube off early tonight and pick up your Bible. Let the Holy Scripture saturate your mind and heart...this will help you walk steadily, step by step along the path of life. Even though you do not know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure He is walking side by side with you and of your ultimate destination.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am full of fear today. I am in the midst of another storm. I turn to Your Word and I find assurance. I pray that the assurance which comes from Your Word soak into my mind and heart until I overflow with Your Joy, not my fleshly fear. I know that peace is Your continual gift to me; thank You Lord. I know that You have designed me to need You moment by moment. It is when I take my eyes off You that fear and anxiety creep into my life. I approach Your throne of grace with confidence and trust and ask for Your peace. AMEN

The Truth
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:2

Stepping Stones: Wisdom: Yours or His?

Transformational Tip
If you look up the word "wisdom", you will find as the first definition that it is having the ability make sensible decisions and judgments. It's been said ,"to live is to choose". And how many times have bad decisions put us in that downward spiral.
Today's scripture reading tells us that to receive God's wisdom (think about that for a moment...God's wisdom) all we have to do is ask...but there's a condition...we must ask in faith.
I know I look back every 5 years or so and say "wow, if only I knew then what I know now..." The problem is, I think I know everything now and what God should allow to happen in my life, but in 5 years, I will again say, "wow, if only I knew then what I know now...." It is always like that. We will never know enough to be the one trusted to call the shots.
So, let's stop facing life's challenges and storms half-witted. Let's ask for and receive from Him who..."gives generously and without finding fault". Why would we want to make decisions with any other wisdom than His. Pretty arrogant isn't it....thinking we know it all, especially knowing our own track record. What wisdom will you rely on in 5 years.....yours or HIS?

Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray to You,
I am learning Lord, that the battles we fight each day are not always fair, but through these battles I trust that You are watching over me and that You have a plan for me and for all of us. I have challenges that are far too great for me to overcome; I thank You Lord for helping me endure these burdens with Your presence and by bringing this Stepping Stones prayer community together.
During times of burdens and trails, I lack wisdom Lord...I don't know what to do, which way to turn...but then I turn to the gift of faith that you have given me...and that faith leads me to believe that I will receive Your wisdom. You tell me in James 1:5-6 that if I lack wisdom all I need to do is to ask You and You will give Your wisdom generously. I am asking Lord, give me Your wisdom this day. I ask with faith and without doubt. I ask that You deliver Your wisdom to all those reading this prayer who come to You in faith.
Father, I pray that through Your grace, each member of this Stepping Stones community get closer to You today and each day. Remind me and all those reading this prayer that we cannot earn God's grace; that it is a gift that is our for the taking. Help us Believe in you, Receive your grace...and then Become who You want us to be to further Your Kingdom. Give all of us Your wisdom and peace, so that we too can be victorious in our battles and trails...and to weather well the storms in our lives. I ask You my Lord and God to align my desires with Your purpose. I ask this through the power of Jesus Christ - Amen

The Truth
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 16:16
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
So you willfind favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:4-6

Stepping Stones: Wisdom During Trials

Transformational Tip
During time of trials and burdens we all lack the wisdom we need. But as a parents who love our kids, we place rules, give chores, have realistic expectations of our children which allow and push them to grow into their potential. Unfortunately, our children see them as trials and burdens. Amazing how we have the same child-like view of God's rules, chores, and expectations for our growth. Turn to God's gift of faith and Word...and through faith and His Word, you will receive His wisdom.

Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray to You,
I am learning Lord that the battles I fight each day are often difficult, but through these battles I trust You Lord that you are watching over me and that you have a plan for me and for all of us. I have challenges that are far too great for me to overcome; I thank You Lord for helping me endure these burdens with Your presence.
During times of burdens and trails, I lack wisdom oh Lord...I don't know what to do, which way to turn...but then I turn to the gift of faith that you have given me...and that faith leads me to believe that I will receive Your wisdom. Your Word tells me in James 1:5-6 that if I lack wisdom all I need to do is to ask You and You will give Your wisdom generously. I am asking Lord, give me Your wisdom this day. I ask with faith and without doubt Father, I pray that through Your grace I will get closer to You today and each day. Remind me that I cannot earn God's grace; that it is a gift that is our for the taking. Help me Believe, Receive...and then Become who You want me to be to further Your Kingdom. Give me all Your wisdom and peace, so that I can be victorious in our battles and trails. I ask You my Lord and God to align my desires with Your purpose. I ask this through the power of Jesus Christ - Amen

The Truth
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge
Exodus 31:3