Transformational Tip
In January 2006, I was privileged and honored to be invited by Dr Zryan, the Minister of Health in Kurdistan, Iraq, to lead the first mental health team (3 of us went, all Christians) into post-Sadam Iraq to train Iraqi healthcare personnel on various issues. Incredible experience! Unfortunately, I saw and heard first hand the suffering and persecution people endured religiously, especially Christians, who wanted to gather, pray, or worship God. Other basics, like heat, electricity, trust, safety, respect, being valued, and getting health care were also scarce. I really appreciated the basics we have here in the US. Today, Memorial Day, is when we remember all those who served so we could enjoy living in the greatest country ever....enjoy freedom in so many areas of life...in Iraq they have minimal vocational choice as the system puts them on a path in elementary or middle school. Most importantly, we have the freedom to choose who our God is. In 1776, this was rare, and why our forefathers left their homes in Europe and why they sacrificed all they had and fought to the death to preserve....Free will to decide for life(eternal life), liberty(freedom from the bondage of sin and death), and the pursuit of happiness(real personal relationship with God).
Take time today to remember the greatest sacrifice for our most important freedom...the greatest soldier, 2000 years ago, paid the ultimate price...leaving His home in heaven, going to a far away land, becoming embedded in the foreign culture, and fighting for not Himself, but for us....Jesus died spiritually freeing us from the bondage of sin and the sentence of death we were destined for without His ultimate sacrifice..
From the Battle Hymn of the Republic:
"With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free;"
Please take time to specially remember and thank God for being your ultimate warrior.
Also, please pray for those are serving and their families....but please continue to pray for those who have served as they struggle with higher levels of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, and family and marital problems worsened by the strain of their service for our comforts.
Enjoy your Holyday.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank you so much for loving me before I even knew You.... even though I spurn You and go my own way, You relentlessly pursue me and still love me. I confess I take much of Your grace and blessings for granted.... especially your love and forgiveness. Help me be more aware of how I hurt you when I stray... keep in my mind everyday, not just today and Easter and Christmas, how you suffered and died for me...a king would die for putsy me...still unbelievable.
Please be with those in the military, who are sacrificing for others' freedom....make Your peace and comfort known to them and bring other Christians into their life to be Your tangible hands of love, compassion, and encouragement. Also be with those who have served and point them to Your Son, the Light to show them the way to Your arms of comfort.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' ultimate and precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:5-9
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: Avoid "Future-Gazing"
Transformational Tip
The wonder and joy of God's is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence.
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she walks forward with her head up. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path... only for her.... to honor her....and for her maximum benefit and enjoyment. Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan...your own personal red carpet specially designed for YOU. The catch is that He reveals it, your life, to you moment by moment. Armed with this understanding allows me to enjoy each moment instead of getting ahead and wishing for or anticipating future moments and neglecting the special "now" moments He designed for me. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn't make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn't easy, because my mind wonders to "Future Gazing" at will. When you find yourself engaging in "Future Gazing", remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is really about self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you, rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior,
What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me Lord how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I "Future Gaze", all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the future will hold for me . Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence.
I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalm 32:10
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?
Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
The wonder and joy of God's is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence.
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she walks forward with her head up. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path... only for her.... to honor her....and for her maximum benefit and enjoyment. Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan...your own personal red carpet specially designed for YOU. The catch is that He reveals it, your life, to you moment by moment. Armed with this understanding allows me to enjoy each moment instead of getting ahead and wishing for or anticipating future moments and neglecting the special "now" moments He designed for me. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn't make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn't easy, because my mind wonders to "Future Gazing" at will. When you find yourself engaging in "Future Gazing", remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is really about self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you, rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior,
What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me Lord how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I "Future Gaze", all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the future will hold for me . Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence.
I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalm 32:10
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?
Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: Receive with Thanksgiving
Transformational Tip
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider. In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns...our "healing"reaction is developing defenses to make sure we don't get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control...making sure we have a plan and not dependent on others plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a different plan than ours. Our choices...1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, because our plan didn't happen, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for us. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want....frustration and angst or thankfulness. It's easier than you think...try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know I'm supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow, I can say them without feeling thankful at all...especially during difficult times. I know my Lord that I am totally dependent on You for everything...even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider. In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns...our "healing"reaction is developing defenses to make sure we don't get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control...making sure we have a plan and not dependent on others plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a different plan than ours. Our choices...1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, because our plan didn't happen, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for us. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want....frustration and angst or thankfulness. It's easier than you think...try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know I'm supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow, I can say them without feeling thankful at all...especially during difficult times. I know my Lord that I am totally dependent on You for everything...even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Friday, May 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Which Child Do You Want
Transformational Tip
Martha is great at completing all her homework on time, gets pretty good grades, does all her chores without whining or being nagged, is respectful and courteous, and follows the house rules. But Martha doesn't like you, isn't interested in you, your opinion is irrelevant and worthless to her, doesn't care what excites or bothers you, isn't interested in cheering you up when you are sad, doesn't want to hang out with you, and when you ask her to go on an errand, she says "No".
Mary isn't so good about her homework assignments, underachieves at school at times, needs reminders to do her chores, is occasionally sassy, and at times violates some house rules. Mary, though, really loves you, cares about you, values you opinion, wisdom, and input, is interested in your life, your heart, what makes you happy or sad....she hurts when you hurt, and celebrates when you are happy. Mary, loves to spend time with you sharing her heart, dreams, ideas, and loves to do any activity with you. When you ask her to go on an errand with you, she says, "Love to, cause I wanted to get your opinions about this new CD I just got but I am not sure about." Which child would you choose? Glorifying and enjoying God should be the highest priority in you life. God would love our obedience and intimate relationship....but if it was one or the other, He chooses relationship. Remember, keeping all the commandments but not having a relationship with God thru Jesus, sentences us to eternal suffering. Messing up the commandments, but receiving Christ's death as atonement for those sins, allows us eternal relationship with God and a place in His kingdom forever.
Maintaining a tidy, structured life should not be your priority. Give up trying to keep everything under control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks and waste your precious energy. Pursue your relationship with Him and the obedience will follow out of gratitude for His amazing grace.
Prayer
I declare to You my Lord that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I confess I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire I have in my heart; to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness.
In Jesus' redeeming name, AMEN
The Truth
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
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 10:38-42
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
John 17:4-5
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar
Psalm 139: 1-2
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
Martha is great at completing all her homework on time, gets pretty good grades, does all her chores without whining or being nagged, is respectful and courteous, and follows the house rules. But Martha doesn't like you, isn't interested in you, your opinion is irrelevant and worthless to her, doesn't care what excites or bothers you, isn't interested in cheering you up when you are sad, doesn't want to hang out with you, and when you ask her to go on an errand, she says "No".
Mary isn't so good about her homework assignments, underachieves at school at times, needs reminders to do her chores, is occasionally sassy, and at times violates some house rules. Mary, though, really loves you, cares about you, values you opinion, wisdom, and input, is interested in your life, your heart, what makes you happy or sad....she hurts when you hurt, and celebrates when you are happy. Mary, loves to spend time with you sharing her heart, dreams, ideas, and loves to do any activity with you. When you ask her to go on an errand with you, she says, "Love to, cause I wanted to get your opinions about this new CD I just got but I am not sure about." Which child would you choose? Glorifying and enjoying God should be the highest priority in you life. God would love our obedience and intimate relationship....but if it was one or the other, He chooses relationship. Remember, keeping all the commandments but not having a relationship with God thru Jesus, sentences us to eternal suffering. Messing up the commandments, but receiving Christ's death as atonement for those sins, allows us eternal relationship with God and a place in His kingdom forever.
Maintaining a tidy, structured life should not be your priority. Give up trying to keep everything under control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks and waste your precious energy. Pursue your relationship with Him and the obedience will follow out of gratitude for His amazing grace.
Prayer
I declare to You my Lord that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I confess I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire I have in my heart; to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness.
In Jesus' redeeming name, AMEN
The Truth
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
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 10:38-42
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
John 17:4-5
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar
Psalm 139: 1-2
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
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Closer Than The Air You Breathe
Transformational Tip
You need never feel lonely again. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel...he is intimately close to you. Reflect back on the worst situations you endured. Imagine if everyday was like those horrific days. They weren't and aren't because He is with us.... protecting and extending mercy. He gave up so much to being a God in heaven to a frail, weak, human baby on Earth.... endured so much trying to teach us, being mocked, ridiculed, tortured, and killed, and enduring extreme pain of separation from His father who He was intimately connected to for a zillion years. He went thru all this just to relate closely with us. Imagine you are a kid again in a dark, spooky house....filled with danger...you are frightened and know and feel totally alone. Then the lights come on and you see the bravest powerful warrior and the most loving protector both on each side of you. Imagine how wonderful, safe, protected, at peace, hopeful, and excited you would feel. Quick, flick on the light in your head, get out of the deceitful darkness and see who really is at you side....now and forever. (see Spiritual Basics link below - Salvation)
Today try and be mindful of the direct connection and distinction between loneliness and lack of awareness of how close God is to you.
Prayer
Dear God,
I come to you to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of your nearness I am not lonely...I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize you I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face...and to know that the only think I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You Lord with my ever-so-human emptiness...fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. In Christ's name, AMEN.
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:16, 26
You need never feel lonely again. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel...he is intimately close to you. Reflect back on the worst situations you endured. Imagine if everyday was like those horrific days. They weren't and aren't because He is with us.... protecting and extending mercy. He gave up so much to being a God in heaven to a frail, weak, human baby on Earth.... endured so much trying to teach us, being mocked, ridiculed, tortured, and killed, and enduring extreme pain of separation from His father who He was intimately connected to for a zillion years. He went thru all this just to relate closely with us. Imagine you are a kid again in a dark, spooky house....filled with danger...you are frightened and know and feel totally alone. Then the lights come on and you see the bravest powerful warrior and the most loving protector both on each side of you. Imagine how wonderful, safe, protected, at peace, hopeful, and excited you would feel. Quick, flick on the light in your head, get out of the deceitful darkness and see who really is at you side....now and forever. (see Spiritual Basics link below - Salvation)
Today try and be mindful of the direct connection and distinction between loneliness and lack of awareness of how close God is to you.
