Transformational Thought
We all like goals. Happiness, satisfaction, paying the bills on time, playing with the kids after work, getting my work done so I can watch the ballgame, helping people navigate life better. Some goals are quick and simple and some are a bit more complex.
Looking back on my life, many of my accomplishments didn’t really emerge from a well thought-out strategy or process. In fact, I rarely looked at the whole picture before pursuing my “goals.” My goals as a teen and young adult were usually me-oriented and “fixed” one problem, but ultimately gave birth to new problems. The danger was, once I set a goal, I almost become single-minded in my focus to achieve it. I headed off going about it “my way.” I realized that if I wanted to be successful and enjoy life, I really needed to change my strategy. Evaluating my goals to determine if they were healthy and God-honoring had to be the starting point. The second step was developing a new strategy to achieve these new and other more fulfilling goals.
Sounds easy. But we have so many issues working against us. To start, we are taught to be self-sufficient and to solve our own problems, because “we have all the answers.” Mix in our desire to avoid repeating past mistakes, and our fragility in handling any pain or discomfort. Blend in the fact that life happens so quickly that it is hard to step back and get an overall big-picture assessment and strategy in place. This is the recipe that Satan desires. It leads us to make short term, me-centered goals, accomplished in our own strength, and by way of knee-jerk decisions. Wow, sounds like method a teenager uses. The stark reality is that many of us adults do the same thing, and never grow out of this immature way of setting goals and developing strategies.
Today, before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of pursuing a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer. Listen as He speaks to your spirit, through friends, family, and circumstances. Ask God for discernment to help you decide if that goal is part of His will … for you … right now. If the answer is yes, then you can pursue that goal with even more confidence. And when you reach that goal, thank God for his help and guidance. Rejoice in what He has accomplished in you. But if the answer is no, let the Holy Spirit search you as you journey. Look honestly at who you are inside and what keeps you from accomplishing goals that are Godly.
Prayer
Dear Father, Pursuing goals comes so naturally to me, it’s almost like second nature. I confess that when a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to “go for it” without talking it over with You. I realize now that many of my goals are superficial and have nothing to do with pleasing You or doing Your work. I know, Lord, that when I take time to discuss matters with You, my life becomes so much more satisfying. I pray, Lord, that You help me develop goals that are according to Your will … that You become my captain in all the tasks I undertake to accomplish the goal. Help me grow my humility and accept Your direction, will, and timing. I pray that You shine the light of Your presence on all my goals. I pray in the name of the one modeled the ultimate goal, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
Showing posts with label desires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desires. Show all posts
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Care For You?
Transformational Thought
I saw this message on the sign of an SPCA building, “Neglect is Abuse,” and it struck me just how profound those words are. Of course, the intention was focused on animals … but what about us humans?
Neglect isn’t a word we usually use to describe ourselves, or our society in this day and age, especially in the U.S. In fact, the opposite is usually what we hear, the ‘ME’ generation, self-indulgent … spoiled … immediate gratification … everybody gets a trophy for playing … welfare or handout state … let’s go out of our way for everybody to get attention. But think about it, are we really aware of the true inner needs, struggles, or God-placed longings in our heart? How about you? Are you paying attention and doing something constructive about your own internal needs, struggles, and longings? If you answer honestly, 98% of you will say “No.”
Few perform this honest self-assessment. But when you do assess, do you then go about addressing what you find in the most healthy, fulfilling, and life-giving way? Not self-assessing and not significantly and thoroughly addressing what you find, is self-neglect.
Neglect is prevalent in our society. We neglect ourselves, those we love, those in need … but most importantly, we also neglect our Lord. You see, God is the answer for the struggles that derail us … obstacles that hold us back … wounds that aren’t healed … patterns we struggle to break … emotions that rule us. By neglecting God, we also neglect ourselves and others.
Today, stop and think about areas in your life you are neglecting … pushing under the carpet … avoiding … suppressing … hoping nobody notices. Think about struggles you have identified, but have had trouble correcting or freeing yourself from their burden. Now trade the word abuse for neglect. In the dictionary, neglect is a synonym for abuse. Perhaps this simple word switch will help us to neglect less and start taking care of ourselves in the true sense as God called us to do. Put on the armor of God and specifically attack those strongholds today.
