Transformational Thought
Some children take off sooner and faster than others. I come from a very large family…my siblings were all very different from each other. I particularly recall the trouble my eldest brother had getting off the ground. Poor grades…dropping out of school a number of times…a street fighter…always in some type of significant trouble. My parents tried as best they could to raise him to greater heights, but nothing seemed to work. If the race had ended then, he would have been judged a loser…a failure.
Are you a parent of a low-flying child? Let me pass on a word of encouragement. That brother made a shift in his early twenties and is now, by anyone’s standards, a high-flying success. Husband in a healthy marriage, father of a great family, master’s degree, and business owner. Most importantly, he is a man of deep faith who always finds time to let the Lord’s light shine onto those around him. At 61 years of age, he holds the admiration and praise of all his siblings.
Too often, we put premature finish lines on situations…judging them before all the data is in. God isn’t bound by time, is incredibly patient, is all-powerful, and has a flair for the dramatic, especially with timing. Don’t fall into Satan’s trap of judging yourself, others, circumstances, or especially God, prematurely. You will be disappointed and lose out on many “miracles” of life.
Today, if you feel like a failure, or are disappointed, anxious, sad, or fearful, examine whether you are imposing a premature finish line on a situation. This puts God in a box and closes the curtain on the play at intermission. Realize there is more of the show, game, path, or race left and seek God’s guidance for the next phase. If you follow Him, trust Him, and practice patience, He will reveal a glorious second act in the drama you were ready to leave prematurely. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that all parents reading this devotional receive from You wisdom and patience as they raise their children. Help them to trust Your providence and grace, and to let go of their timelines for their children’s lives. Help us all use Your Son as an example as You patiently waited for His time to come. Father, help them listen to You and obey You in this great calling of being a parent. Then in all areas, help us grow in patience. Help us to see Your big picture, not to prematurely judge the small picture of our life and bail on You and Your plan for us. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“My time has not yet come."
John 2:4
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30,31
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Stepping Stones: Born Again: Stunted or Growing?
Transformational Thought
If you really want to experience love and life…then you must face the truth about your standing before God. Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Whether as an individual…or as a couple…unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses.
But thankfully, we have a wonderful alternative. You can reach out today in faith to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
If you have taken this step already, then you have victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. It is a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble still sinning even though we are a new creation. We didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again.
Satan, however, is not going down without a fight. He will deceive you into thinking you aren’t victorious over your sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have you doubt your eternal security. You have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but you have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God.
Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 12:1,2
If you really want to experience love and life…then you must face the truth about your standing before God. Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Whether as an individual…or as a couple…unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses.
But thankfully, we have a wonderful alternative. You can reach out today in faith to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
If you have taken this step already, then you have victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. It is a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble still sinning even though we are a new creation. We didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again.
Satan, however, is not going down without a fight. He will deceive you into thinking you aren’t victorious over your sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have you doubt your eternal security. You have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but you have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God.
Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 12:1,2
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Stepping Stones: Love Him 100%…Then Exercise Free Will
Transformational Thought
My mother was a great teacher…a great spiritual leader for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, she made the message simple. She would always say “just love God with all you have…then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt him.”
As I read today’s scripture I recall my mother’s teachings. Our Lord never insists on obedience. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on our relationship status, and where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do…period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance…if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the dos and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and what he has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my love for You…and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
My mother was a great teacher…a great spiritual leader for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, she made the message simple. She would always say “just love God with all you have…then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt him.”
As I read today’s scripture I recall my mother’s teachings. Our Lord never insists on obedience. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on our relationship status, and where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do…period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance…if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the dos and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and what he has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my love for You…and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Stepping Stones: Let Him Take That Huge Stone Off Your Back
Transformational Thought
Yesterday someone questioned me about the theology in a line from a past devotional, and my first reaction was that I must have made a mistake. Upon further review, I didn’t make a mistake and I processed his possible interpretations about what I wrote and how he read it.
Try as I may though, I find that my brokenness and past sin are sometimes like a huge stone that hangs around my neck. Carrying that stone brings guilt, shame and weakness, and at times, causes me to avoid certain opportunities and experiences. I know and believe I have been forgiven, but I struggle with laying down that stone and walking away from it. Do you have similar experiences?
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible experiences for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive guilt and anxiety into constructive thought and hope for a transformed and transforming future. We don’t have to hold onto distorted lenses from past wounds and mistakes. But we do have to look back and re-examine them through Godly lenses, letting God into our past so we can have clear lenses to see Him, ourselves, and daily experiences that He brings into our life.
Trusting God’s forgiveness is a big and difficult stretch…for most, myself included, really receiving God’s forgiveness takes time. For me, I had to work up to this huge step of trust by practicing, implementing, and applying trust in much smaller areas of life and in my relationship with God. Then I was able to absorb His forgiveness in the bigger areas of my life. You can, too.
Trusting Him when there is an illness…a flat tire…change of plans…someone else is in charge…a deadline is changed…a random bill comes into your life… protection for your children is needed…feeling unloved or valueless. Like any skill, starting small, practicing, and then stretching it can lead to powerful abilities. Trust is the same way. Trusting in His power of forgiveness is one of the richest skills you can develop. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Jesus Christ.
Today, leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him. Start by trusting Him, His agenda, promises, character, and instruction in 3 situations today. You already do, but acknowledge and identify it is a skill, trusting in God so you can get better at it and use it in tougher times.