Prayer
Dear God,
I come to you to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of your nearness I am not lonely...I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize you I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face...and to know that the only think I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You Lord with my ever-so-human emptiness...fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. In Christ's name, AMEN.
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:16, 26
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Stepping Stones: Good Thought-Choices Will Keep You Close To God
Transformational Tip
Guard your thought closely. There is a fierce battle waging for your mind. Nothing angers the enemy more than your closeness to Your Lord. Missiles of deception are constantly being launched at your mind. Although it will be a struggle, fix your mind on God and make good thought choice today.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior,
Although I try, many times my thoughts seem totally disconnected with my will. I try to focus my thoughts on you but there are so many distractions. I want, I desperately want to focus my thoughts on You, but it's a contact struggle...I feel like I am always swimming against a strong current. I know there are many things that impact my ability to think clearly; poor sleep, bad eating habits...my health and the health of others that I love...just the worries of the world. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enter my mind and help me with this challenge. I know that making good thought-choice will alow me to enjoy Your refreshing presence more and more.
I pray with confidence in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8
Guard your thought closely. There is a fierce battle waging for your mind. Nothing angers the enemy more than your closeness to Your Lord. Missiles of deception are constantly being launched at your mind. Although it will be a struggle, fix your mind on God and make good thought choice today.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior,
Although I try, many times my thoughts seem totally disconnected with my will. I try to focus my thoughts on you but there are so many distractions. I want, I desperately want to focus my thoughts on You, but it's a contact struggle...I feel like I am always swimming against a strong current. I know there are many things that impact my ability to think clearly; poor sleep, bad eating habits...my health and the health of others that I love...just the worries of the world. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enter my mind and help me with this challenge. I know that making good thought-choice will alow me to enjoy Your refreshing presence more and more.
I pray with confidence in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Stepping Stones: Each Prayer Comes With A Promise
Transformational Tip
God's word tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers our prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise; His peace will guard our heart and mind and will keep Him close to us. You see, going to Him when we are in need, shows us our recognition that He has more power and authority over our circumstances and ourselves than we do. If we are patient and develop our radar for the intangible...the psychological and especially the spiritual world... we will be amazed at His answers to our prayers. Remember, He answers two ways....Yes.... or No, because I have something better for you. Patience and radar to see His love and provision for us. Once we experience and really see this reality of our needs being met, His peace will be abundant and you will be a Lighthouse standing strong in your own storms, but also be a sanctuary and guide to others caught in storms.
So Pray more and watch the results of our powerful and loving Father!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And while I bring my requests and petitions to You, I know that You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that not getting my request answered as I desire does not mean no, rather that You will say yes in a better way.
I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with you. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinders my intimacy with you.
Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may internalize and absorb Your Words in the scripture reading below.
In Jesus' name - 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
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Psalm 69:13
God's word tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers our prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise; His peace will guard our heart and mind and will keep Him close to us. You see, going to Him when we are in need, shows us our recognition that He has more power and authority over our circumstances and ourselves than we do. If we are patient and develop our radar for the intangible...the psychological and especially the spiritual world... we will be amazed at His answers to our prayers. Remember, He answers two ways....Yes.... or No, because I have something better for you. Patience and radar to see His love and provision for us. Once we experience and really see this reality of our needs being met, His peace will be abundant and you will be a Lighthouse standing strong in your own storms, but also be a sanctuary and guide to others caught in storms.
So Pray more and watch the results of our powerful and loving Father!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And while I bring my requests and petitions to You, I know that You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that not getting my request answered as I desire does not mean no, rather that You will say yes in a better way.
I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with you. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinders my intimacy with you.
Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may internalize and absorb Your Words in the scripture reading below.
In Jesus' name - 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
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Psalm 69:13
Monday, May 18, 2009
Stepping Stones: Let Him Wean You
Transformational Tip
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe and then Receive, God, through His Holy Spirit is constantly working to wean you off all other dependencies. Especially as men we are raised to become independent, so becoming dependent on someone goes against our indoctrination and experiences. As women, we have been hurt and let down when we have depended on others to lead and protect, that we guard against total submission and dependence....fearing more letdown and hurt. What we fail to realize is that we are always dependent on someone... if it isn't another, then I am depending on me. Wow, that is when my life fell apart the most...when I relied on my understanding, abilities, power, "love" for me, methods, and willingness to sacrifice for my own growth. A big part of Becoming is letting your security rest in Him alone; not in other things, people or circumstances. He will detox you from you, because you have been a false substitute for HIM.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for all that I have and I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day now this physical world is becoming a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my savior, but I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You.
I don't want to depend on me anymore. I know You have way more input in my life than I realize, so pen my eyes to Your grace when You meet my needs and protect me more clearly, so I can really grow confident in to shift my dependency from me, a hollow limited substitute, to YOU. In Jesus' life sustaining name, AMEN.
The Truth
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully-grown brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:14-17
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Ezekiel 18:30-32
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe and then Receive, God, through His Holy Spirit is constantly working to wean you off all other dependencies. Especially as men we are raised to become independent, so becoming dependent on someone goes against our indoctrination and experiences. As women, we have been hurt and let down when we have depended on others to lead and protect, that we guard against total submission and dependence....fearing more letdown and hurt. What we fail to realize is that we are always dependent on someone... if it isn't another, then I am depending on me. Wow, that is when my life fell apart the most...when I relied on my understanding, abilities, power, "love" for me, methods, and willingness to sacrifice for my own growth. A big part of Becoming is letting your security rest in Him alone; not in other things, people or circumstances. He will detox you from you, because you have been a false substitute for HIM.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for all that I have and I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day now this physical world is becoming a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my savior, but I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You.
I don't want to depend on me anymore. I know You have way more input in my life than I realize, so pen my eyes to Your grace when You meet my needs and protect me more clearly, so I can really grow confident in to shift my dependency from me, a hollow limited substitute, to YOU. In Jesus' life sustaining name, AMEN.
The Truth
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully-grown brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:14-17
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Ezekiel 18:30-32
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Stepping Stones: The World's Idols Leave You Thirsty
Transformational Tip
This world offers more distractions than you can fit into one lifetime. We are thirsty, and at times we don't even realize we are dehydrated. So to quench this thirst we look to the world's idols. Those idols provide some temporary relief...but the thirst remains. Satan's greatest trick is masquerading empty, destructive options as really fulfilling answers to our thirst. We blindly drink expecting relief, which we sometimes get immediate resolution of the discomfort (like drinking saltwater when we are thirsty), but get battered by other immediate, intermediate, and long-term consequences. Try to understand that our deepest desire is for a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. All our other needs are met through relating with Him and following His teachings. His joy and peace is the only way to satisfy your thirst. So hang out with Him today, get to know Him thru prayer(talking and LISTENING) and the Bible. You won't thirst anymore.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so thirsty...my soul is thirsty. At times I confuse this thirst as just being tired or stressed out, so I start searching for relief, or at least for some distractions. I know that all this while you are standing next to me...ready to quench my thirst. My soul thirsts for you Lord. Allow Your gifts of Joy and Peace to enhance my awareness of You, the only one who can ultimately quench my thirst.
I pray this is Jesus' precious name, AMEN.
The Truth
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah
Psalm 143:6
As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:15-17
This world offers more distractions than you can fit into one lifetime. We are thirsty, and at times we don't even realize we are dehydrated. So to quench this thirst we look to the world's idols. Those idols provide some temporary relief...but the thirst remains. Satan's greatest trick is masquerading empty, destructive options as really fulfilling answers to our thirst. We blindly drink expecting relief, which we sometimes get immediate resolution of the discomfort (like drinking saltwater when we are thirsty), but get battered by other immediate, intermediate, and long-term consequences. Try to understand that our deepest desire is for a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. All our other needs are met through relating with Him and following His teachings. His joy and peace is the only way to satisfy your thirst. So hang out with Him today, get to know Him thru prayer(talking and LISTENING) and the Bible. You won't thirst anymore.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so thirsty...my soul is thirsty. At times I confuse this thirst as just being tired or stressed out, so I start searching for relief, or at least for some distractions. I know that all this while you are standing next to me...ready to quench my thirst. My soul thirsts for you Lord. Allow Your gifts of Joy and Peace to enhance my awareness of You, the only one who can ultimately quench my thirst.
I pray this is Jesus' precious name, AMEN.
The Truth
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah
Psalm 143:6
As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:15-17
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Stepping Stones: Is Being Grumpy Working For You?
Transformational Tip
Why do we get grumpy? Usually because situations, people, things, life, aren't going the way we planned. We feel hurt...have to accept a different plan, agenda...are disrupted, uncomfortable. Why respond with negativity, nastiness, grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? When you feel nastiness coming on, when you are tempted to grumble, try this; Try going to God and talking 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!
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, in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take them out on others that 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 but Your song in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray - 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.
Psalm40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
Why do we get grumpy? Usually because situations, people, things, life, aren't going the way we planned. We feel hurt...have to accept a different plan, agenda...are disrupted, uncomfortable. Why respond with negativity, nastiness, grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? When you feel nastiness coming on, when you are tempted to grumble, try this; Try going to God and talking 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!
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, in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take them out on others that 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 but Your song in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray - 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.
Psalm40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
Friday, May 15, 2009
Stepping Stones: Your Personal Tutor
Transformational Tip
Who wants problems? Try thinking about problems differently: An ongoing problem can be like a tutor...a teacher that is always by your side. 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. Be alert to a mentality of entitlement. God actually promises us the opposite when he tells us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world. 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 achieve the mind of Christ.
Remember today that God is the potter and you are the clay.
How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands?
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, 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. I will try beginning today to see my problems as blessings in disguise which are 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 be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory.
