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 goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Want the Promised Land?
Transformational Thought
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be fulfilled, content, and independent (able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally), and to be Godly decision-makers. To me, that is the Promised Land living Moses described in Deuteronomy 30. We would all admit this is a great goal for our kids. Thankfully, our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for as well.
However, when they were smaller kids (sometimes last week) … and they wanted too stay up late … have ice cream for dinner every night … sleep in all day in the summer … leave their chores for their mom to do … just rush through their homework … really any short cut in life … having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind.
There is no question that it is God’s will to bless you by sanctifying you. His word tells us, “This is the will of God, your sanctification….” The real question: Is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments … enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or enduring the frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, and had faith that they willed something good and desirable for us. So their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent … ever. His will for you is grander and closer to you than you could ever imagine, so make it yours. But you have to submit to His coaching and parenting.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered, “yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Or are you getting in His way, and being your own worst enemy? Align your will with the One who created you and who knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice … don’t act like a child selling out the chance for life’s great rewards in order to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now. WITHIN REACH can help you get out of God’s way and understand how to use His leading.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You … for Jesus making me pure and holy … and freeing me from the death grip of sin. How liberating it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love … see how much You really care for me, and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way as You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be fulfilled, content, and independent (able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally), and to be Godly decision-makers. To me, that is the Promised Land living Moses described in Deuteronomy 30. We would all admit this is a great goal for our kids. Thankfully, our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for as well.
However, when they were smaller kids (sometimes last week) … and they wanted too stay up late … have ice cream for dinner every night … sleep in all day in the summer … leave their chores for their mom to do … just rush through their homework … really any short cut in life … having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind.
There is no question that it is God’s will to bless you by sanctifying you. His word tells us, “This is the will of God, your sanctification….” The real question: Is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments … enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or enduring the frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, and had faith that they willed something good and desirable for us. So their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent … ever. His will for you is grander and closer to you than you could ever imagine, so make it yours. But you have to submit to His coaching and parenting.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered, “yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Or are you getting in His way, and being your own worst enemy? Align your will with the One who created you and who knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice … don’t act like a child selling out the chance for life’s great rewards in order to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now. WITHIN REACH can help you get out of God’s way and understand how to use His leading.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You … for Jesus making me pure and holy … and freeing me from the death grip of sin. How liberating it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love … see how much You really care for me, and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way as You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
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
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Stepping Stones: Dreams: Mystery to Reality
Transformational Tip
As a kid, I had a dream of understanding and helping people with decision-making skills…later learned that was the role of a psychiatrist. I know, not the usual dream most of you had as a kid. My family will tell you I’m “different.” I didn’t know exactly how to make becoming a psychiatrist happen, didn’t even know a doctor…so I watched Newhart and Sidney on MASH. I then put my dream into the hands of others who new reality and the big picture better than I did…teachers, coaches, parents, professors, advisors, mentors. The very nature of dreams is that they are beyond our control…out of our reach. If things are out of our control, then whose control do they fall under? Little did I know, I turned my dream over to God, then listened to His guidance. Bring you dreams into God’s light where they can be gradually transformed into reality. He sparked the “right” dreams, so He will affirm, grow, and fulfill them. Some of our “dreams”…more like nightmares…are not in the plans God has for you. He wants to remove these from your heart…if you let Him. Other dreams He will approve of, and will open doors and encourage you to work prayerfully toward turning those into reality. And some dreams will remain veiled in mystery. He will neither remove them from your heart nor will He show you a pathway to their reality. This will keep you waiting on Him…enjoying the benefits of His presence. When the time is right He will transform your long-held hopes into delightful reality.
Today, evaluate some of your real dreams. How are you turning those over to God for His approval or rejection? Are you listening to His feedback or just moving forward on with the advice of lesser advisors or on your own. The quickest ways to our dreams is God’s way. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts and experiences on turning your dreams over to God.