Prayer
Dear Mighty and Forgiving God, I can easily become paralyzed with shame, guilt, and fear over my past. I have hurt You…and I know I have hurt others. I am so thankful for Your promise of forgiveness – Thank You, Lord. I ask You, Father, to help me lay down the heavy stone of my past that I have been carrying. Let me remember and be accountable for my past brokenness and sin…but let it not keep me from moving toward You with freedom. I pray in the name of the one whom You sent to lift the burdens of my past, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:8
Yesterday someone questioned me about the theology in a line from a past devotional, and my first reaction was that I must have made a mistake. Upon further review, I didn’t make a mistake and I processed his possible interpretations about what I wrote and how he read it.
Try as I may though, I find that my brokenness and past sin are sometimes like a huge stone that hangs around my neck. Carrying that stone brings guilt, shame and weakness, and at times, causes me to avoid certain opportunities and experiences. I know and believe I have been forgiven, but I struggle with laying down that stone and walking away from it. Do you have similar experiences?
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible experiences for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive guilt and anxiety into constructive thought and hope for a transformed and transforming future. We don’t have to hold onto distorted lenses from past wounds and mistakes. But we do have to look back and re-examine them through Godly lenses, letting God into our past so we can have clear lenses to see Him, ourselves, and daily experiences that He brings into our life.
Trusting God’s forgiveness is a big and difficult stretch…for most, myself included, really receiving God’s forgiveness takes time. For me, I had to work up to this huge step of trust by practicing, implementing, and applying trust in much smaller areas of life and in my relationship with God. Then I was able to absorb His forgiveness in the bigger areas of my life. You can, too.
Trusting Him when there is an illness…a flat tire…change of plans…someone else is in charge…a deadline is changed…a random bill comes into your life… protection for your children is needed…feeling unloved or valueless. Like any skill, starting small, practicing, and then stretching it can lead to powerful abilities. Trust is the same way. Trusting in His power of forgiveness is one of the richest skills you can develop. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Jesus Christ.
Today, leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him. Start by trusting Him, His agenda, promises, character, and instruction in 3 situations today. You already do, but acknowledge and identify it is a skill, trusting in God so you can get better at it and use it in tougher times.
Prayer
Dear Mighty and Forgiving God, I can easily become paralyzed with shame, guilt, and fear over my past. I have hurt You…and I know I have hurt others. I am so thankful for Your promise of forgiveness – Thank You, Lord. I ask You, Father, to help me lay down the heavy stone of my past that I have been carrying. Let me remember and be accountable for my past brokenness and sin…but let it not keep me from moving toward You with freedom. I pray in the name of the one whom You sent to lift the burdens of my past, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:8
Monday, December 6, 2010
Stepping Stones: Christmas Shopping Ideas
Transformational Thought
Well, we are done with Halloween, finished digesting Thanksgiving, and did some frantic Black Friday chauffeuring for my girls. Christmas is right around the corner…so how are you doing with your shopping list? Shopping isn’t my thing, never was, never will be as I am a minimalist in my needs and comfort. Since I don’t like shopping, and hate all the stores, I have evolved into a Christmas Eve shopper…which really is a lot more fun. People are in better moods…excitement in the air…less than 24 hours ‘til Christmas…everything really festive wherever you go. Great sales. Try it this year.
But, you see, shopping, to me, is about finding something to fill a need for someone. To me, shopping is intended not just for a want, but for a need. As a psychiatrist, when I think about “shopping” for something to help someone’s need, the items people need aren’t found in any store. Value…purpose…connection…identity…security…consistency…meaning…competence… love…relationship with our almighty Creator and Father, our God. These precious needs are what we all desire and need…what we are all yearning for. We wish they could be easily bought and given to us.
This is the true and amazing story of Christmas. God gave us the most loving and unbelievable gift of all time to fully meet all our needs. It cost Him and Jesus a lot…but it is truly free to us. Really, it is the grandest gift ever given. This wondrous gift and love is what we are blessed to celebrate on Christmas Day.
Today, as Christmas and shopping start to weigh in on your priority list for the next several weeks, think how you will receive God’s gift, every day, to affect the issues you struggle with…to address and meet your needs. God has given you what you need. Learn how to use it. WITHIN REACH can help you apply God’s gift to your needs. Think about how you can give God’s gift to loved ones who need it. It will be the best present you can ever give them. Think of those you can send this Stepping Stones to and then forward it to them.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing and awesome. Thanks so much for loving me and caring about my well-being. Not only do You care for me, You even sacrificed Your only Son, sent Him to die for me…not because I did great things for You, but because I am a wretched sinner. I am so happy You are the perfect shopper and got me the perfect gift. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, and heal me, the perfect Christmas gift, Jesus Christ Himself; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16,17
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31,32
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Malachi 3:10
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Well, we are done with Halloween, finished digesting Thanksgiving, and did some frantic Black Friday chauffeuring for my girls. Christmas is right around the corner…so how are you doing with your shopping list? Shopping isn’t my thing, never was, never will be as I am a minimalist in my needs and comfort. Since I don’t like shopping, and hate all the stores, I have evolved into a Christmas Eve shopper…which really is a lot more fun. People are in better moods…excitement in the air…less than 24 hours ‘til Christmas…everything really festive wherever you go. Great sales. Try it this year.
But, you see, shopping, to me, is about finding something to fill a need for someone. To me, shopping is intended not just for a want, but for a need. As a psychiatrist, when I think about “shopping” for something to help someone’s need, the items people need aren’t found in any store. Value…purpose…connection…identity…security…consistency…meaning…competence… love…relationship with our almighty Creator and Father, our God. These precious needs are what we all desire and need…what we are all yearning for. We wish they could be easily bought and given to us.
This is the true and amazing story of Christmas. God gave us the most loving and unbelievable gift of all time to fully meet all our needs. It cost Him and Jesus a lot…but it is truly free to us. Really, it is the grandest gift ever given. This wondrous gift and love is what we are blessed to celebrate on Christmas Day.