I pray in the name of Jesus - 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
Who wants problems? Try thinking about problems differently: An ongoing problem can be like a tutor...a teacher that is always by your side. 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. Be alert to a mentality of entitlement. God actually promises us the opposite when he tells us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world. 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 achieve the mind of Christ.
Remember today that God is the potter and you are the clay.
How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands?
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, 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. I will try beginning today to see my problems as blessings in disguise which are 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 be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory.
I pray in the name of Jesus - 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
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Stepping Stones: You Can't Always See Miracles With Your Eyes
Transformational Tip
In our normal state, we are so dependent on our eyes as our only real radar system in gauging our surroundings. It takes a really intense stimulus to set off our other radar systems....a skunk...a sudden noise....bitter herb....nudge or tap on the arm. When we lose our sight, we are incapacitated. Our radar is out! Over time, we learn to develop our other senses and it's amazing the world that is available as these little used radar systems are recalibrated, sensitized, and cranked up. Believe this; God is at work in many areas of your life long before you can discern or "see" the results. Shut your reliance on your material radar, and start to develop your spiritual radar. Trust Him by waiting patiently, accepting each moment as a gift from Him. When the time is right, when you have learned to tune into the spiritual station, you will see the results of His handiwork...of his Mercy and Grace. Work on your spiritual radar....learn the spiritual truths of the Bible, God's character, His promises, His perspective of you and life. Develop a focus on the eternal. Trusting...believing these to be true...that is how you tune your spiritual radar to the reality of life.
Miracles are not always visible to the eye...but those who live by faith see them clearly and regularly. Living by faith rather than by sight enables you to see and revel in His Glory. The life you yearn for and He has for you is within reach. Tune in and grab it!
Prayer
Dear God and Creator of all things, I want to see Your Glory in myself and in others. I pray that You allow me just a glimpse of Your Glory. Please give me spiritual radar and discerning eyes so I can recognize miracles when I see them. I pray that you reveal more and more of Your Glory-moments to me.
Father God I live in anticipation of living with You in heaven where Your Glory will be a never-ending experience. I look forward to Your radiant perfection. Sadly, I know that this world I live in is deeply fallen. I pray for an increase in my faith so that I can accept and navigate in this world's brokenness yet remain open to seeing Your beautiful miracles. I pray this in faith and by the authority granted me through Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
John 11:40
For we walk by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 38:15
In our normal state, we are so dependent on our eyes as our only real radar system in gauging our surroundings. It takes a really intense stimulus to set off our other radar systems....a skunk...a sudden noise....bitter herb....nudge or tap on the arm. When we lose our sight, we are incapacitated. Our radar is out! Over time, we learn to develop our other senses and it's amazing the world that is available as these little used radar systems are recalibrated, sensitized, and cranked up. Believe this; God is at work in many areas of your life long before you can discern or "see" the results. Shut your reliance on your material radar, and start to develop your spiritual radar. Trust Him by waiting patiently, accepting each moment as a gift from Him. When the time is right, when you have learned to tune into the spiritual station, you will see the results of His handiwork...of his Mercy and Grace. Work on your spiritual radar....learn the spiritual truths of the Bible, God's character, His promises, His perspective of you and life. Develop a focus on the eternal. Trusting...believing these to be true...that is how you tune your spiritual radar to the reality of life.
Miracles are not always visible to the eye...but those who live by faith see them clearly and regularly. Living by faith rather than by sight enables you to see and revel in His Glory. The life you yearn for and He has for you is within reach. Tune in and grab it!
Prayer
Dear God and Creator of all things, I want to see Your Glory in myself and in others. I pray that You allow me just a glimpse of Your Glory. Please give me spiritual radar and discerning eyes so I can recognize miracles when I see them. I pray that you reveal more and more of Your Glory-moments to me.
Father God I live in anticipation of living with You in heaven where Your Glory will be a never-ending experience. I look forward to Your radiant perfection. Sadly, I know that this world I live in is deeply fallen. I pray for an increase in my faith so that I can accept and navigate in this world's brokenness yet remain open to seeing Your beautiful miracles. I pray this in faith and by the authority granted me through Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
John 11:40
For we walk by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 38:15
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stepping Stones: Fight Back Against The Lies
Transformational Tip
Be clear, our battles are not human or physical battles, they are spiritual battles. The evil one is so crafty, so deceptive. One of his favorite deceptions is to intrude into our minds and reduce our confidence in God's unconditional love. Fight back and do not let these lies go unchallenged. Be armed with the truth. Thoroughly know the Christmas and Easter story as there really is no better representation of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for us than that. Who else, other than your parent, and maybe your spouse would do that for you? Better yet, God promises to love us unconditionally and really does back it up ALL the time with action. Who else in your life does that? Put Satan to the test...scrutinize his activity and love for you. Does it come close to God's? Then why do you accept or trust any thing from Satan. He is a great tempter and masquerader. Don't fall for it, because he just laughs at you behind your back while God cries for you and died for you. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you".
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me open my mind and my heart to You today...to open my entire being to receive Your love to the fullest. So many of Your children limp through life starved for Your love because they have not learned the art of receiving You. I know that receiving You is an act of faith: believing that You love me with unlimited, everlasting love. Train my mind Lord to trust You, as I come close to you with confidence.
I know that one of the devils favorite deceptions and intrusions into my mind and thoughts is to undermine my confidence in Your unconditional love. I fight back against these lies today...I do not let them go unchallenged. I resist the devil in Your name and know that he will shrink away from me as I draw closer to Your presence. Give me Your strength today. Envelope me today and always with Your love and peace that passes all human understanding. In Jesus' holy name - AMEN
The Truth
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
Be clear, our battles are not human or physical battles, they are spiritual battles. The evil one is so crafty, so deceptive. One of his favorite deceptions is to intrude into our minds and reduce our confidence in God's unconditional love. Fight back and do not let these lies go unchallenged. Be armed with the truth. Thoroughly know the Christmas and Easter story as there really is no better representation of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for us than that. Who else, other than your parent, and maybe your spouse would do that for you? Better yet, God promises to love us unconditionally and really does back it up ALL the time with action. Who else in your life does that? Put Satan to the test...scrutinize his activity and love for you. Does it come close to God's? Then why do you accept or trust any thing from Satan. He is a great tempter and masquerader. Don't fall for it, because he just laughs at you behind your back while God cries for you and died for you. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you".
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me open my mind and my heart to You today...to open my entire being to receive Your love to the fullest. So many of Your children limp through life starved for Your love because they have not learned the art of receiving You. I know that receiving You is an act of faith: believing that You love me with unlimited, everlasting love. Train my mind Lord to trust You, as I come close to you with confidence.
I know that one of the devils favorite deceptions and intrusions into my mind and thoughts is to undermine my confidence in Your unconditional love. I fight back against these lies today...I do not let them go unchallenged. I resist the devil in Your name and know that he will shrink away from me as I draw closer to Your presence. Give me Your strength today. Envelope me today and always with Your love and peace that passes all human understanding. In Jesus' holy name - AMEN
The Truth
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Stepping Stones: Let God Set The Pace
Transformational Tip
In this hurry-up world it's so difficult to let God set the pace. We want it now. We are in a microwave society....i want all my needs met now, or at least a sign that they will be met pretty soon. Whether it is food, finances, sex, my plan for the day.....waiting without knowing if my "master" plan, "needs", "expert" solutions to take care of me will be executed or if I have to accept someone else's who obviously doesn't know or care about me as much as I do. Wow, so many beliefs of that last statement were such incredible distortions of the truth, but in the moment, I believe them so often, when left to my own understanding, using my old crappy lenses to view life. Slow the merry-go-round of life down, take a closer look at life thru God's lenses. Try accepting that God's timing is perfect timing. Understand that a delay in your requests does not mean no forever...but if no is the answer you do get, understand that God only means "No, because I love you and actually have something better than what you asked for." So instead of getting impatient, frustrated, or wallowing in self-pity about what you didn't get, be excited for the "something better" that God has in store for you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Through this renewed intimacy with you I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person, now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I hold your hand Lord with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents hand as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand, let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to you God. Thank You Lord. I pray in Your Son's name - AMEN
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
In this hurry-up world it's so difficult to let God set the pace. We want it now. We are in a microwave society....i want all my needs met now, or at least a sign that they will be met pretty soon. Whether it is food, finances, sex, my plan for the day.....waiting without knowing if my "master" plan, "needs", "expert" solutions to take care of me will be executed or if I have to accept someone else's who obviously doesn't know or care about me as much as I do. Wow, so many beliefs of that last statement were such incredible distortions of the truth, but in the moment, I believe them so often, when left to my own understanding, using my old crappy lenses to view life. Slow the merry-go-round of life down, take a closer look at life thru God's lenses. Try accepting that God's timing is perfect timing. Understand that a delay in your requests does not mean no forever...but if no is the answer you do get, understand that God only means "No, because I love you and actually have something better than what you asked for." So instead of getting impatient, frustrated, or wallowing in self-pity about what you didn't get, be excited for the "something better" that God has in store for you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Through this renewed intimacy with you I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person, now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I hold your hand Lord with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents hand as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand, let me feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to you God. Thank You Lord. I pray in Your Son's name - AMEN
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Monday, May 11, 2009
Stepping Stones: The Promise of Rest
Transformational Tip
You need a rest, not a nap or more sleep, actually a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering you each day. More sleep or a nap only rests your body. It's not your body that needs rest...it's your soul. How do you find rest for your soul? Jesus tells us; "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Don't fight the experiences and activities. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him. Put your life in His hands today like you put your eternal life in His hands. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!
Prayer
Dear Father I come to you weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today I feel the way ahead of me is steep. I am slowing down Lord so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson and Your peace, Your presence. Light, Life, Joy, Peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You I reach for other things. In this reaching, I at times drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord, I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8
You need a rest, not a nap or more sleep, actually a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering you each day. More sleep or a nap only rests your body. It's not your body that needs rest...it's your soul. How do you find rest for your soul? Jesus tells us; "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Don't fight the experiences and activities. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him. Put your life in His hands today like you put your eternal life in His hands. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!