Prayer
O Dear God, I bring all my dreams before You, Father…for only You can breathe life into them. I wait on You, Lord, to turn my dreams into reality. Many times I get tired of waiting for my dreams to come true. Help me to wait patiently in Your loving presence to do what is impossible for me to do. I pray for discernment…understanding when You are affirming and growing my dream and when false feedback is trying to trick me. Please help me kill those self-serving dreams, the ones that will hurt me, You, and others so much both now and in the future. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5,6
As a kid, I had a dream of understanding and helping people with decision-making skills…later learned that was the role of a psychiatrist. I know, not the usual dream most of you had as a kid. My family will tell you I’m “different.” I didn’t know exactly how to make becoming a psychiatrist happen, didn’t even know a doctor…so I watched Newhart and Sidney on MASH. I then put my dream into the hands of others who new reality and the big picture better than I did…teachers, coaches, parents, professors, advisors, mentors. The very nature of dreams is that they are beyond our control…out of our reach. If things are out of our control, then whose control do they fall under? Little did I know, I turned my dream over to God, then listened to His guidance. Bring you dreams into God’s light where they can be gradually transformed into reality. He sparked the “right” dreams, so He will affirm, grow, and fulfill them. Some of our “dreams”…more like nightmares…are not in the plans God has for you. He wants to remove these from your heart…if you let Him. Other dreams He will approve of, and will open doors and encourage you to work prayerfully toward turning those into reality. And some dreams will remain veiled in mystery. He will neither remove them from your heart nor will He show you a pathway to their reality. This will keep you waiting on Him…enjoying the benefits of His presence. When the time is right He will transform your long-held hopes into delightful reality.
Today, evaluate some of your real dreams. How are you turning those over to God for His approval or rejection? Are you listening to His feedback or just moving forward on with the advice of lesser advisors or on your own. The quickest ways to our dreams is God’s way. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts and experiences on turning your dreams over to God.
Prayer
O Dear God, I bring all my dreams before You, Father…for only You can breathe life into them. I wait on You, Lord, to turn my dreams into reality. Many times I get tired of waiting for my dreams to come true. Help me to wait patiently in Your loving presence to do what is impossible for me to do. I pray for discernment…understanding when You are affirming and growing my dream and when false feedback is trying to trick me. Please help me kill those self-serving dreams, the ones that will hurt me, You, and others so much both now and in the future. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5,6
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Stepping Stones: What's Holding You Back?
Transformational Tip
Goals are powerful. We use goals to motivate us to accomplish tasks we aren’t thrilled about. Money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to go to that job we aren’t thrilled about…seeing someone we are dating on Friday motivates us to get through the work week…admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school… winning in athletics motivates us to practice. In today's scripture offering, Paul is saying that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks to get to the goal are also awesome and enjoyable. The problem, Satan has infiltrated our wiring early in our life to deceive us into believing that the tasks to developing the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, and unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to block our relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ. Remember the faith formula (Believe > Receive >Become) Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our new workshop, helps you understand and identify these obstacles, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits of making good decisions on all 3 spheres, shows what is holding you back, helps you achieve the life that God has, that is just within reach.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back?” Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on what is holding you back?
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people said – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Goals are powerful. We use goals to motivate us to accomplish tasks we aren’t thrilled about. Money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to go to that job we aren’t thrilled about…seeing someone we are dating on Friday motivates us to get through the work week…admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school… winning in athletics motivates us to practice. In today's scripture offering, Paul is saying that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks to get to the goal are also awesome and enjoyable. The problem, Satan has infiltrated our wiring early in our life to deceive us into believing that the tasks to developing the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, and unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to block our relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ. Remember the faith formula (Believe > Receive >Become) Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our new workshop, helps you understand and identify these obstacles, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits of making good decisions on all 3 spheres, shows what is holding you back, helps you achieve the life that God has, that is just within reach.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back?” Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on what is holding you back?
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people said – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Are You Goal Oriented, Too?
Transformational Tip
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. Some are simple, some are complex. Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn't come out of a well thought out process, looking 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 goal has to be the starting point, for my pursuit to be successful.
Before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of trying for a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listening(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 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 Jesus - 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
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. Some are simple, some are complex. Looking back on my life, a lot of my goals didn't come out of a well thought out process, looking 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 goal has to be the starting point, for my pursuit to be successful.
Before going after your next goal (or maybe you are in the midst of trying for a goal) talk with God about it directly through prayer and listening(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 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 Jesus - 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
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Dreams Scare You? They Should!
Transformational Tip
"If your dreams don't scare you, then you aren't really dreaming." This really impacted me when I first heard it as a young teenager in the mid 70's. I was a planner and a plodder, had some potential for a bright future, but always liked to have a game plan. For me to just wing it was a bit difficult at times, but I often admired when my friends weren't so regimented like me.