Today, as Christmas and shopping start to weigh in on your priority list for the next several weeks, think how you will receive God’s gift, every day, to affect the issues you struggle with…to address and meet your needs. God has given you what you need. Learn how to use it. WITHIN REACH can help you apply God’s gift to your needs. Think about how you can give God’s gift to loved ones who need it. It will be the best present you can ever give them. Think of those you can send this Stepping Stones to and then forward it to them.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing and awesome. Thanks so much for loving me and caring about my well-being. Not only do You care for me, You even sacrificed Your only Son, sent Him to die for me…not because I did great things for You, but because I am a wretched sinner. I am so happy You are the perfect shopper and got me the perfect gift. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, and heal me, the perfect Christmas gift, Jesus Christ Himself; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16,17
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31,32
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Malachi 3:10
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Stepping Stones: Life Abundant: Pain Relief and Healing
Transformational Thought
I cut my finger the other day but didn’t give it the care it needed at the time. Just threw a bandage on it to stop the bleeding. A couple days later, infection set in and the injury got my attention. I went to buy an antibiotic ointment to aid the healing and found a leading brand ointment that had an interesting claim; “Healing and pain relief.” The cut was creating some discomfort for me, so I chose the product that offered more than just healing. I wanted pain relief as well.
Holy Scripture tells us that Christ’s mission was to come to forgive and to save…to provide for us with “eternity.” He came to deliver oh so much more than just our redemption. He brought us eternal freedom, fulfillment, peace and joy.
The prophet Isaiah tells us the Messiah will come to bind up and heal, to release and set free (while we are here on earth). Jesus himself referenced this passage as captured in Luke 4:17. Think about this: Christ came not only to forgive you, but to restore and release you. This is the central passage in the entire bible about Jesus. He fulfilled every prophesy, testifying to the truth and dying for us to bring ultimate healing and shalom to our lives and His relationship with us.
Today, take Jesus Christ at his word…as the healer of all the broken pieces within you who unites them into one whole and healed heart. Think what life would be like if you believed that promise. What stands in the way of believing His promise? What do you believe more strongly than His promise and incredible body of evidence? Why do you believe something else? It’s your decision regarding what you will believe: Jesus’ promises and teachings, or your own theory. Choose well, your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray and ask You to release me from all bondage and captivity, as You promised to do. Take all my broken pieces and give me an all-receiving heart…make me whole. I know, Father, that You will not do this at a distance, so I desire to be as close to You as I possibly can be…show me the way to You, my Lord, and Savior. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, heal me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I cut my finger the other day but didn’t give it the care it needed at the time. Just threw a bandage on it to stop the bleeding. A couple days later, infection set in and the injury got my attention. I went to buy an antibiotic ointment to aid the healing and found a leading brand ointment that had an interesting claim; “Healing and pain relief.” The cut was creating some discomfort for me, so I chose the product that offered more than just healing. I wanted pain relief as well.
Holy Scripture tells us that Christ’s mission was to come to forgive and to save…to provide for us with “eternity.” He came to deliver oh so much more than just our redemption. He brought us eternal freedom, fulfillment, peace and joy.
The prophet Isaiah tells us the Messiah will come to bind up and heal, to release and set free (while we are here on earth). Jesus himself referenced this passage as captured in Luke 4:17. Think about this: Christ came not only to forgive you, but to restore and release you. This is the central passage in the entire bible about Jesus. He fulfilled every prophesy, testifying to the truth and dying for us to bring ultimate healing and shalom to our lives and His relationship with us.
Today, take Jesus Christ at his word…as the healer of all the broken pieces within you who unites them into one whole and healed heart. Think what life would be like if you believed that promise. What stands in the way of believing His promise? What do you believe more strongly than His promise and incredible body of evidence? Why do you believe something else? It’s your decision regarding what you will believe: Jesus’ promises and teachings, or your own theory. Choose well, your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray and ask You to release me from all bondage and captivity, as You promised to do. Take all my broken pieces and give me an all-receiving heart…make me whole. I know, Father, that You will not do this at a distance, so I desire to be as close to You as I possibly can be…show me the way to You, my Lord, and Savior. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, heal me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Stepping Stones: Diagnosis: Worry, Cure: Perspective
Transformational Thought
A pretty interesting book was written about ten years ago titled The Knowing-Doing Gap. It highlighted an everyday phenomenon we see around us and in our own lives. The bottom line, in general, we all know what we should and should not do, but there is a huge gap between knowing and actually doing. We shouldn’t smoke…but we do. We shouldn’t overeat…but we do. We shouldn’t worry…but we do.
At Lighthouse Network, we call this our Intellectual Creed vs. our Behavioral Creed. Our Intellectual Creed is what we know we should do, or more exactly, what we know the Bible teaches us to do. Our Behavioral Creed is what we actually do in a given situation. Maturity, growth, and transformation are measured by how much our Behavioral Creed becomes more and more like our Intellectual Creed.
Our Intellectual Creed: we shouldn’t worry, no matter what the adversity because God is sovereign and in control of all things. Our Behavioral Creed: worrying about the opinions of others interferes with work, workouts, parenting, and relationships. For many, trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something; the more we try, the more anxious we become. So, we even begin to worry about worrying. Trying to fight this battle alone gets to be counterproductive.