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I come to you with a guilty heart. I have been guilty of neglecting You. Forgive me, Father. I have been guilty of neglecting those I love and that I have a responsibility to care for. Replacing the word abuse for neglect makes it all seem so much worse. I ask Your forgiveness for the abuse of my body. Help me to be aware every day of those who need my care and attention. Also, help those whom I have abused to forgive me. I pray, Lord, that You working through me will end my neglect of others. With a sad heart I also realize now that others have neglected me, so help me forgive them, Lord, as You forgive me. Help them be aware that neglect is abuse. I pray in the name of the one was abused for my ultimate nurturing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
1 Timothy 4:14
Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
Psalm 55:10
Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 'The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.
John 6:35
Neglect isn’t a word we usually use to describe ourselves, or our society in this day and age, especially in the U.S. In fact, the opposite is usually what we hear, the ‘ME’ generation, self-indulgent … spoiled … immediate gratification … everybody gets a trophy for playing … welfare or handout state … let’s go out of our way for everybody to get attention. But think about it, are we really aware of the true inner needs, struggles, or God-placed longings in our heart? How about you? Are you paying attention and doing something constructive about your own internal needs, struggles, and longings? If you answer honestly, 98% of you will say “No.”
Few perform this honest self-assessment. But when you do assess, do you then go about addressing what you find in the most healthy, fulfilling, and life-giving way? Not self-assessing and not significantly and thoroughly addressing what you find, is self-neglect.
Neglect is prevalent in our society. We neglect ourselves, those we love, those in need … but most importantly, we also neglect our Lord. You see, God is the answer for the struggles that derail us … obstacles that hold us back … wounds that aren’t healed … patterns we struggle to break … emotions that rule us. By neglecting God, we also neglect ourselves and others.
Today, stop and think about areas in your life you are neglecting … pushing under the carpet … avoiding … suppressing … hoping nobody notices. Think about struggles you have identified, but have had trouble correcting or freeing yourself from their burden. Now trade the word abuse for neglect. In the dictionary, neglect is a synonym for abuse. Perhaps this simple word switch will help us to neglect less and start taking care of ourselves in the true sense as God called us to do. Put on the armor of God and specifically attack those strongholds today.
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I come to you with a guilty heart. I have been guilty of neglecting You. Forgive me, Father. I have been guilty of neglecting those I love and that I have a responsibility to care for. Replacing the word abuse for neglect makes it all seem so much worse. I ask Your forgiveness for the abuse of my body. Help me to be aware every day of those who need my care and attention. Also, help those whom I have abused to forgive me. I pray, Lord, that You working through me will end my neglect of others. With a sad heart I also realize now that others have neglected me, so help me forgive them, Lord, as You forgive me. Help them be aware that neglect is abuse. I pray in the name of the one was abused for my ultimate nurturing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
1 Timothy 4:14
Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
Psalm 55:10
Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 'The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.
John 6:35
Friday, May 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: Prayer is Power Journaling
Transformational Thought
As a psychiatrist, I often see patients who struggle with fears, wounds, hurts, distortions, unresolved conflicts, and misinterpretations, which profoundly interfere with their ability to live the abundant life Christ’s death made available to us. They also miss out on achieving their God-given potential.
In the beginning of their work with me, the struggles are often very vague and difficult for them to specifically describe and put their finger on. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these struggles which seem unstructured and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful, actually essential for most at the start of their personal transformation process, is journaling. When I ask patients to journal about their area of struggle, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I won’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue,” or “You’ll never have time to read all I write.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to be very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, the logical progression of the issue, and how much simpler the issue really is. As a result of the process, journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about ourselves and our hearts.
Prayer accomplishes the same results (and more) through the same process. As we really think about what to pray for and why, we are verbally journaling with God. God wants us to come to Him in prayer, and one reason is it makes us analyze our situations and ourselves in a meaningful and revealing way.
