Transformational Thought
The other day, we were enjoying a time of celebration with some friends and family. While most of the discussion was frivolous, fun, and positive, one of my relatives had many negative and pessimistic comments that impacted some people’s enjoyment of the occasion.
Everybody has a couple of sour apples on their family tree … you know, the ones who are grumpy no matter what the circumstances. Sure, they are cranky and negative when facing adversity or stressful situations. But sometimes they are grumpy even when the situation is neutral or positive, because that is just their view of life.
Why do we get grumpy? One common reason is that situations, people, things, life, aren’t going the way we planned. We feel hurt … we have to accept a different plan or agenda … we are disrupted or become uncomfortable. It’s amazing how we subliminally develop such a sense of entitlement … that an event or our entire day should always go our way … that all our wishes and demands, get granted. How dare God not grant all our wishes and desires?
So when events or circumstances don’t go our way, why do we respond with negativity, nastiness, and grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? Negativity will just push people away and increase their negativity toward you. But sometimes the feeling is so strong, it flows out unfiltered and we don’t realize its impact. We also get attached to our need to immediately feel better, and in some odd, weird way, being grumpy gives us a sense of control, power, and attention. In reality, what we think is a self-protective response is actually a self-destructive response.
Today, if you feel nastiness coming on and you are tempted to grumble, try this: go to God and talk it out. Ask Him to reveal to you why He gave you something different than what you expected or wanted. Get in His word and seek Him. As you open up to Him, He will put His thoughts in Your mind and His song in your heart. The key … open up to Him! Stop being an entitled and self-centered downer in life.
Prayer
Dear Father, I grumble and complain more than I like to admit. There are so many things that tick me off … so many things I want to be different in me, in others, and in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take it out on others who are close to me. I see now that the longer I focus on these things, the more likely I am to grumble. Even when I get control of my spoken words, my thoughts are full of complaints. Help me talk with You about these matters. I thank You, Lord, for listening and caring. Even if You choose not to change my circumstance, my communion with You alone will put Your song in my heart. I pray this in the name of the one who graciously accepted all You brought into His life, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
Showing posts with label entitlement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entitlement. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Stepping Stones: Let Adversity Be Your Tutor
Transformational Thought
When I first started my psychiatric practice, I really struggled with one problem for a while … when patients didn’t show up for their appointments. My mind was stressed as several issues swirled through my head. Were they OK, did they commit suicide, were they in a car accident on their way, I had lost income, would they resent me for having to bill them for a missed appointment, someone who was on my waiting list could have been seen instead and is still in distress.
Who wants problems? Nobody, right? But try thinking about problems differently. An ongoing problem can be like a tutor … a teacher that is always by your side teaching you. Your learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be “teachable”. The bottom line here is whether or not you can trust God to use the “difficulties” in your life for goodness.
If you want to learn all that your God has prepared for you, then you must accept His teaching methods. The more humble you are, the more teachable you are … the more teachable and flexible you are, the more you learn … the more you learn, the better you’ll understand life … the more you understand, the easier life is … the easier life is, the more you’ll glorify God … the more you glorify God, the more peace, contentment, and fulfillment you have as you draw closer to Him and achieve the mind of Christ.
You see, for me, I started looking at why God was allowing cancellations to occur. One major lesson the cancellations taught me – I was a control addict. I needed my agenda to happen my way. When it didn’t, it derailed me. These cancellations were an incredible tutor to me. Now I enjoy cancellations and trust God’s sovereignty, knowing He has something better for me to enjoy or take care of than what I plan during that time slot. He will provide for the safety of the patient and those on the waiting list; He will provide for my finances; and He has plenty of other tasks for me to accomplish in the extra time.
The other cool thing I learned was that God stopped giving me that test so often once I realized what the lesson was and started to “ace” the assignment. This really gave me incentive to dig into other areas of adversity with renewed vigor and insight so I could learn more about God and myself.
Today, remember that God is the potter and you are the clay. How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands? Take inventory. Any recurring problem? Let God tutor you using that adversity. Like it or not, this adversity tutor is relentless, so don’t ignore it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you with embarrassment as I confess that I really don’t like this tutor at all. What I really want is to have my problems taken away before I get stressed, I want to run away from my problems … Haven’t I spent enough time with this teacher? Isn’t there a simpler, less painful way to learn? Father God, I pray to You to help me trust You more … to trust that You intend my problems for something good … to transform me. Beginning today I will try to see my problems as blessings in disguise, stepping stones to my gradual transformation into Your likeness … depending on You, developing Your perspective, and understanding what is really important to You. Help me this day. Empower me to be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory. I pray this in the name of my Perfect Tutor, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
When I first started my psychiatric practice, I really struggled with one problem for a while … when patients didn’t show up for their appointments. My mind was stressed as several issues swirled through my head. Were they OK, did they commit suicide, were they in a car accident on their way, I had lost income, would they resent me for having to bill them for a missed appointment, someone who was on my waiting list could have been seen instead and is still in distress.