Perspective…how we view ourselves, God, and the circumstances He allows in our lives…is the key to good decision-making. Will you have God’s perspective or your own? Big difference. Sometimes it is hard to have God’s perspective, but the more time you spend with Him, getting to know Him, the clearer His perspective becomes to you. Stop focusing on worry and put your energy into communicating with God. This strategy will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative behavior, including worrying. The idea is simple: replace hurtful, self-defeating tendencies with something wonderfully positive – communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Today, don’t just talk to God…listen to Him as well. He speaks to you through His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, the circumstances He allows in your life, and through other believers. As you give yourself over more and more to communicating with Him, you will find your worry-time evaporates and the knowing-doing gap closes. Your Behavioral Creed will match your Intellectual Creed. WITHIN REACH will help you develop those Godly lenses and do what you know is right. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You in prayer with a thankful and penitent heart. I confess that I struggle to find the time to communicate with You…yet I seem to always find the time to worry about so many things that are out of my control. I have battled this worry-beast for years and have made little progress. Help me, Father, to focus more on You and less on worrying. Help me both speak and listen to You. I pray in the name of the one whose Intellectual Creed was His Behavioral Creed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
Luke 12:25-26
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5
A pretty interesting book was written about ten years ago titled The Knowing-Doing Gap. It highlighted an everyday phenomenon we see around us and in our own lives. The bottom line, in general, we all know what we should and should not do, but there is a huge gap between knowing and actually doing. We shouldn’t smoke…but we do. We shouldn’t overeat…but we do. We shouldn’t worry…but we do.
At Lighthouse Network, we call this our Intellectual Creed vs. our Behavioral Creed. Our Intellectual Creed is what we know we should do, or more exactly, what we know the Bible teaches us to do. Our Behavioral Creed is what we actually do in a given situation. Maturity, growth, and transformation are measured by how much our Behavioral Creed becomes more and more like our Intellectual Creed.
Our Intellectual Creed: we shouldn’t worry, no matter what the adversity because God is sovereign and in control of all things. Our Behavioral Creed: worrying about the opinions of others interferes with work, workouts, parenting, and relationships. For many, trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something; the more we try, the more anxious we become. So, we even begin to worry about worrying. Trying to fight this battle alone gets to be counterproductive.
Perspective…how we view ourselves, God, and the circumstances He allows in our lives…is the key to good decision-making. Will you have God’s perspective or your own? Big difference. Sometimes it is hard to have God’s perspective, but the more time you spend with Him, getting to know Him, the clearer His perspective becomes to you. Stop focusing on worry and put your energy into communicating with God. This strategy will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative behavior, including worrying. The idea is simple: replace hurtful, self-defeating tendencies with something wonderfully positive – communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Today, don’t just talk to God…listen to Him as well. He speaks to you through His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, the circumstances He allows in your life, and through other believers. As you give yourself over more and more to communicating with Him, you will find your worry-time evaporates and the knowing-doing gap closes. Your Behavioral Creed will match your Intellectual Creed. WITHIN REACH will help you develop those Godly lenses and do what you know is right. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You in prayer with a thankful and penitent heart. I confess that I struggle to find the time to communicate with You…yet I seem to always find the time to worry about so many things that are out of my control. I have battled this worry-beast for years and have made little progress. Help me, Father, to focus more on You and less on worrying. Help me both speak and listen to You. I pray in the name of the one whose Intellectual Creed was His Behavioral Creed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
Luke 12:25-26
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5
Friday, December 3, 2010
Stepping Stones: What You Gonna Blame It On Today?
Transformational Thought
I’ve noticed there are so many unhappy people that cross my path every day. They all have a common trait...they are all quick to blame their unhappiness on things that are out of their control: the economy, the government, their circumstances, their boss, their family, their parents, their kids, their spouse, their job, alcohol, food, money, lack of time.
All these outside factors rob us of joy and happiness. But there is a list of objectives and desires that are within our control: a close relationship with God, a clear purpose in life, a commitment to help someone in greater need than ourselves, and maybe, if we really want to get serious and personal, a deeper commitment to our faith.
These are all honorable desires and are all things we as individuals can do something about…without outside human help. No stimulus package or government program will assist here, and tough economic times cannot steal these ideals. These life goals are achieved as we allow God’s Word to rule in our hearts and receive the Spirit’s strength to build up the inner man, resulting in true joy.
In our complicated world, it’s tempting to put the pursuit for what we desire into the hands of others—to expect an outside entity to fulfill our desires. It is true we sometimes need help from others and we cannot live in isolation. But it really is not outside sources that provide true happiness. That must come from within. Only you can decide. You control the switch…will you shine brightly or switch your light off?
Today, remember that blaming your unhappiness on things that are out of your control is an excuse, a very weak attempt to avoid responsibility. Change your lenses, change your life. Ask 2 people who are close to you to give you Godly advice about your area of struggle and consider following it seriously today. The direction is up to you, nobody else steers your ship. Which way will you steer your life? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, even though I hate when others play the victim card and blame others for their predicament, I confess that I have been guilty of having that “victim mentality.” I have been so quick to blame circumstances beyond my control for my unhappiness. I pray, Father, that You help turn my mind to those things that I do have control over. Help me, Father, to remember that You are the one and only true source of sustainable happiness. I pray in the name of the one source who gave me the freedom to control my happiness, Your greatest gift, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:3-9
I’ve noticed there are so many unhappy people that cross my path every day. They all have a common trait...they are all quick to blame their unhappiness on things that are out of their control: the economy, the government, their circumstances, their boss, their family, their parents, their kids, their spouse, their job, alcohol, food, money, lack of time.
All these outside factors rob us of joy and happiness. But there is a list of objectives and desires that are within our control: a close relationship with God, a clear purpose in life, a commitment to help someone in greater need than ourselves, and maybe, if we really want to get serious and personal, a deeper commitment to our faith.
These are all honorable desires and are all things we as individuals can do something about…without outside human help. No stimulus package or government program will assist here, and tough economic times cannot steal these ideals. These life goals are achieved as we allow God’s Word to rule in our hearts and receive the Spirit’s strength to build up the inner man, resulting in true joy.