God’s Holy Bible tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise: His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. How much more incentive do you need to pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer you repeat out of habit. Do some real mental prep and inventory. Even get out a pen and paper and journal about what you pray for and why. Record God’s answers to your prayers. Watch it play out over time. You will learn so much about God, His wisdom, and what to really pray for. Your eyes will be opened to see your real heart and desires. Do they align with God’s? Why or why not?
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And when I bring my requests and petitions, You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that when you say “no” it’s because You’re planning something better for me, not because You are punishing or withholding. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinder my intimacy with You. Help me to better understand what is in my heart and learn to put You in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
As a psychiatrist, I often see patients who struggle with fears, wounds, hurts, distortions, unresolved conflicts, and misinterpretations, which profoundly interfere with their ability to live the abundant life Christ’s death made available to us. They also miss out on achieving their God-given potential.
In the beginning of their work with me, the struggles are often very vague and difficult for them to specifically describe and put their finger on. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these struggles which seem unstructured and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful, actually essential for most at the start of their personal transformation process, is journaling. When I ask patients to journal about their area of struggle, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I won’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue,” or “You’ll never have time to read all I write.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to be very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, the logical progression of the issue, and how much simpler the issue really is. As a result of the process, journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about ourselves and our hearts.
Prayer accomplishes the same results (and more) through the same process. As we really think about what to pray for and why, we are verbally journaling with God. God wants us to come to Him in prayer, and one reason is it makes us analyze our situations and ourselves in a meaningful and revealing way.
God’s Holy Bible tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise: His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. How much more incentive do you need to pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer you repeat out of habit. Do some real mental prep and inventory. Even get out a pen and paper and journal about what you pray for and why. Record God’s answers to your prayers. Watch it play out over time. You will learn so much about God, His wisdom, and what to really pray for. Your eyes will be opened to see your real heart and desires. Do they align with God’s? Why or why not?
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And when I bring my requests and petitions, You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that when you say “no” it’s because You’re planning something better for me, not because You are punishing or withholding. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinder my intimacy with You. Help me to better understand what is in my heart and learn to put You in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Stepping Stones: Do You Chase the Right Goals?
Transformational Thought
We all like goals. Happiness, satisfaction, pay the bills on time, play with the kids after work, get my work done so I can watch the ballgame, help people navigate life better. Some goals are simple and some goals are complex.
Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn’t really emerge from a well thought-out process. Rarely did I look at the whole picture. They were usually me oriented and “fixed” one problem, but led to other problems. The danger is, once I set a goal, I almost become single-minded to achieve it. I head off going about it “my way.” Evaluating my life to determine a healthy and God-honoring goal has to be the starting point if I want to be successful and enjoy life.
We are taught to be self-sufficient and to solve our own problems. Mix that with wanting to avoid past mistakes and their associated pain. Blend that with so many things happening to me quickly that it is hard to step back and get on overall big picture strategy in place. This is the blend Satan desires so we make short term, me-centered goals, that we accomplish based on our own strength, and by way of knee-jerk decisions. Wow, sounds like a teenager. But how many of us, deep inside, really grow out of those kind of goals and strategies.
Today, before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of achieving a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listen (as He speaks to your spirit, through friends and family, and through circumstances). Ask for God’s discernment to help you decide if that goal is according to His will… for you… right now. If the answer is yes, then you pursue that goal with even more confidence. When that goal is reached, thank God for his help and guidance. Rejoice in what He has accomplished in you.
Prayer
Dear Father, Pursuing goals comes so naturally to me, it’s almost like second nature. I confess that when a goal grabs my attention, my instinct is to “go for it” without talking it over with you. I realize now that many of my goals are so superficial and have nothing to do with pleasing You or doing Your work. I know, Lord, that when I take time to discuss matters with You, my life becomes so much more satisfying. I pray, Lord, that You help me develop goals that are according to Your will…that You become my captain in all the tasks I need to accomplish the goal... and grow my humility to accept your direction, will, and timing. I pray that You shine the light of Your presence on all my goals. I pray in the name of the one modeled the ultimate goal, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16
Monday, August 16, 2010
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Care For You?