Who wants problems? Nobody, right? But try thinking about problems differently. An ongoing problem can be like a tutor … a teacher that is always by your side teaching you. Your learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be “teachable”. The bottom line here is whether or not you can trust God to use the “difficulties” in your life for goodness.
If you want to learn all that your God has prepared for you, then you must accept His teaching methods. The more humble you are, the more teachable you are … the more teachable and flexible you are, the more you learn … the more you learn, the better you’ll understand life … the more you understand, the easier life is … the easier life is, the more you’ll glorify God … the more you glorify God, the more peace, contentment, and fulfillment you have as you draw closer to Him and achieve the mind of Christ.
You see, for me, I started looking at why God was allowing cancellations to occur. One major lesson the cancellations taught me – I was a control addict. I needed my agenda to happen my way. When it didn’t, it derailed me. These cancellations were an incredible tutor to me. Now I enjoy cancellations and trust God’s sovereignty, knowing He has something better for me to enjoy or take care of than what I plan during that time slot. He will provide for the safety of the patient and those on the waiting list; He will provide for my finances; and He has plenty of other tasks for me to accomplish in the extra time.
The other cool thing I learned was that God stopped giving me that test so often once I realized what the lesson was and started to “ace” the assignment. This really gave me incentive to dig into other areas of adversity with renewed vigor and insight so I could learn more about God and myself.
Today, remember that God is the potter and you are the clay. How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands? Take inventory. Any recurring problem? Let God tutor you using that adversity. Like it or not, this adversity tutor is relentless, so don’t ignore it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you with embarrassment as I confess that I really don’t like this tutor at all. What I really want is to have my problems taken away before I get stressed, I want to run away from my problems … Haven’t I spent enough time with this teacher? Isn’t there a simpler, less painful way to learn? Father God, I pray to You to help me trust You more … to trust that You intend my problems for something good … to transform me. Beginning today I will try to see my problems as blessings in disguise, stepping stones to my gradual transformation into Your likeness … depending on You, developing Your perspective, and understanding what is really important to You. Help me this day. Empower me to be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory. I pray this in the name of my Perfect Tutor, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Even in Darkness, Light Dawns
Transformational Thought
How many of us believe, deep down, that we deserve a trouble-free life? And even if we don’t feel we actually deserve it, we certainly desire and feel entitled to that problem-free life anyway. What do we really deserve? The wages of sin is death. Just trying to keep things real and be straight with you.
The consequences of Eve and Adam’s sin resulted from choosing “self” over God, and so they experienced separation from God, shame, pain in child birth (and child-rearing), and toiling in the field. Our own sins bring consequences to ourselves and others. We are constantly paying for our sins. Actually, when we sin, we deserve death.
Everything we get in this life ... breathing, walking, thinking, house, family, heat, food, ability to read or listen to this devotional … is all way more than we deserve. What we receive in life is given totally from God; it is His amazing grace. It’s unbelievable that we feel so entitled … that we feel we deserve all the blessings we get. And on top of that, we actually believe we deserve more than we already get.
Instead of being happy about the 38 cancer-free years we enjoyed, we are bitter, believing we “deserve” better. Instead of being happy about the 8 years we had with our son, we ruminate and believe we are entitled to more time with him when he dies. I know this sounds harsh, but we have to get over our level of entitlement, thinking we are the almighty Oz who knows and sees everything. Just because we had something yesterday, we feel entitled to have it again today (job, finances, college, friendship, health, etc). Jesus tells us clearly in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world, and that we will only find peace in Him. No pain, no gain.
Today, let go of the illusion of the trouble-free life and begin turning your focus toward your Lord during the dark times, for “Even in darkness light dawns.” Show God you trust His prescription and provision for your life more than your own plan. WITHIN REACH will help you deal with the pain that drives your troubled and regrettable behaviors.