Prayer
Dear Father I come to you weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today I feel the way ahead of me is steep. I am slowing down Lord so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson and Your peace, Your presence. Light, Life, Joy, Peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You I reach for other things. In this reaching, I at times drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord, I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Stepping Stones: Wisdom: Yours or His?
Transformational Tip
If you look up the word "wisdom", you will find as the first definition that it is having the ability make sensible decisions and judgments. It's been said ,"to live is to choose". And how many times have bad decisions put us in that downward spiral.
Today's scripture reading tells us that to receive God's wisdom (think about that for a moment...God's wisdom) all we have to do is ask...but there's a condition...we must ask in faith.
I know I look back every 5 years or so and say "wow, if only I knew then what I know now..." The problem is, I think I know everything now and what God should allow to happen in my life, but in 5 years, I will again say, "wow, if only I knew then what I know now...." It is always like that. We will never know enough to be the one trusted to call the shots.
So, let's stop facing life's challenges and storms half-witted. Let's ask for and receive from Him who..."gives generously and without finding fault". Why would we want to make decisions with any other wisdom than His. Pretty arrogant isn't it....thinking we know it all, especially knowing our own track record. What wisdom will you rely on in 5 years.....yours or HIS?
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray to You,
I am learning Lord, that the battles we fight each day are not always fair, but through these battles I trust that You are watching over me and that You have a plan for me and for all of us. I have challenges that are far too great for me to overcome; I thank You Lord for helping me endure these burdens with Your presence and by bringing this Stepping Stones prayer community together.
During times of burdens and trails, I lack wisdom Lord...I don't know what to do, which way to turn...but then I turn to the gift of faith that you have given me...and that faith leads me to believe that I will receive Your wisdom. You tell me in James 1:5-6 that if I lack wisdom all I need to do is to ask You and You will give Your wisdom generously. I am asking Lord, give me Your wisdom this day. I ask with faith and without doubt. I ask that You deliver Your wisdom to all those reading this prayer who come to You in faith.
Father, I pray that through Your grace, each member of this Stepping Stones community get closer to You today and each day. Remind me and all those reading this prayer that we cannot earn God's grace; that it is a gift that is our for the taking. Help us Believe in you, Receive your grace...and then Become who You want us to be to further Your Kingdom. Give all of us Your wisdom and peace, so that we too can be victorious in our battles and trails...and to weather well the storms in our lives. I ask You my Lord and God to align my desires with Your purpose. I ask this through the power of Jesus Christ - Amen
The Truth
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 16:16
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
So you willfind favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:4-6
If you look up the word "wisdom", you will find as the first definition that it is having the ability make sensible decisions and judgments. It's been said ,"to live is to choose". And how many times have bad decisions put us in that downward spiral.
Today's scripture reading tells us that to receive God's wisdom (think about that for a moment...God's wisdom) all we have to do is ask...but there's a condition...we must ask in faith.
I know I look back every 5 years or so and say "wow, if only I knew then what I know now..." The problem is, I think I know everything now and what God should allow to happen in my life, but in 5 years, I will again say, "wow, if only I knew then what I know now...." It is always like that. We will never know enough to be the one trusted to call the shots.
So, let's stop facing life's challenges and storms half-witted. Let's ask for and receive from Him who..."gives generously and without finding fault". Why would we want to make decisions with any other wisdom than His. Pretty arrogant isn't it....thinking we know it all, especially knowing our own track record. What wisdom will you rely on in 5 years.....yours or HIS?
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray to You,
I am learning Lord, that the battles we fight each day are not always fair, but through these battles I trust that You are watching over me and that You have a plan for me and for all of us. I have challenges that are far too great for me to overcome; I thank You Lord for helping me endure these burdens with Your presence and by bringing this Stepping Stones prayer community together.
During times of burdens and trails, I lack wisdom Lord...I don't know what to do, which way to turn...but then I turn to the gift of faith that you have given me...and that faith leads me to believe that I will receive Your wisdom. You tell me in James 1:5-6 that if I lack wisdom all I need to do is to ask You and You will give Your wisdom generously. I am asking Lord, give me Your wisdom this day. I ask with faith and without doubt. I ask that You deliver Your wisdom to all those reading this prayer who come to You in faith.
Father, I pray that through Your grace, each member of this Stepping Stones community get closer to You today and each day. Remind me and all those reading this prayer that we cannot earn God's grace; that it is a gift that is our for the taking. Help us Believe in you, Receive your grace...and then Become who You want us to be to further Your Kingdom. Give all of us Your wisdom and peace, so that we too can be victorious in our battles and trails...and to weather well the storms in our lives. I ask You my Lord and God to align my desires with Your purpose. I ask this through the power of Jesus Christ - Amen
The Truth
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 16:16
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
So you willfind favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:4-6
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Stepping Stones: Even In Darkness, Light Dawns
Transformational Tip
How many of us deep down believe we deserve a trouble-free life? And even if we don't feel we deserve, we certainly desire that problem-free life. What do we really deserve? The wages of sin is death. From the first sin of Eve and Adam, with the consequences of separation from God, shame, pain in childbirth (and childrearing) and toiling in the field, to the consequences of our own sin, we deserve death. Everything we get....breathing, walking, thinking, house, family, heat, food....is all way more than we deserve and is total grace from God. Amazing how we get so entitled and believe we deserve all we get.... actually deserve even more. Instead of being happy about the 8 years we had with our son, we ruminate and believe we were entitled to more time with him when he dies. Just because we had something (good things or the lack of bad things) yesterday, we feel entitled to have it again today. 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.
So 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..." and show God you trust His prescription and provision for your life more than your own plan.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Please help me give up the belief that I deserve a problem-free life. I remain constantly hungry for the solutions for all difficulties in my life. I know now that this is false hope, for You tell me through Your word that in this world I will have trouble. Instead of me seeking perfection in this fallen world, help me focus my energy on seeking You...the only perfect One.
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 in Jesus' name - 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 deep down believe we deserve a trouble-free life? And even if we don't feel we deserve, we certainly desire that problem-free life. What do we really deserve? The wages of sin is death. From the first sin of Eve and Adam, with the consequences of separation from God, shame, pain in childbirth (and childrearing) and toiling in the field, to the consequences of our own sin, we deserve death. Everything we get....breathing, walking, thinking, house, family, heat, food....is all way more than we deserve and is total grace from God. Amazing how we get so entitled and believe we deserve all we get.... actually deserve even more. Instead of being happy about the 8 years we had with our son, we ruminate and believe we were entitled to more time with him when he dies. Just because we had something (good things or the lack of bad things) yesterday, we feel entitled to have it again today. 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.
So 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..." and show God you trust His prescription and provision for your life more than your own plan.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Please help me give up the belief that I deserve a problem-free life. I remain constantly hungry for the solutions for all difficulties in my life. I know now that this is false hope, for You tell me through Your word that in this world I will have trouble. Instead of me seeking perfection in this fallen world, help me focus my energy on seeking You...the only perfect One.
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 in Jesus' name - 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
Friday, May 8, 2009
Stepping Stones: How Important Is Faith?
Transformational Tip
There are simple truths that just jump out of the bible and grab us. Hebrews 11:16 contains one of those "ah ha" truths; Without faith, it is impossible to please God. It all begins with faith. Behavioral faith, not just intellectual faith, really shows we truly believe God is who He says He is, does what He says He does, and knows all He says He knows. Faith tells God we are willing to put our life, needs, fate in His hands and willing to let Him be in control instead of us. God loves this as any parent would. When we are truly able to have behavioral faith, we admit our weakness, see His strength, and start getting out of His way so He can do amazing transformational work in our life!!!!
Take a chance. Today, do one thing differently...the way you know you should do it even though you haven't in the past. Watch God lead you into freedom.
Remember the simple formula of Christian life:
Believe > Receive > Become
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know my increased faith and belief in You is pleasing to You, for You tell us in scripture that without faith it is impossible to please You. I pray that all those reading and praying the Stepping Stones Devotionals are becoming a more pleasing people to You. I know that believing that You exist is only the beginning; I know You want a personal, dynamic, life-transforming relationship with me and the entire Stepping Stones community. I know those of us who "earnestly seek You" will be rewarded with Your intimate presence. Thank You my Lord. I place all hope in You Lord. I pray that You restore me to full health of body, mind and spirit.
I pray in Jesus precious name - AMEN
The Truth
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, he I will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2
that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God
1 Corinthians 2:5
There are simple truths that just jump out of the bible and grab us. Hebrews 11:16 contains one of those "ah ha" truths; Without faith, it is impossible to please God. It all begins with faith. Behavioral faith, not just intellectual faith, really shows we truly believe God is who He says He is, does what He says He does, and knows all He says He knows. Faith tells God we are willing to put our life, needs, fate in His hands and willing to let Him be in control instead of us. God loves this as any parent would. When we are truly able to have behavioral faith, we admit our weakness, see His strength, and start getting out of His way so He can do amazing transformational work in our life!!!!
Take a chance. Today, do one thing differently...the way you know you should do it even though you haven't in the past. Watch God lead you into freedom.
Remember the simple formula of Christian life:
Believe > Receive > Become
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know my increased faith and belief in You is pleasing to You, for You tell us in scripture that without faith it is impossible to please You. I pray that all those reading and praying the Stepping Stones Devotionals are becoming a more pleasing people to You. I know that believing that You exist is only the beginning; I know You want a personal, dynamic, life-transforming relationship with me and the entire Stepping Stones community. I know those of us who "earnestly seek You" will be rewarded with Your intimate presence. Thank You my Lord. I place all hope in You Lord. I pray that You restore me to full health of body, mind and spirit.
I pray in Jesus precious name - AMEN
The Truth
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, he I will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2
that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God
1 Corinthians 2:5
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Stepping Stones: Live in "Day-Tight" Compartments
Transformational Tip
How much time and energy do you spend fretting and worry about thing of tomorrow?, next week?...next year? What if you could lay the blueprint of your life right now? Figure you'd love this option and your life would be set, right? Why then is the divorce rate 40%.....the lemon law necessary.....so many returns after Christmas....so many transfer colleges....or switch majors....or change jobs. All these are where we select what we want. We have almost no control of the future, even less knowledge of what's to come, and limited idea of what we really need to grow.