In our complicated world, it’s tempting to put the pursuit for what we desire into the hands of others—to expect an outside entity to fulfill our desires. It is true we sometimes need help from others and we cannot live in isolation. But it really is not outside sources that provide true happiness. That must come from within. Only you can decide. You control the switch…will you shine brightly or switch your light off?
Today, remember that blaming your unhappiness on things that are out of your control is an excuse, a very weak attempt to avoid responsibility. Change your lenses, change your life. Ask 2 people who are close to you to give you Godly advice about your area of struggle and consider following it seriously today. The direction is up to you, nobody else steers your ship. Which way will you steer your life? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, even though I hate when others play the victim card and blame others for their predicament, I confess that I have been guilty of having that “victim mentality.” I have been so quick to blame circumstances beyond my control for my unhappiness. I pray, Father, that You help turn my mind to those things that I do have control over. Help me, Father, to remember that You are the one and only true source of sustainable happiness. I pray in the name of the one source who gave me the freedom to control my happiness, Your greatest gift, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:3-9
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Stepping Stones: Are You Choking Yourself?
Transformational Thought
A friend recently asked me what I considered to be my most treasured memories. I was at a lost to answer his question on the spot, but the question haunted me over the following few days. Did I not have any treasured memories? That just couldn’t be.
So, I began flipping through the photo album of my mind and heart and a collection of treasured memories came rushing in. I recalled moments when I felt really special…times when I knew I was loved. I also recalled times of adventure and accomplishment…of adversity and challenge…excitement and anticipation…of connection and fulfillment. I then reflected on how long ago those memories were created. And all of a sudden I began yearning for that life…to have moments like those now and often.
The Bible tells us we are meant to live in a world like that—every day. Just as our lungs are made to breathe oxygen, our souls are designed to flourish in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and exploration. But most of us don’t live in that world anymore. Far from it.
Though we try to resolve the dilemma by turning to materialism, illicit sex, drugs, food, sports, excessive business, buying, gossiping, caffeine, and many other quick and shallow fixes to fill this desire, it doesn’t work. We never really get what we need to truly flourish. It is the soul’s equivalent of holding our breath or getting choked by some obstruction in our throat. Eventually, we find ourselves gasping for air.
Today, know that your Lord and God is ready to breathe true life into you. Identify one of these quick but shallow fixes in your life. Turn away today from just one thing that is obstructing the windpipe of your soul and causing you to gasp for air…and turn toward Him who is the giver of the life you were meant to live. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been holding my spiritual breath...sometimes even choking myself with self-imposed impediments to breathing in Your life. I am truly gasping for air. Help me, Lord, to turn away from all things that deprive me of oxygen…that separate me from You. I rejoice in You, Father, I find joy in You, the God of my salvation. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might be free to breathe and to flourish, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Ezekiel 37:10
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
A friend recently asked me what I considered to be my most treasured memories. I was at a lost to answer his question on the spot, but the question haunted me over the following few days. Did I not have any treasured memories? That just couldn’t be.
So, I began flipping through the photo album of my mind and heart and a collection of treasured memories came rushing in. I recalled moments when I felt really special…times when I knew I was loved. I also recalled times of adventure and accomplishment…of adversity and challenge…excitement and anticipation…of connection and fulfillment. I then reflected on how long ago those memories were created. And all of a sudden I began yearning for that life…to have moments like those now and often.
The Bible tells us we are meant to live in a world like that—every day. Just as our lungs are made to breathe oxygen, our souls are designed to flourish in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and exploration. But most of us don’t live in that world anymore. Far from it.
Though we try to resolve the dilemma by turning to materialism, illicit sex, drugs, food, sports, excessive business, buying, gossiping, caffeine, and many other quick and shallow fixes to fill this desire, it doesn’t work. We never really get what we need to truly flourish. It is the soul’s equivalent of holding our breath or getting choked by some obstruction in our throat. Eventually, we find ourselves gasping for air.
Today, know that your Lord and God is ready to breathe true life into you. Identify one of these quick but shallow fixes in your life. Turn away today from just one thing that is obstructing the windpipe of your soul and causing you to gasp for air…and turn toward Him who is the giver of the life you were meant to live. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been holding my spiritual breath...sometimes even choking myself with self-imposed impediments to breathing in Your life. I am truly gasping for air. Help me, Lord, to turn away from all things that deprive me of oxygen…that separate me from You. I rejoice in You, Father, I find joy in You, the God of my salvation. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might be free to breathe and to flourish, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Ezekiel 37:10
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Stepping Stones: He Wants Us To Travel
Transformational Thought
One of the saddest things I see in real life or on TV is when a small kid just realizes they are lost. You see the joy and excitement on their face as they are exploring, and then the disorientation and disconnection from their parent, guide, guardian sets in. Some keep that distress in, with a hidden hope that their parent is right around the corner; others let loose with a fearful shriek that lets everyone around knows the child is lost. Being lost is a disorienting struggle.
But, you see, as a kid, even though we have a home and parents, we are born lost, spiritually lost…in a terrible place…the state of insecurity, inadequacy, and isolation. We long to be in a different place…a place of peace, love, joy, security, and intimacy. To arrive at our secure destination we need to go on a trip. In today’s scripture reading, God tells us that He goes before us. God’s imagery of “going before” clearly lets us know that He desires us to go on a journey...with Him as our guide and leader…He calls us by our name.