Prayer
Dear Father, Please help me give up the belief that I deserve a problem-free life. I remain constantly hungry for solutions for all the difficulties in my life. I know now that this is false hope. You tell me through Your word that in this world I will have trouble. Help me focus my energy on seeking You … the only perfect One … instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world. I know and believe that it is possible to enjoy You and glorify You in the midst of adverse situations and circumstances. In fact, You have taught me that Your light shines most brightly through believers who trust You while they are in the dark. I thank You, Lord, for the Christians you have placed in my life. The kind of trust I see them having in You is clearly supernatural … only possible by Your Spirit living within them. It’s so beautiful and encouraging to see their hearts so steadfast, trusting in You Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who was perfect and really deserved the trouble free-life, but who instead suffered for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:4 and 7
How many of us believe, deep down, that we deserve a trouble-free life? And even if we don’t feel we actually deserve it, we certainly desire and feel entitled to that problem-free life anyway. What do we really deserve? The wages of sin is death. Just trying to keep things real and be straight with you.
The consequences of Eve and Adam’s sin resulted from choosing “self” over God, and so they experienced separation from God, shame, pain in child birth (and child-rearing), and toiling in the field. Our own sins bring consequences to ourselves and others. We are constantly paying for our sins. Actually, when we sin, we deserve death.
Everything we get in this life ... breathing, walking, thinking, house, family, heat, food, ability to read or listen to this devotional … is all way more than we deserve. What we receive in life is given totally from God; it is His amazing grace. It’s unbelievable that we feel so entitled … that we feel we deserve all the blessings we get. And on top of that, we actually believe we deserve more than we already get.
Instead of being happy about the 38 cancer-free years we enjoyed, we are bitter, believing we “deserve” better. Instead of being happy about the 8 years we had with our son, we ruminate and believe we are entitled to more time with him when he dies. I know this sounds harsh, but we have to get over our level of entitlement, thinking we are the almighty Oz who knows and sees everything. Just because we had something yesterday, we feel entitled to have it again today (job, finances, college, friendship, health, etc). Jesus tells us clearly in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world, and that we will only find peace in Him. No pain, no gain.
Today, let go of the illusion of the trouble-free life and begin turning your focus toward your Lord during the dark times, for “Even in darkness light dawns.” Show God you trust His prescription and provision for your life more than your own plan. WITHIN REACH will help you deal with the pain that drives your troubled and regrettable behaviors.
Prayer
Dear Father, Please help me give up the belief that I deserve a problem-free life. I remain constantly hungry for solutions for all the difficulties in my life. I know now that this is false hope. You tell me through Your word that in this world I will have trouble. Help me focus my energy on seeking You … the only perfect One … instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world. I know and believe that it is possible to enjoy You and glorify You in the midst of adverse situations and circumstances. In fact, You have taught me that Your light shines most brightly through believers who trust You while they are in the dark. I thank You, Lord, for the Christians you have placed in my life. The kind of trust I see them having in You is clearly supernatural … only possible by Your Spirit living within them. It’s so beautiful and encouraging to see their hearts so steadfast, trusting in You Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who was perfect and really deserved the trouble free-life, but who instead suffered for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:4 and 7
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: Go For Third
Transformational Thought
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Monday, August 9, 2010
Stepping Stones: Road Closed! How Do You React?
Transformational Thought
This morning, I was driving into Philly for a meeting. I usually don’t go into Philly, but when I do I try to avoid rush hour. An exciting meeting with Cardone, a Christian owned company, convertible top down, voicemail cleared, morning devotions were good, then boom. Road closed!
For someone like me…organized, engineer, planner, methodical…that’s a sign that used to create some immediate stress for me. I needed my agenda, my plan to happen, because who could ever be as smart, organized, prepared as me. Who read situations, apply past experiences and predict and know the future better than me.
Finding a new route was irritating, and making sure I was going to be on time was now a mild concern, but the real issue for me was…I want to be in control of all things and I want events to go my way.
God knows the route ahead of you, and yes, those detours in your day are from God. When He says “Road Closed!” He has a better route to your destination to the “Mind of Christ. You might not think you know, but you really don’t know all the details of your life, the future, and what the rest of the world will do over the next 5 minutes, let alone the next 30 years.
Today, when God closes the road ahead of you, sending you on what you think is a detour; quickly accept this is actually your real path. Examine why you don’t want to accept His path and are still demanding that yours is better. Enjoy and be thankful that He put you on even a better path than the one you were already excited about. This is one of the big decisions in your life each day…do I trust and give thanks for the new path God directs me to or do I get angry and whine that I didn’t get the path I planned or anticipated and prepared for?