Try to live one day at a time, try to live in "day-tight" compartments. Take what God brings you today and be great with it because it is the perfect gift for you from the perfect gift giver. You don't need to return it...you can't!!! Don't let tomorrow's concerns seep into today. Today is all we can truly need, now.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for all your blessings. I pray that You help me learn to accept the limitations of living one day at a time, trusting You with all my heart. Teach me Lord to release all worry and problems into Your care. Doing this brings to my life such a beautiful simplicity. I release myself and all my loved ones into Your care my Lord. I pray You will bring Your healing grace to in my life and into the lives of those I love who suffer from sickness, fear and wariness.
I pray to You my God to help me live a life close to You. Contrary to how the world thinks of You, a life lived closed to You is not complicated or cluttered. When I focus on Your presence within me, all things that once troubled me lose their power over me...and life takes on a beautiful simplicity. The world around me is messy and very confusing, but I remember that You have already overcome this world. You have told me these things through Your Word so that I may have peace.
I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
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
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
How much time and energy do you spend fretting and worry about thing of tomorrow?, next week?...next year? What if you could lay the blueprint of your life right now? Figure you'd love this option and your life would be set, right? Why then is the divorce rate 40%.....the lemon law necessary.....so many returns after Christmas....so many transfer colleges....or switch majors....or change jobs. All these are where we select what we want. We have almost no control of the future, even less knowledge of what's to come, and limited idea of what we really need to grow.
Try to live one day at a time, try to live in "day-tight" compartments. Take what God brings you today and be great with it because it is the perfect gift for you from the perfect gift giver. You don't need to return it...you can't!!! Don't let tomorrow's concerns seep into today. Today is all we can truly need, now.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for all your blessings. I pray that You help me learn to accept the limitations of living one day at a time, trusting You with all my heart. Teach me Lord to release all worry and problems into Your care. Doing this brings to my life such a beautiful simplicity. I release myself and all my loved ones into Your care my Lord. I pray You will bring Your healing grace to in my life and into the lives of those I love who suffer from sickness, fear and wariness.
I pray to You my God to help me live a life close to You. Contrary to how the world thinks of You, a life lived closed to You is not complicated or cluttered. When I focus on Your presence within me, all things that once troubled me lose their power over me...and life takes on a beautiful simplicity. The world around me is messy and very confusing, but I remember that You have already overcome this world. You have told me these things through Your Word so that I may have peace.
I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
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
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Stepping Stones: Listen for His "Still, Small" Voice
Transformational Tip
God's Word tells us that He does speak to us. If we are not hearing it's because we are not listening. When Adam and Eve were in the garden, I believe they had amazing spiritual radar and hi spiritual IQ, very sensitive to the spiritual world and in tune to spiritual needs..... and minimal sensitivity, awareness, and need for the physical. Awesome spiritual communion with God. Sin flipped everything around resulting in dulled spiritual radar and IQ and a heightened awareness, need, and sensitivity to the physical world. They knew they were naked, ran from God, experienced physical pain.
Look at yourself....sex, food, hunger, sleep, physical pain, working out, pursuing that adrenaline rush....amazing to how needy, sensitive, aware we are when these things "call" us. How is your spiritual radar and IQ? You can improve them but it takes effort and intentionality. Start with listening to God. He is always speaking to you, directly, through your circumstances, and through others.
Try and make room...make time each day to sit quietly in His presence. Do not be hurried, for this hurriedness tunes your radar to the physical and closes ones heart.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am waiting here quietly in Your presence.
Your thoughts are forming silently in the depths of my being. I do not rush this process, I have learned that hurrying keeps my heart closed and stuck to earthly things.
You are the Creator of all things, You are the King of the universe...yet You choose to make Your home in my broken, humiliated, but humbled heart. It is there where You speak to me in holy whispers. I pray Lord that Your Holy Spirit will quiet my mind so that I can hear Your still, small voice within me. I know You are in my heart, my God. Speak to me continually as I pray to You. Speak to me words of healing, life, peace, love. Tune my heart to receive theses message of abundant blessings and wisdom. I lay my request for forgiveness for my sins. I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice...
1 Kings 19:12
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Psalm 5:3-4
For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Matthew 13:15-17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17
God's Word tells us that He does speak to us. If we are not hearing it's because we are not listening. When Adam and Eve were in the garden, I believe they had amazing spiritual radar and hi spiritual IQ, very sensitive to the spiritual world and in tune to spiritual needs..... and minimal sensitivity, awareness, and need for the physical. Awesome spiritual communion with God. Sin flipped everything around resulting in dulled spiritual radar and IQ and a heightened awareness, need, and sensitivity to the physical world. They knew they were naked, ran from God, experienced physical pain.
Look at yourself....sex, food, hunger, sleep, physical pain, working out, pursuing that adrenaline rush....amazing to how needy, sensitive, aware we are when these things "call" us. How is your spiritual radar and IQ? You can improve them but it takes effort and intentionality. Start with listening to God. He is always speaking to you, directly, through your circumstances, and through others.
Try and make room...make time each day to sit quietly in His presence. Do not be hurried, for this hurriedness tunes your radar to the physical and closes ones heart.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am waiting here quietly in Your presence.
Your thoughts are forming silently in the depths of my being. I do not rush this process, I have learned that hurrying keeps my heart closed and stuck to earthly things.
You are the Creator of all things, You are the King of the universe...yet You choose to make Your home in my broken, humiliated, but humbled heart. It is there where You speak to me in holy whispers. I pray Lord that Your Holy Spirit will quiet my mind so that I can hear Your still, small voice within me. I know You are in my heart, my God. Speak to me continually as I pray to You. Speak to me words of healing, life, peace, love. Tune my heart to receive theses message of abundant blessings and wisdom. I lay my request for forgiveness for my sins. I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice...
1 Kings 19:12
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Psalm 5:3-4
For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Matthew 13:15-17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Stepping Stones: Prevenient Grace
Transformational Tip
Did you know the work of God is present in our lives "before" we are even aware of it? He is with us from conception to conversion.
The word prevenient means, "to come before". Think about this for a moment; God is there waiting for us in anticipation of the loving relationship he desires. God pursues this relationship...he "courts" us through love and grace. It's unassuming...never forced. He is there wooing us, hoping we accept his offer. We were created to have this beautiful romance with God. And without it we will forever feel emptiness..... then we turn to ungodly substitutes. What are you turning to to meet your needs.... soothe you.... bring you comfort...help you escape your troubles. Anything other than God, or what He provides, is a dangerous counterfeit.
The Lord is seeking you. Are you ready to receive the love and gifts He offers?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You with a humble yet thankful heart. It's always so amazing to me to know that in spite of my wrong choices, Your love and grace continue to flow to me. What an awesome thought; You have been there waiting for me even before I was born. Waiting with Your ever-present offer of a personal romance with me. I thank You for the love You give me.
My Lord and God, please help me seek You as you seek me. I know now that my acceptance of You changes everything. You have said yes to me at creation and yes again at the cross when You sent Your only Son to die for my sins. I say yes to You Lord. I say yes to the greatest gift anyone could imagine.
I pray this surrounded by Your grace and mercy and through Your Son Jesus Chris. AMEN
The Truth
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Did you know the work of God is present in our lives "before" we are even aware of it? He is with us from conception to conversion.
The word prevenient means, "to come before". Think about this for a moment; God is there waiting for us in anticipation of the loving relationship he desires. God pursues this relationship...he "courts" us through love and grace. It's unassuming...never forced. He is there wooing us, hoping we accept his offer. We were created to have this beautiful romance with God. And without it we will forever feel emptiness..... then we turn to ungodly substitutes. What are you turning to to meet your needs.... soothe you.... bring you comfort...help you escape your troubles. Anything other than God, or what He provides, is a dangerous counterfeit.
The Lord is seeking you. Are you ready to receive the love and gifts He offers?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You with a humble yet thankful heart. It's always so amazing to me to know that in spite of my wrong choices, Your love and grace continue to flow to me. What an awesome thought; You have been there waiting for me even before I was born. Waiting with Your ever-present offer of a personal romance with me. I thank You for the love You give me.
My Lord and God, please help me seek You as you seek me. I know now that my acceptance of You changes everything. You have said yes to me at creation and yes again at the cross when You sent Your only Son to die for my sins. I say yes to You Lord. I say yes to the greatest gift anyone could imagine.
I pray this surrounded by Your grace and mercy and through Your Son Jesus Chris. AMEN
The Truth
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Monday, May 4, 2009
Stepping Stones: The Story Doesn't End There
Transformational Tip
What if you were a murder, rapist, thief, child molester.....terrible, sinful things. Then you were caught and found guilty. Sentence pronounced - DEATH. Just as they are getting the lethal injection ready, the warden runs in to stop everything and lets you know the wonderful news. The penalty for your crime is death. A perfect person, who owed no penalty, has voluntarily taken your place and will be executed for you. You are free to go as your penalty is Paid in Full (the first blessing). What a great day, but if that was the end of the story, it wouldn't be that great. Who really wants to date, befriend, hire, hangout with, marry, a convicted murderer, rapist, thief, child molester. The second blessing is that the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Almighty creator of everything wants to date you, marry you, hang out, trusts you with His kids, possessions, and really loves and wants to get to know you regardless of our sins, past, present, and future.
Today, try to see you the way God sees you. Now look at God with the gratitude and love that He extends to you (if we could even muster 1/10 the love He gives us - wow). Rejoice in His second blessing.
Prayer
Dear gracious and Merciful Father,
I confess my sinful ways before you and thank you for your forgiveness. Thanks for not giving up on me and for your relentless pursuit of me, especially when I stray way off course. Thanks for the nudging you give me to get back on track, even though at times I see it as adversity, I now realize, you were trying to catch my attention and get me back on the right path toward true peace, freedom, and contentment in your ways and arms.