During our journey, unfortunately, we forget to let God guide us. So we make some poor choices regarding important trip elements. The map we use is random; we use the world’s strategy; our destination is me-centered or material focused; we demand to be our own guides. Instead, we need to use the Bible’s teachings as our map and strategy, allow God to be our guide, and choose the mind of Christ as our destination. Our journey is of our mind, heart, and Spirit. The pot of gold at the end of the journey – the fruit of the Spirit through a close relationship with God!
Christian life is a dangerous pilgrimage to the Promised Land…Satan is always lurking. So, we need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit…the power and comfort of prayer…and the protection and counter attack of the armor of God.
Today, imagine yourself standing at a crossroad with two paths before you; one is your current path, the other is the journey your Lord is inviting you to take. Through faith in His coming alongside and being the ultimate destination, take an intentional step on the next stepping stone of God’s path. Listen to His guidance and resist Satan’s deception. Your decision, choose well. If you don’t, the fruit of the flesh – anxiety, fear, loneliness, frustration, agitation – is what you will receive.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for Your gift of going before me. I like to have a map when I travel, to know exactly where I am going…how long it will take me to arrive. When I look at the road ahead that You call me to travel with You, all I see is a bend where the road disappears. Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are my map and guide. Help me to encourage others to follow You on this journey. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to travel Your path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, I am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:2-3
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
One of the saddest things I see in real life or on TV is when a small kid just realizes they are lost. You see the joy and excitement on their face as they are exploring, and then the disorientation and disconnection from their parent, guide, guardian sets in. Some keep that distress in, with a hidden hope that their parent is right around the corner; others let loose with a fearful shriek that lets everyone around knows the child is lost. Being lost is a disorienting struggle.
But, you see, as a kid, even though we have a home and parents, we are born lost, spiritually lost…in a terrible place…the state of insecurity, inadequacy, and isolation. We long to be in a different place…a place of peace, love, joy, security, and intimacy. To arrive at our secure destination we need to go on a trip. In today’s scripture reading, God tells us that He goes before us. God’s imagery of “going before” clearly lets us know that He desires us to go on a journey...with Him as our guide and leader…He calls us by our name.
During our journey, unfortunately, we forget to let God guide us. So we make some poor choices regarding important trip elements. The map we use is random; we use the world’s strategy; our destination is me-centered or material focused; we demand to be our own guides. Instead, we need to use the Bible’s teachings as our map and strategy, allow God to be our guide, and choose the mind of Christ as our destination. Our journey is of our mind, heart, and Spirit. The pot of gold at the end of the journey – the fruit of the Spirit through a close relationship with God!
Christian life is a dangerous pilgrimage to the Promised Land…Satan is always lurking. So, we need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit…the power and comfort of prayer…and the protection and counter attack of the armor of God.
Today, imagine yourself standing at a crossroad with two paths before you; one is your current path, the other is the journey your Lord is inviting you to take. Through faith in His coming alongside and being the ultimate destination, take an intentional step on the next stepping stone of God’s path. Listen to His guidance and resist Satan’s deception. Your decision, choose well. If you don’t, the fruit of the flesh – anxiety, fear, loneliness, frustration, agitation – is what you will receive.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for Your gift of going before me. I like to have a map when I travel, to know exactly where I am going…how long it will take me to arrive. When I look at the road ahead that You call me to travel with You, all I see is a bend where the road disappears. Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are my map and guide. Help me to encourage others to follow You on this journey. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to travel Your path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, I am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:2-3
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Stepping Stones: Diagnosis: Dehydration, Cure: Living Water
Transformational Thought
When I was a kid, people weren’t obsessed about health. Fitness clubs didn’t exist, nobody ran unless they had to, grease or butter was an actual food group, fast food was the new Utopia, and cigarettes were just a smelly habit. Now my wife says my Fruit Loops aren’t healthy and keeps putting vegetables on my plate.
Everywhere I go nowadays, I see water bottles. I still have a hard time paying for water, but we have water bottles all over the house. Martine and my girls tell me water is healthy for me and that I don’t drink enough. The experts say that if you become thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated. A recent report title said it all; “You are not sick…you are just thirsty.” All the medical experts agree on this one; we need to continually drink water throughout our day. Seems like we are all dehydrated.
Not only are we physically thirsty, we are born spiritually thirsty as well…empty…dry. All of our “sickness” is actually due to our spiritual dehydration. You see, we constantly thirst for God…His love, acceptance, and security. Only He can fill our needs…our neediness for everything. Only through Him do we find purpose, fulfillment, contentment, connection, engagement, passion, competence, peace, joy…and especially, pure and true love.
But we are constantly using “spoiled,” even poisoned, water to substitute for the true living water that only God, through Jesus, is. This leads to depression, anxiety, addictions, hopelessness, anger, brokenness, stress, agitation, loneliness, and frustration.
Today, commit to taking sips…short prayers. Confessing a sin immediately, stopping to thank Him for a blessing you take for granted, asking His advice on an issue, telling someone why God makes a difference in your life. Take sips throughout the day from the river of living waters offered by Your Lord and God. You don’t have to be dehydrated. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty, Lord, and I know this means I am spiritually dehydrated. Daily, my tank is low and I thirst for more. Please give me wisdom to avoid contaminated water. Help me, Father, to drink and eat only what is good for me so that my soul may delight itself in Your abundance. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might drink from the living waters, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:37-38
Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Isaiah 55:1-2
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:10, 11,13-15
When I was a kid, people weren’t obsessed about health. Fitness clubs didn’t exist, nobody ran unless they had to, grease or butter was an actual food group, fast food was the new Utopia, and cigarettes were just a smelly habit. Now my wife says my Fruit Loops aren’t healthy and keeps putting vegetables on my plate.