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me, Lord, live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. I pray in the name of the One who accepted the most dreadful path for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
For someone like me…organized, engineer, planner, methodical…that’s a sign that used to create some immediate stress for me. I needed my agenda, my plan to happen, because who could ever be as smart, organized, prepared as me. Who read situations, apply past experiences and predict and know the future better than me.
Finding a new route was irritating, and making sure I was going to be on time was now a mild concern, but the real issue for me was…I want to be in control of all things and I want events to go my way.
God knows the route ahead of you, and yes, those detours in your day are from God. When He says “Road Closed!” He has a better route to your destination to the “Mind of Christ. You might not think you know, but you really don’t know all the details of your life, the future, and what the rest of the world will do over the next 5 minutes, let alone the next 30 years.
Today, when God closes the road ahead of you, sending you on what you think is a detour; quickly accept this is actually your real path. Examine why you don’t want to accept His path and are still demanding that yours is better. Enjoy and be thankful that He put you on even a better path than the one you were already excited about. This is one of the big decisions in your life each day…do I trust and give thanks for the new path God directs me to or do I get angry and whine that I didn’t get the path I planned or anticipated and prepared for?
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me, Lord, live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. I pray in the name of the One who accepted the most dreadful path for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Stepping Stones: The Dark Dungeon of Ungratefulness
Transformational Tip
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday. A four-day weekend helps, but it’s the day on which mostly everyone tries to journey home…or to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things exist in our lives…Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…and it’s difficult to be thankful when you feel “entitled” to all things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming we deserve more. Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything. Really, we are all sinners, and the wages for sin is death. Everything more than death…all that we have…is such a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve on a very regular basis. You see, I hate to be a downer, but unless you really know what you really deserve, it is impossible to see how any gifts and unbelievable grace you really have.
Today, when you are feeling thankless, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for and ask for something bigger than you or for someone else. Remember that the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your Thanksgiving thoughts.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You Father in prayer. I ask You Father that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday. A four-day weekend helps, but it’s the day on which mostly everyone tries to journey home…or to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things exist in our lives…Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…and it’s difficult to be thankful when you feel “entitled” to all things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming we deserve more. Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything. Really, we are all sinners, and the wages for sin is death. Everything more than death…all that we have…is such a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve on a very regular basis. You see, I hate to be a downer, but unless you really know what you really deserve, it is impossible to see how any gifts and unbelievable grace you really have.
Today, when you are feeling thankless, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for and ask for something bigger than you or for someone else. Remember that the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your Thanksgiving thoughts.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You Father in prayer. I ask You Father that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Friday, November 20, 2009
Stepping Stones: Please and Thank You
Transformational Tip
There was a hamburger joint that we all loved to visit as kids; the Rainbow Inn. The owner, Oliver, ran the place and was the one who took the orders at the front window. Oliver had an annoying habit; he always made the children say Please and Thank You. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. I always thought it was strange having to say please and thank you for getting stuff I had to actually pay for. In retrospect, it was positive reinforcement for the lessons I was learning at home. Showing me that I am not entitled to anything, am dependent on others for the items I need and want, and should always be thankful for anything I get. We could use some more Olivers in the world to reinforce these principles today.
Our prayers should also include “please” and “thank you”.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, speak clearly and candidly… lay out your concerns. Pour your heart out. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. When your requests come to mind again, continue thanking God for the answers that are on their way. If you keep just repeating your concerns you will live in a state of tension. When you followup your request by thanking Him for how he is already answering your prayer, your mindset becomes much more positive…because you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers keep your focus on Him. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on prayers including please and thank you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You Father for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. I pray in the name of the one whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
There was a hamburger joint that we all loved to visit as kids; the Rainbow Inn. The owner, Oliver, ran the place and was the one who took the orders at the front window. Oliver had an annoying habit; he always made the children say Please and Thank You. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. I always thought it was strange having to say please and thank you for getting stuff I had to actually pay for. In retrospect, it was positive reinforcement for the lessons I was learning at home. Showing me that I am not entitled to anything, am dependent on others for the items I need and want, and should always be thankful for anything I get. We could use some more Olivers in the world to reinforce these principles today.
Our prayers should also include “please” and “thank you”.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, speak clearly and candidly… lay out your concerns. Pour your heart out. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. When your requests come to mind again, continue thanking God for the answers that are on their way. If you keep just repeating your concerns you will live in a state of tension. When you followup your request by thanking Him for how he is already answering your prayer, your mindset becomes much more positive…because you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers keep your focus on Him. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on prayers including please and thank you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You Father for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. I pray in the name of the one whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
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