As I have grown with God, I realized God has an incredible plan for me that is truly unique and beyond my wildest dreams. Combining how God has gifted me, what He gave me a passion for, the experiences He's brought into my life, the education He gave me opportunity to receive, the supports, people, and resources He has positioned in my life produces a blend that is totally different than any one else's. So His plan for me is unique....never happened to anyone before. He wants more for me than I do and has THE perfect role for me.
I need to be able to dream and visualize something that there is no direct precedence and that should scare me a bit, make me nervous, and stretch me. If my dreams don't scare me, then I'm not really dreaming...I am just planning. The downside in planning is I put me in a box and limit me.....but, worse than that is putting the Holy Spirit and God in a box(like keeping the genie in the lamp) and limiting the amazing plans He has for me, because of my lack of vision, readiness, and lack of trust and openness to His plan instead of mine. The biggest loss is the realization that my relationship with God isn't close enough so my understanding of His direction for me is not clear enough to dream what God's perfect and all-powerful will might have for me.
After seeing the Easter miracle and the roles He had for His disciples, don't be afraid to really "dream".... envision how God has prepared you to grow in Him and then be a Lighthouse to the world. It really is OK to be scared or nervous of what you imagine He has for you.....you're probably getting closer to the role He really does have planned to bless you with. Now it's up to you to embrace it and live that life!
Prayer
Dear Perfect Father, thank you so much for all you have brought into my life to get me to this point. I know as the all powerful author of THE story, you have a specific, unique, and perfect role for me to glorify you and impact your kingdom. Give me eyes that see your plan, and a mind that can stretch to be open to your ways and path. Bring me peace when I need to throw away my will and transform me to your ways. Thanks for making us with creativity and imagination and help me use it to fantasize about Spirit driven activities and possibilities and not for sinful fantasies. Lord help those that only plan and don't dream. Show them your power and might so they can take you out of the box and see the life you have then live the life you want for us.
In Jesus' name, AMEN.
The Truth
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Gen 12:1-2
But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock.
I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Sam 17:34-37
And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.
So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."
So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.
And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Luke 19:3-10
"If your dreams don't scare you, then you aren't really dreaming." This really impacted me when I first heard it as a young teenager in the mid 70's. I was a planner and a plodder, had some potential for a bright future, but always liked to have a game plan. For me to just wing it was a bit difficult at times, but I often admired when my friends weren't so regimented like me.
As I have grown with God, I realized God has an incredible plan for me that is truly unique and beyond my wildest dreams. Combining how God has gifted me, what He gave me a passion for, the experiences He's brought into my life, the education He gave me opportunity to receive, the supports, people, and resources He has positioned in my life produces a blend that is totally different than any one else's. So His plan for me is unique....never happened to anyone before. He wants more for me than I do and has THE perfect role for me.
I need to be able to dream and visualize something that there is no direct precedence and that should scare me a bit, make me nervous, and stretch me. If my dreams don't scare me, then I'm not really dreaming...I am just planning. The downside in planning is I put me in a box and limit me.....but, worse than that is putting the Holy Spirit and God in a box(like keeping the genie in the lamp) and limiting the amazing plans He has for me, because of my lack of vision, readiness, and lack of trust and openness to His plan instead of mine. The biggest loss is the realization that my relationship with God isn't close enough so my understanding of His direction for me is not clear enough to dream what God's perfect and all-powerful will might have for me.
After seeing the Easter miracle and the roles He had for His disciples, don't be afraid to really "dream".... envision how God has prepared you to grow in Him and then be a Lighthouse to the world. It really is OK to be scared or nervous of what you imagine He has for you.....you're probably getting closer to the role He really does have planned to bless you with. Now it's up to you to embrace it and live that life!
Prayer
Dear Perfect Father, thank you so much for all you have brought into my life to get me to this point. I know as the all powerful author of THE story, you have a specific, unique, and perfect role for me to glorify you and impact your kingdom. Give me eyes that see your plan, and a mind that can stretch to be open to your ways and path. Bring me peace when I need to throw away my will and transform me to your ways. Thanks for making us with creativity and imagination and help me use it to fantasize about Spirit driven activities and possibilities and not for sinful fantasies. Lord help those that only plan and don't dream. Show them your power and might so they can take you out of the box and see the life you have then live the life you want for us.
In Jesus' name, AMEN.
The Truth
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Gen 12:1-2
But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock.
I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Sam 17:34-37
And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.
So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."
So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.
And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Luke 19:3-10
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