Everywhere I go nowadays, I see water bottles. I still have a hard time paying for water, but we have water bottles all over the house. Martine and my girls tell me water is healthy for me and that I don’t drink enough. The experts say that if you become thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated. A recent report title said it all; “You are not sick…you are just thirsty.” All the medical experts agree on this one; we need to continually drink water throughout our day. Seems like we are all dehydrated.
Not only are we physically thirsty, we are born spiritually thirsty as well…empty…dry. All of our “sickness” is actually due to our spiritual dehydration. You see, we constantly thirst for God…His love, acceptance, and security. Only He can fill our needs…our neediness for everything. Only through Him do we find purpose, fulfillment, contentment, connection, engagement, passion, competence, peace, joy…and especially, pure and true love.
But we are constantly using “spoiled,” even poisoned, water to substitute for the true living water that only God, through Jesus, is. This leads to depression, anxiety, addictions, hopelessness, anger, brokenness, stress, agitation, loneliness, and frustration.
Today, commit to taking sips…short prayers. Confessing a sin immediately, stopping to thank Him for a blessing you take for granted, asking His advice on an issue, telling someone why God makes a difference in your life. Take sips throughout the day from the river of living waters offered by Your Lord and God. You don’t have to be dehydrated. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty, Lord, and I know this means I am spiritually dehydrated. Daily, my tank is low and I thirst for more. Please give me wisdom to avoid contaminated water. Help me, Father, to drink and eat only what is good for me so that my soul may delight itself in Your abundance. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might drink from the living waters, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:37-38
Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Isaiah 55:1-2
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:10, 11,13-15
Monday, November 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: “You have no idea…”
Transformational Thought
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?” my initiative reaction is to ask; “does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There…I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and acceptance of His death for our sin takes our veil away. But we are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So we adopt other veils to get us back in our “comfort zone”.
One of those veils we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces…created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus says clearly it’s about believing and receiving…it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive…to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off…bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some real honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell them a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. I want to see the reflection of Your glory when I look into the mirror. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like…no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?” my initiative reaction is to ask; “does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There…I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and acceptance of His death for our sin takes our veil away. But we are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So we adopt other veils to get us back in our “comfort zone”.
One of those veils we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces…created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus says clearly it’s about believing and receiving…it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive…to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off…bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some real honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell them a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. I want to see the reflection of Your glory when I look into the mirror. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like…no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the one who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Stepping Stones: Get Real!
Transformational Thought
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we used them ourselves directed towards ourselves? It was hard for me, for so many years, to see who I really was. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason…the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness…lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us.
Another reason…it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah…than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs, let alone address them. The best way for us to face ourselves…to be real with ourselves…is to remember, as Christians, we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing…just imagine that…God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows him to bring out the very best in you and work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him about. Let light into that area of your life…this pushes the darkness out and real healing and transformation can occur.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that you planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord, but this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort or negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the one who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
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
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we used them ourselves directed towards ourselves? It was hard for me, for so many years, to see who I really was. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason…the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness…lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us.
Another reason…it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah…than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs, let alone address them. The best way for us to face ourselves…to be real with ourselves…is to remember, as Christians, we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing…just imagine that…God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows him to bring out the very best in you and work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him about. Let light into that area of your life…this pushes the darkness out and real healing and transformation can occur.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that you planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord, but this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort or negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the one who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
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
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Stepping Stones: Holy Ground Here On Earth
Transformational Thought
Sometimes I have trouble multitasking. I can do one thing at a time pretty well, but add on one or two extra things and…whoa, too distracting! I have found this particularly limiting. It really impacts me when I’m talking with another person who is in need…who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get so focused on them and what they are sharing…and what I am about to say…that I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself…but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. When someone opens their soul to you, know that you are standing on holy ground and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct your response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclinations toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. In a way your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain you are standing on.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you…think through you…love through you…to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and is experiencing struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me…it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Sometimes I have trouble multitasking. I can do one thing at a time pretty well, but add on one or two extra things and…whoa, too distracting! I have found this particularly limiting. It really impacts me when I’m talking with another person who is in need…who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get so focused on them and what they are sharing…and what I am about to say…that I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself…but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. When someone opens their soul to you, know that you are standing on holy ground and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct your response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclinations toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. In a way your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain you are standing on.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you…think through you…love through you…to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and is experiencing struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me…it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Friday, November 26, 2010
Stepping Stones: Commitment Plus Humility Equals Growth
Transformational Thought
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially growth…physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual…of another. For growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
I have been privileged to have many mentors throughout my spiritual life and walk. In each stage of my progress in maturity from newly born again believer to my present stage of maturity, God brought new, specific mentors with unique gifts that the previous mentor did not have. God has grown in me a hunger to desire a double portion of the positive attributes of my mentors. This desire, I believe, is sorely missing amongst many today.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Ask yourself these questions: Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people you have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You, and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses,
entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially growth…physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual…of another. For growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
I have been privileged to have many mentors throughout my spiritual life and walk. In each stage of my progress in maturity from newly born again believer to my present stage of maturity, God brought new, specific mentors with unique gifts that the previous mentor did not have. God has grown in me a hunger to desire a double portion of the positive attributes of my mentors. This desire, I believe, is sorely missing amongst many today.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Ask yourself these questions: Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people you have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You, and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses,
entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Stepping Stones: The Dark Dungeon of Ungratefulness
Transformational Thought
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and four-day weekend helps. This year my family gets something new as our oldest, Dominique, comes home from college for the first time, just as everyone tries to journey home…to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things existed in our lives, Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…so it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to most things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash, the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve…very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have everyday.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and four-day weekend helps. This year my family gets something new as our oldest, Dominique, comes home from college for the first time, just as everyone tries to journey home…to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else…and even if none of these other things existed in our lives, Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be, yes, thankful…to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
We live in an age of entitlement…so it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to most things. We focus on what we want and don’t have vs. all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream to you that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash, the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve…very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have everyday.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the one who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Stepping Stones: Out On A Limb