Please help me be a grateful prodigal son and not be resentful of other prodigals that you also forgive. In Jesus' blessed name, AMEN.
The Truth
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bringout the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Luke 15:10-24
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord,remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42:5-7
What if you were a murder, rapist, thief, child molester.....terrible, sinful things. Then you were caught and found guilty. Sentence pronounced - DEATH. Just as they are getting the lethal injection ready, the warden runs in to stop everything and lets you know the wonderful news. The penalty for your crime is death. A perfect person, who owed no penalty, has voluntarily taken your place and will be executed for you. You are free to go as your penalty is Paid in Full (the first blessing). What a great day, but if that was the end of the story, it wouldn't be that great. Who really wants to date, befriend, hire, hangout with, marry, a convicted murderer, rapist, thief, child molester. The second blessing is that the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Almighty creator of everything wants to date you, marry you, hang out, trusts you with His kids, possessions, and really loves and wants to get to know you regardless of our sins, past, present, and future.
Today, try to see you the way God sees you. Now look at God with the gratitude and love that He extends to you (if we could even muster 1/10 the love He gives us - wow). Rejoice in His second blessing.
Prayer
Dear gracious and Merciful Father,
I confess my sinful ways before you and thank you for your forgiveness. Thanks for not giving up on me and for your relentless pursuit of me, especially when I stray way off course. Thanks for the nudging you give me to get back on track, even though at times I see it as adversity, I now realize, you were trying to catch my attention and get me back on the right path toward true peace, freedom, and contentment in your ways and arms.
Please help me be a grateful prodigal son and not be resentful of other prodigals that you also forgive. In Jesus' blessed name, AMEN.
The Truth
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bringout the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Luke 15:10-24
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord,remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42:5-7
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Stepping Stones: Your Personal Gift Card
Transformational Tip
When the crowd was about to stone the woman caught in adultery, they asked Jesus; "What do you say we do?" Jesus started to write in the sand and then says; "Anyone here who has never sinned can through the first stone at her"
The young men look to the old...the old look into their hearts and they are the first to drop their stones. Jesus then asks the women if anyone has judged her guilty...she say "no one, Lord".
Then Jesus says; "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
How do you think God reacts when you fail? Listen carefully; he writes it down. Not in the sand or on paper, but on a cross. His message has three words: "Paid in Full". He's given you a prepaid gift card and He paid in full for your penalty. Your response is.... confess your sin and receive His gift. Celebrate your freedom Christ purchased from the slave market of sin. Your renewed mind is freer to make different decisions than before.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you with a thankful heart, so thankful you sent your son to pay the price for my sin, and thankful for your gift of forgiveness. What a comfort to think of the words; "Paid in Full". Better yet, thanks for the eternal life free from sins devastation you offer me. Help me learn from and apply your wisdom to my everyday life. Please help me to not judge others hearts, let me be Your disciple, not a judge. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Focus my eyes on my heart and intents, and not those of others. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-8
When the crowd was about to stone the woman caught in adultery, they asked Jesus; "What do you say we do?" Jesus started to write in the sand and then says; "Anyone here who has never sinned can through the first stone at her"
The young men look to the old...the old look into their hearts and they are the first to drop their stones. Jesus then asks the women if anyone has judged her guilty...she say "no one, Lord".
Then Jesus says; "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
How do you think God reacts when you fail? Listen carefully; he writes it down. Not in the sand or on paper, but on a cross. His message has three words: "Paid in Full". He's given you a prepaid gift card and He paid in full for your penalty. Your response is.... confess your sin and receive His gift. Celebrate your freedom Christ purchased from the slave market of sin. Your renewed mind is freer to make different decisions than before.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you with a thankful heart, so thankful you sent your son to pay the price for my sin, and thankful for your gift of forgiveness. What a comfort to think of the words; "Paid in Full". Better yet, thanks for the eternal life free from sins devastation you offer me. Help me learn from and apply your wisdom to my everyday life. Please help me to not judge others hearts, let me be Your disciple, not a judge. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Focus my eyes on my heart and intents, and not those of others. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-8
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Yours Is The Hand He Loves To Hold
Transformational Tip
How foolish, how fruitless it is when we spend our time spinning wheels trying to fix things that are out of our control. We tend to look outside and ignore what's going on inside us. The only control we can exert is to affect our inside, our mind and heart. We need to develop spiritual radar for what is going on and not just physical and emotional radar. Instead of worrying about what is going on around us, try spending some of that mind space and time communicating with God to identify and work on what is going on inside us. Just take a few seconds many times during your day to simply thank God in all circumstances. Take small breaks to confess your sins small and large. You will soon find that this frequent communication gives you peace and strength and develops a spiritual radar. Imagine each time you stop to pray you are reaching your hand through the masses toward God. When your hand reaches through, He knows.....yours is the hand He loves to hold.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I pray that You help me remember that my goal should not be to control and fix everything around me...rather let my goal be to continuously commune with You. Help me remember that a successful day is when I have stayed in touch with You and give You thanks in all circumstances...even if many things remain undone by the end of that day. Help me confess my sins often each day, continually opening the pathway to receive Your Spirit and grace. I pray that Your Spirit guide me through my day...moment by moment.
In Jesus' redeeming and forgiving name, AMEN
The Truth
pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Phillipians 4:6-9
How foolish, how fruitless it is when we spend our time spinning wheels trying to fix things that are out of our control. We tend to look outside and ignore what's going on inside us. The only control we can exert is to affect our inside, our mind and heart. We need to develop spiritual radar for what is going on and not just physical and emotional radar. Instead of worrying about what is going on around us, try spending some of that mind space and time communicating with God to identify and work on what is going on inside us. Just take a few seconds many times during your day to simply thank God in all circumstances. Take small breaks to confess your sins small and large. You will soon find that this frequent communication gives you peace and strength and develops a spiritual radar. Imagine each time you stop to pray you are reaching your hand through the masses toward God. When your hand reaches through, He knows.....yours is the hand He loves to hold.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I pray that You help me remember that my goal should not be to control and fix everything around me...rather let my goal be to continuously commune with You. Help me remember that a successful day is when I have stayed in touch with You and give You thanks in all circumstances...even if many things remain undone by the end of that day. Help me confess my sins often each day, continually opening the pathway to receive Your Spirit and grace. I pray that Your Spirit guide me through my day...moment by moment.
In Jesus' redeeming and forgiving name, AMEN
The Truth
pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Phillipians 4:6-9
Friday, May 1, 2009
Stepping Stones: Lord, Make My Mind Still
Transformational Tip
God's intent for is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ.... develop the mind of Christ. I need to know Christ to really understand who He is and how He thinks. How do you get to know anybody....you spend time with them and pay attention. You see how they think, get to know their perspective, really appreciate what they love. I know what my wife will order in different restaurants, the movies she likes, what words hurt or encourage her from spending time with her and watching/listening. Even trying to spend time with my wife pleases her, so try to make time to sit quietly in the presence of your Lord. I know how difficult it is to concentrate, but even the effort will please God and bring you peace. The more you try, the easier it gets. Try taking a few minutes after reading the daily devotional to absorb God's Word.
Prayer
Dear Father - Teach me how to pray to You.
I am sitting quietly in Your presence, waiting and expecting Your blessings. Help make my mind still Lord, in the midst of all the confusion. Make my mind still like a pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts You drop into my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, as I consider the challenges this day presents. I will try today to not wear myself out by worrying about whether or not I can cope with the pressures and challenges. Help me keep my focus on You...to keep looking to and communicating with You as I walk through this day together with You. Continue to send me Your blessing of continued peace.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-17
God's intent for is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ.... develop the mind of Christ. I need to know Christ to really understand who He is and how He thinks. How do you get to know anybody....you spend time with them and pay attention. You see how they think, get to know their perspective, really appreciate what they love. I know what my wife will order in different restaurants, the movies she likes, what words hurt or encourage her from spending time with her and watching/listening. Even trying to spend time with my wife pleases her, so try to make time to sit quietly in the presence of your Lord. I know how difficult it is to concentrate, but even the effort will please God and bring you peace. The more you try, the easier it gets. Try taking a few minutes after reading the daily devotional to absorb God's Word.
Prayer
Dear Father - Teach me how to pray to You.
I am sitting quietly in Your presence, waiting and expecting Your blessings. Help make my mind still Lord, in the midst of all the confusion. Make my mind still like a pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts You drop into my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, as I consider the challenges this day presents. I will try today to not wear myself out by worrying about whether or not I can cope with the pressures and challenges. Help me keep my focus on You...to keep looking to and communicating with You as I walk through this day together with You. Continue to send me Your blessing of continued peace.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-17
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Stepping Stones: He Increases The Power Of The Weak
Transformational Tip
Today's scripture is so comforting. It tells us that God gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. Times of weakness come to us all..... sickness, financial problems, relationship struggles, our addictions. I know how difficult it is, but try to look at these times as opportunities, opportunities to increase your connection with and dependence on you Lord. My mother's faith was deep and she had created a total dependence on God's grace and mercy. She taught her children at a very young age that there will be times where we will feel as if we cannot go on; that we just can't handle all that is in front of us. She told us that is the time to admit to the Lord that we cannot do it alone and to turn ourselves and our situations over to God. We tend to think we are God and God is just our helper, but He is God and we are His helper (when we aren't getting in the way). Calling on God's promises and knowing His character during times of adversity really does work, try it as you pray today's prayer.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive Your many blessings. You know the depth and breadth of my neediness...and the needs of all those praying this prayer. Lord I pray that You continue to provide them and me with Your Holy Spirit and Your peace.
I am learning Lord that faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; rather they are links to You. My path appears today to be so difficult, draining me of my strength. At times I feel that I can hardly breathe. I come to You Lord for nurture and understanding. Fill me up with Your presence...You in me, and me in You.
Your Word assures me that Your power flows most freely into the weak who are aware of their need for You. I need You. Give me Your strength. Equip me as I go through each day so that I may handle whatever comes my way. You are my Lighthouse Lord.