Transformational Thought
I saw these words on the sign of an SPCA building. “Neglect is Abuse.” And it struck me just how profound those words are. Of course the intention was focused on animals…but what about us humans?
Neglectful isn’t a word we usually use to describe ourselves, people, or our society in this day and age. In fact, the opposite is usually what we hear, the ME generation, self-indulgent…spoiled….immediate gratification…everybody gets a trophy for playing…welfare or socialistic state. But think about it. Are we really paying attention, I mean real attention, to our own inner needs, struggles, or God placed longings?
Few perform this honest self-assessment, but when you assess, do you then go about addressing what you find in the most healthy, fulfilling, and life-giving way. Not self-assessing or then not significantly and thoroughly addressing what you find, is neglect.
Neglect is prevalent in our society. We neglect ourselves, we neglect those we love, we neglect those in need…but most importantly, we neglect our Lord. You see, God is the answer for struggles that derail us…obstacles holding us back….wounds that aren’t healed…patterns we struggle to break….emotions that rule us. By neglecting God, we are going to continue to also neglect ourselves and others.
Today, stop and think about areas in your life you are neglecting…pushing under the carpet…avoiding or suppressing…or hoping nobody notices. Think about struggles you have identified, but have had trouble correcting or freeing yourself from their burden. Now trade the word abuse for neglect. In the dictionary, neglect is a synonym for abuse. Just maybe this simple switching of words will help us to neglect less; to take care of ourselves in the true sense as God called us to do. Put on the armor of God and attack those strongholds specifically today.
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I come to you with a guilty heart. I have been guilty of neglecting You. Forgive me, Father. I have been guilty of neglecting those I love and that I have a responsibility to care for. Replacing the word abuse for neglect makes it all seem so much worse. I ask Your forgiveness for the abuse of my body. Help me this day and forever to be aware of those who need my care and attention. Also, help those who I have abused to forgive me. I pray, Lord, that You working through me will end my neglect of others. I realize now with a sad heart that others too have neglected me, so help me forgive them, Lord, as You forgive me. Help them also be aware that neglect is abuse. I pray in the name of the one was abused for my ultimate nurturing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
1 Timothy 4:14
Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
Psalm 55:10
Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.
John 6:35
Friday, November 13, 2009
Stepping Stones: Relationship or Obedience?
Transformational Tip
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice of the following 2 kids…which would you choose? “Straight A” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, no breaking curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules…but, she didn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and couldn’t wait to leave when she turns 18. “Absent Minded” is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, forgetful, and ill-mannered at times…BUT, she loves you, cares about you, she celebrates when you were happy, and is sad when you hurt, wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you. No brainer, right. Sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in obedience than relationship. Sure He wants both, but if He could only have one, He yearns for our relationship with Him. Just think of the criminal on the cross, who had minimal obedience, but believed in Christ and how God rewarded that eternally.
Today, take a look at how much your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing relationship with our Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so pursuit of relationship far outwieghs obedience, you will be amazed at how obedient to God and His instruction you actually become. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts of Obedience vs. Relationship.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me before I learn how to be obedient. If it was the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice of the following 2 kids…which would you choose? “Straight A” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, no breaking curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules…but, she didn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and couldn’t wait to leave when she turns 18. “Absent Minded” is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, forgetful, and ill-mannered at times…BUT, she loves you, cares about you, she celebrates when you were happy, and is sad when you hurt, wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you. No brainer, right. Sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in obedience than relationship. Sure He wants both, but if He could only have one, He yearns for our relationship with Him. Just think of the criminal on the cross, who had minimal obedience, but believed in Christ and how God rewarded that eternally.
Today, take a look at how much your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing relationship with our Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so pursuit of relationship far outwieghs obedience, you will be amazed at how obedient to God and His instruction you actually become. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts of Obedience vs. Relationship.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me before I learn how to be obedient. If it was the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
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