I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
Today's scripture is so comforting. It tells us that God gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. Times of weakness come to us all..... sickness, financial problems, relationship struggles, our addictions. I know how difficult it is, but try to look at these times as opportunities, opportunities to increase your connection with and dependence on you Lord. My mother's faith was deep and she had created a total dependence on God's grace and mercy. She taught her children at a very young age that there will be times where we will feel as if we cannot go on; that we just can't handle all that is in front of us. She told us that is the time to admit to the Lord that we cannot do it alone and to turn ourselves and our situations over to God. We tend to think we are God and God is just our helper, but He is God and we are His helper (when we aren't getting in the way). Calling on God's promises and knowing His character during times of adversity really does work, try it as you pray today's prayer.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to You with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive Your many blessings. You know the depth and breadth of my neediness...and the needs of all those praying this prayer. Lord I pray that You continue to provide them and me with Your Holy Spirit and Your peace.
I am learning Lord that faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; rather they are links to You. My path appears today to be so difficult, draining me of my strength. At times I feel that I can hardly breathe. I come to You Lord for nurture and understanding. Fill me up with Your presence...You in me, and me in You.
Your Word assures me that Your power flows most freely into the weak who are aware of their need for You. I need You. Give me Your strength. Equip me as I go through each day so that I may handle whatever comes my way. You are my Lighthouse Lord.
I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Stepping Stones: A Focus On Renewal
Transformational Tip
Have you ever found yourself not doing what you know is the right thing to do? Who hasn't? One way to gain victory over the struggles we face is to find out what God's Word says about the things we struggle with, the things that deliberately and consciously keep our mind rooted in that Word.
The bible is loaded with references about renewing of our mind to the truth of what God says about a situation. Most of us grew up with limits being put on us at every turn. Things we weren't allowed to do and things we were told we could never do because we weren't smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, good enough or that they were just wrong based on other peoples thinking.
But God says that all things are possible to him who believes, that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, that he gives wisdom to any who lack it (and want it) and that there is no good thing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. But we forget the promise of His Word because our minds are not renewed. Let's renew our minds with the Truth of His Word!
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for the renewing of my mind by receiving the Holy Spirit, Your Spirit. It is with my renewed mind that I thank You for for all the blessings You have bestowed on me. It is with my renewed mind based on Your word and promise that I pray today.
I know Your son Jesus was whipped and by his stripes He took all of our sins. I want to open my heart for You to come and live inside me and guide me. Dear God, I want the healing Jesus promised. Help me never to doubt Your word and when I read it, help me to understand what You want me to do. Dear Father, I love You so much, help me be of service to You. Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I tell you, whatever You ask for in prayer, believe You that You have received it, and it will be Yours." Dear Father, with my renewed mind I believe Your word and I thank You for Your grace and mercy. I thank You for Jesus Christ. I pray in Jesus precious name. AMEN
The Truth
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:10
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth.
Job 33:25
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Have you ever found yourself not doing what you know is the right thing to do? Who hasn't? One way to gain victory over the struggles we face is to find out what God's Word says about the things we struggle with, the things that deliberately and consciously keep our mind rooted in that Word.
The bible is loaded with references about renewing of our mind to the truth of what God says about a situation. Most of us grew up with limits being put on us at every turn. Things we weren't allowed to do and things we were told we could never do because we weren't smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, good enough or that they were just wrong based on other peoples thinking.
But God says that all things are possible to him who believes, that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, that he gives wisdom to any who lack it (and want it) and that there is no good thing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. But we forget the promise of His Word because our minds are not renewed. Let's renew our minds with the Truth of His Word!
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for the renewing of my mind by receiving the Holy Spirit, Your Spirit. It is with my renewed mind that I thank You for for all the blessings You have bestowed on me. It is with my renewed mind based on Your word and promise that I pray today.
I know Your son Jesus was whipped and by his stripes He took all of our sins. I want to open my heart for You to come and live inside me and guide me. Dear God, I want the healing Jesus promised. Help me never to doubt Your word and when I read it, help me to understand what You want me to do. Dear Father, I love You so much, help me be of service to You. Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I tell you, whatever You ask for in prayer, believe You that You have received it, and it will be Yours." Dear Father, with my renewed mind I believe Your word and I thank You for Your grace and mercy. I thank You for Jesus Christ. I pray in Jesus precious name. AMEN
The Truth
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:10
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth.
Job 33:25
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Stepping Stones: Strength Through the Holy Spirit
Transformational Tip
Many of us have been or are in situations of great anxiety: Illnesses, surgeries, addictions, accidents, loss of jobs...the list goes on and on. We know that overwhelming sense of fear that wells up deep within. We are scared. That's when we listen to our flesh and Satan's lies. But know this: strength can be found. Courage can be discovered. Communities can come together. Hundreds of prayers can storm heaven...We move forward with a resolve that sometimes we are amazed that we have. Pray for a still heart that will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow him. The Holy Spirit is powerful, but we get in the way. Learn to sit still, listen to the Holy Spirit, then follow instead of getting in the way. He will direct better than you directing yourself.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you are an amazing God. We want to experience more of your glory in each one of our lives, but that means we need to trust you in, and through, every aspect of our lives, especially when life doesn't make sense. I ask that you would reveal more of Your glory in me as a result of my current struggles. I pray that You will honor your promise and my request. There are many skeptics who are watching me to see if I really trust you. Please give them the strength to trust you at all times. If we could taste just a drop of your glory, it would whet our appetite for more...more of you...more of you we pray. In Jesus' name we ask all of these things. AMEN
The Truth
The Lord GOD is my help; therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?
Isaiah 50:7-9
This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
Daniel 4:18
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
Many of us have been or are in situations of great anxiety: Illnesses, surgeries, addictions, accidents, loss of jobs...the list goes on and on. We know that overwhelming sense of fear that wells up deep within. We are scared. That's when we listen to our flesh and Satan's lies. But know this: strength can be found. Courage can be discovered. Communities can come together. Hundreds of prayers can storm heaven...We move forward with a resolve that sometimes we are amazed that we have. Pray for a still heart that will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow him. The Holy Spirit is powerful, but we get in the way. Learn to sit still, listen to the Holy Spirit, then follow instead of getting in the way. He will direct better than you directing yourself.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you are an amazing God. We want to experience more of your glory in each one of our lives, but that means we need to trust you in, and through, every aspect of our lives, especially when life doesn't make sense. I ask that you would reveal more of Your glory in me as a result of my current struggles. I pray that You will honor your promise and my request. There are many skeptics who are watching me to see if I really trust you. Please give them the strength to trust you at all times. If we could taste just a drop of your glory, it would whet our appetite for more...more of you...more of you we pray. In Jesus' name we ask all of these things. AMEN
The Truth
The Lord GOD is my help; therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?
Isaiah 50:7-9
This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
Daniel 4:18
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stepping Stones: From the Inside Out
Transformational Tip
Far too often we focus on the outer person...true transformation starts from the inside then ripples out. When you glorify something or worship it, you give it great weight in your life. Objects that weigh a lot, like the sun, cause gravitational forces that cause other, smaller objects to orbit around it. Ideally, God is who you worship, He weighs more than anything else in your life, and He determines the orbits of everything else around Him. In reality, we worship other things...short list....self....need for control, safety, love, acceptance, importance, competence, money, material things....nice things like, our kids, house, spouse, job, ministry. No matter what it is, it will shape and determine the orbits of everything else in your life around it. God orbiting around anything else is a formula for disaster. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign over all things to be at the center and order the orbits of everything else in a great way.
When you make your decisions today, examine what is at the center of your heart/universe by asking "what is my greatest need?" or "what does life depend on?"
Prayer
Dear Father,
Through this renewed intimacy with you I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person, now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I know now that a delay does not mean no. I hold your hand Jesus with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents hand as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand Lord, letme feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to you God. Thank You Jesus, Thank You Lord. I pray in Your name - Amen
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well.
She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.
Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
Proverbs 23:26-32
Far too often we focus on the outer person...true transformation starts from the inside then ripples out. When you glorify something or worship it, you give it great weight in your life. Objects that weigh a lot, like the sun, cause gravitational forces that cause other, smaller objects to orbit around it. Ideally, God is who you worship, He weighs more than anything else in your life, and He determines the orbits of everything else around Him. In reality, we worship other things...short list....self....need for control, safety, love, acceptance, importance, competence, money, material things....nice things like, our kids, house, spouse, job, ministry. No matter what it is, it will shape and determine the orbits of everything else in your life around it. God orbiting around anything else is a formula for disaster. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign over all things to be at the center and order the orbits of everything else in a great way.
When you make your decisions today, examine what is at the center of your heart/universe by asking "what is my greatest need?" or "what does life depend on?"
Prayer
Dear Father,
Through this renewed intimacy with you I feel I am being transformed from the inside out. Far too long I have been focusing on the outer person, now I focus on the inner person. I pray that as I increase my focus on You my Lord, that You transform me into the one You desire me to be. I yield to you Lord, I do not resist this change nor do I desire to slow it down or speed it up. I let You set the pace Lord, for I know Your timing is perfect. I know now that a delay does not mean no. I hold your hand Jesus with childlike trust, just as babies hold their parents hand as they learn to walk, step by step. Hold my hand Lord, letme feel and enjoy the tempo of this God-breathed life I am now living. All glory to you God. Thank You Jesus, Thank You Lord. I pray in Your name - Amen
The Truth
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:12-14
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well.
She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.
Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
Proverbs 23:26-32
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Stepping Stones: Does Their Opinion Really Count?
Transformational Tip
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Try and remember that "hurt people hurt people". Only one has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the one whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God. He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you. Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life celebrate what He reveals to you!
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me see myself trough Your eyes today dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
Why do we place so much importance on what other people think of us? Why are we so devastated when they say hurtful things to us or about us? Does their opinion really count? Try and remember that "hurt people hurt people". Only one has perfect vision of your situation, knows all the facts, has righteous motivation, and doesn't make any dysfunctional requests of you. Focus on the one whose opinion will ultimately count...your Lord and God. He tells you in His word how He sees you and what He thinks of your functioning. Above all else, He loves you and continues to pursue you know matter what others think of you. Today, let Him catch you and talk to you....take time to listen. It will change your opinion of you and Him and life celebrate what He reveals to you!
Prayer
Dear Father,
Help me see myself trough Your eyes today dear Lord. When people do or say hurtful things to me, big and small, help me view this as an opportunity to grow in grace. Please help me quickly forgive the one who has wounded me and not focus on getting even or setting the record straight. Instead of focusing on what others opinions are of me, help me focus on You Lord, for ultimately it is Your view of me that counts. When others treat me unfairly, help me remember that Your ways with me are much better than fair. Your ways are forgiveness, love and peace which You have poured into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness
Isaiah 61:10
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us
Romans 5:5
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Stepping Stones: Pray with Faith
Transformational Tip
Pray aloud and with faith - for praying without faith is only words. How many times do we make statements, tell people things that we don't even believe. How about doing something we don't really want to do....just going through the motions? Why do we do it? Amazing how much we deceive ourselves. Praying should be a real conversation, with God knows everything about us, and still loves and wants to be with us. Hiding from or deceiving God is impossible, in fact it's counterproductive. Humble yourself, show Him who you are
Prayer
Dear God in Heaven, I come to You believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and the sins of man. I open my heart and invite Jesus to come in to be my personal Lord and Savior. Forgive me for all my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Teach me Your Word, and fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Give me knowledge and wisdom, and teach me how to live a victorious life. I thank You Lord because I am born again and saved through the blood shed by Jesus on the cross at Calvary. I am on my way to heaven, in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24
Pray aloud and with faith - for praying without faith is only words. How many times do we make statements, tell people things that we don't even believe. How about doing something we don't really want to do....just going through the motions? Why do we do it? Amazing how much we deceive ourselves. Praying should be a real conversation, with God knows everything about us, and still loves and wants to be with us. Hiding from or deceiving God is impossible, in fact it's counterproductive. Humble yourself, show Him who you are
Prayer
Dear God in Heaven, I come to You believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and the sins of man. I open my heart and invite Jesus to come in to be my personal Lord and Savior. Forgive me for all my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Teach me Your Word, and fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Give me knowledge and wisdom, and teach me how to live a victorious life. I thank You Lord because I am born again and saved through the blood shed by Jesus on the cross at Calvary. I am on my way to heaven, in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24
Friday, April 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: He Prayed For Us Before We Were Even Born
Transformational Tip
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me while he was on earth? He did, in John 17: 20-26 Jesus prayed to God His Father for all future believers, for us! His key message was that He wanted all future believers to be as and act as one...He prayed for our unity. The unity of all those who put their faith in Christ, the power and testimony of God's love, acceptance, and power to transcend our differences.... is a Lighthouse shining God's glory to the rest of the world as everyone wants to be part of a loving community. Many of you have commented on the benefits of you being part of the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional. As we come together, we are doing exactly what Jesus prayed for. Pray for each other and the future readers of Stepping Stones. Today's prayer is for the further unity of the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father,
All those reading the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional come together as believers, we come together unified as one as a powerful witness to the reality of Your Love. Thank You Lord for this opportunity to be part of something so beautiful and so meaningful. Help us work together Lord in humility, and help us refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over dividing and unimportant matters. I know Lord that unity amongst this Team can only be achieved by each of us living first in union with you. We come together as one to give You Glory and to witness the fulfillment of Your Word. Knowing Your Son Jesus prayed for me even before I was born gives me confidence in my struggle to work for Your Kingdom. Help me, through the daily reading of Your Word to purify my heart and mind, point out my sins and confess them to you, renew my relationship with you, and forever guide me back to the right path. I pray this in Your holy name - AMEN
The Truth
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:21-26
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Romans 12:9-16
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you and me while he was on earth? He did, in John 17: 20-26 Jesus prayed to God His Father for all future believers, for us! His key message was that He wanted all future believers to be as and act as one...He prayed for our unity. The unity of all those who put their faith in Christ, the power and testimony of God's love, acceptance, and power to transcend our differences.... is a Lighthouse shining God's glory to the rest of the world as everyone wants to be part of a loving community. Many of you have commented on the benefits of you being part of the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional. As we come together, we are doing exactly what Jesus prayed for. Pray for each other and the future readers of Stepping Stones. Today's prayer is for the further unity of the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father,
All those reading the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional come together as believers, we come together unified as one as a powerful witness to the reality of Your Love. Thank You Lord for this opportunity to be part of something so beautiful and so meaningful. Help us work together Lord in humility, and help us refuse to get sidetracked by arguing over dividing and unimportant matters. I know Lord that unity amongst this Team can only be achieved by each of us living first in union with you. We come together as one to give You Glory and to witness the fulfillment of Your Word. Knowing Your Son Jesus prayed for me even before I was born gives me confidence in my struggle to work for Your Kingdom. Help me, through the daily reading of Your Word to purify my heart and mind, point out my sins and confess them to you, renew my relationship with you, and forever guide me back to the right path. I pray this in Your holy name - AMEN
The Truth
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
John 17:21-26
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:4-5
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Romans 12:9-16
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: He Knows Us Inside And Out
Transformational Tip
Picture the Samaritan woman that Jesus selected to evangelize the whole town. Talk about a bad reputation; First of all she was a Samaritan, hated by the Jews. She was a woman, looked down on by men, not just a divorcee...but 5 failed marriages and she's currently living with a guy who refuses to marry her.
After her talk with Jesus, the entire city knew about this man claiming to be God within one day. She told the town; "He told me everything I ever did...and he loved me anyway"
So listen. As a Christian (see Spiritual Basics link below and the Salvation section) you have not just been sprinkled with forgiveness, you have been totally submerged in His forgiveness...you are totally covered with His grace. Let it change you the way it changed the woman in Samaria.
He found her full of trash and left her full of grace. She knew it and it changed her view of herself and how she interacted with others. Do you have trash colored lenses?...... or grace colored lenses? Try changing your glasses today and see miracles happen.
Prayer
My Father and my God,
I pray to you with a humble yet thankful heart. I am so thankful for your gift of forgiveness, so thankful for your unconditional love. You know me inside and out, and yet you still love me. Help me and all those reading this devotional today to accept your beautiful grace and gift of forgiveness, let us begin today telling your story and the impact you have had on my live so that others may accept this precious gift. I come to you my Lord so full of trash. Empty my trash and fill me with your glory...let all those that I meet today see your radiance coming from me. I pray this in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
John 4:39
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:14
Picture the Samaritan woman that Jesus selected to evangelize the whole town. Talk about a bad reputation; First of all she was a Samaritan, hated by the Jews. She was a woman, looked down on by men, not just a divorcee...but 5 failed marriages and she's currently living with a guy who refuses to marry her.
After her talk with Jesus, the entire city knew about this man claiming to be God within one day. She told the town; "He told me everything I ever did...and he loved me anyway"
So listen. As a Christian (see Spiritual Basics link below and the Salvation section) you have not just been sprinkled with forgiveness, you have been totally submerged in His forgiveness...you are totally covered with His grace. Let it change you the way it changed the woman in Samaria.
He found her full of trash and left her full of grace. She knew it and it changed her view of herself and how she interacted with others. Do you have trash colored lenses?...... or grace colored lenses? Try changing your glasses today and see miracles happen.
Prayer
My Father and my God,
I pray to you with a humble yet thankful heart. I am so thankful for your gift of forgiveness, so thankful for your unconditional love. You know me inside and out, and yet you still love me. Help me and all those reading this devotional today to accept your beautiful grace and gift of forgiveness, let us begin today telling your story and the impact you have had on my live so that others may accept this precious gift. I come to you my Lord so full of trash. Empty my trash and fill me with your glory...let all those that I meet today see your radiance coming from me. I pray this in the name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
John 4:39
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:14
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Confident Assurance
Transformational Tip
Imagine a life where you go through your day with confident assurance, with a sense of peace even in the midst of your storms. Just like you would trust a championship coach or award winning director or decorated teacher.....these are guides with proven successful track records with a incredible vision for you. To get the most out of you, they ask for you to push yourself, they apply adversity, create some uneasiness or awkwardness....but we are pleased with the final product. The Bible repeatedly tells us of God's offer and promise of peace. Trust the ultimate life coach....He will deliver on His promises. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us "..my peace I give you." May we all remember today to learn and believe that when Jesus says something, it happens. When Jesus tells us to stand...we need to stand.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for Your gift of peace to me. I know that Your peace does not mean that I will not have conflicts in my life, rather Your peace is my confident assurance in all circumstances. With Your peace, I have no need to fear the present or the future.
I know Lord that my needs and Your riches are a perfect fit...and that this is exactly as you designed it. I rejoice in my neediness for you...for this draws me closer to Your presence.
I come to You today Lord with all my neediness, with my defenses down and my desire to be blessed. I know that only through You will I find completion. I pray in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
Job 22:21
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19
Imagine a life where you go through your day with confident assurance, with a sense of peace even in the midst of your storms. Just like you would trust a championship coach or award winning director or decorated teacher.....these are guides with proven successful track records with a incredible vision for you. To get the most out of you, they ask for you to push yourself, they apply adversity, create some uneasiness or awkwardness....but we are pleased with the final product. The Bible repeatedly tells us of God's offer and promise of peace. Trust the ultimate life coach....He will deliver on His promises. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us "..my peace I give you." May we all remember today to learn and believe that when Jesus says something, it happens. When Jesus tells us to stand...we need to stand.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I thank You for Your gift of peace to me. I know that Your peace does not mean that I will not have conflicts in my life, rather Your peace is my confident assurance in all circumstances. With Your peace, I have no need to fear the present or the future.
I know Lord that my needs and Your riches are a perfect fit...and that this is exactly as you designed it. I rejoice in my neediness for you...for this draws me closer to Your presence.
I come to You today Lord with all my neediness, with my defenses down and my desire to be blessed. I know that only through You will I find completion. I pray in the name of Jesus - Amen
The Truth
Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
Job 22:21
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19
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