Transformational Thought
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees; especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, and then throw them down to my brothers. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I would never go out on a limb…always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Just like on the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here…out on this limb with your Lord…than you would be hugging the trunk or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they also may lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with…..truly amazing, and would never have happened without Abraham following God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision the scenario you just read, and enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me…even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear; for I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees; especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, and then throw them down to my brothers. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I would never go out on a limb…always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Just like on the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here…out on this limb with your Lord…than you would be hugging the trunk or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they also may lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with…..truly amazing, and would never have happened without Abraham following God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision the scenario you just read, and enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me…even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear; for I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Stepping Stones: Man’s Idiots are Jesus’ “Sons of Thunder”
Transformational Thought
There was a time in my life when I was so quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had a controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine…I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. I read something about Jesus’ disciples, James and John, that was very helpful in changing this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them Idiots…Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman out of work…they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has uniquely and incredibly created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are different on purpose. Others don’t always wisely utilize how God designs them…but neither do you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them…calling them an idiot and blowing them off…you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people that annoy you…see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God has created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument and serve them as a positive influence for their lenses and spiritual growth.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others…too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the one whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
There was a time in my life when I was so quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had a controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine…I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. I read something about Jesus’ disciples, James and John, that was very helpful in changing this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them Idiots…Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman out of work…they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has uniquely and incredibly created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are different on purpose. Others don’t always wisely utilize how God designs them…but neither do you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them…calling them an idiot and blowing them off…you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people that annoy you…see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God has created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument and serve them as a positive influence for their lenses and spiritual growth.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others…too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the one whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
Monday, November 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: Special Lens Cleaners: Please and Thank You
Transformational Thought
When we were kids, there was a great greasy hamburger joint that we all loved to visit called the Rainbow Inn. The owner, Oliver, ran the place and he took our orders at the front window. Oliver had an annoying habit: he always made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my mother was teaching at home. It showed me that I am not entitled to anything, am dependent on others for the items I need and want, and should always be thankful for everything I get, all accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more Olivers in the world to reinforce these principles today.
Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns, we will live in a state of tension.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for how he is already answering your prayer, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. When those same requests come to mind again, continue thanking God for the answers that are on their way.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
When we were kids, there was a great greasy hamburger joint that we all loved to visit called the Rainbow Inn. The owner, Oliver, ran the place and he took our orders at the front window. Oliver had an annoying habit: he always made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my mother was teaching at home. It showed me that I am not entitled to anything, am dependent on others for the items I need and want, and should always be thankful for everything I get, all accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more Olivers in the world to reinforce these principles today.
Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns, we will live in a state of tension.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for how he is already answering your prayer, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. When those same requests come to mind again, continue thanking God for the answers that are on their way.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: You Steer, God’s Traction Control
Transformational Thought
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times a second, and based on that measurement, applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…in the desired direction. Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…we do nothing extra to get this.
Our only responsibility…steer in the correct direction. I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power: the more challenging your day, the more of His power He places at your disposal, with no need to ask…it’s automatic. But you need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH will help your steering, check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times a second, and based on that measurement, applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…in the desired direction. Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…we do nothing extra to get this.
Our only responsibility…steer in the correct direction. I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power: the more challenging your day, the more of His power He places at your disposal, with no need to ask…it’s automatic. But you need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH will help your steering, check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Stepping Stones: A Powerful Prayer, But Be Careful!
Transformational Thought
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should come with a warning label; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.”
In other words, please use me to help someone in need. After you say this prayer someone in need will practically show up on your doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. If He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. We are called to go and spread the good news, to be salt, to be light to all the earth.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, He begins in earnest to help us with our problems. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. One of my mother’s favorite sayings is; “The scent of the rose stays on the hand of the one who gives it to another.”
Today, ask God to use you as His instrument. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help others. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be. Thank you, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. In the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should come with a warning label; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.”
In other words, please use me to help someone in need. After you say this prayer someone in need will practically show up on your doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. If He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. We are called to go and spread the good news, to be salt, to be light to all the earth.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, He begins in earnest to help us with our problems. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. One of my mother’s favorite sayings is; “The scent of the rose stays on the hand of the one who gives it to another.”
Today, ask God to use you as His instrument. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help others. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be. Thank you, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. In the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
Friday, November 19, 2010
Stepping Stones: Fear Sucks Joy From Today
Transformational Thought
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers and adulation from peers and fans. But amazingly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. Why can’t I remember? Well, I was anxious and afraid of failure, so I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I never really enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I could have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks are full of great experiences.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid facing today’s. I know You see my every thought, Father, so you know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers and adulation from peers and fans. But amazingly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. Why can’t I remember? Well, I was anxious and afraid of failure, so I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I never really enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I could have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks are full of great experiences.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid facing today’s. I know You see my every thought, Father, so you know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Stepping Stones: You Are The Key, Now Find The Lock
Transformational Thought
We hear this all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastor, pastor and priest at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah and Tony Robbins.
Yeah, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
We are not just human beings, rather we are keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks different and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and special life designed by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally. Stop wasting time on counterfeit locks Satan tricks you with.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you as the key to magically and perfectly slide into and open up.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I have not yet figured out why I am here, but I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children said, – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
We hear this all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastor, pastor and priest at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah and Tony Robbins.
Yeah, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
We are not just human beings, rather we are keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks different and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and special life designed by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally. Stop wasting time on counterfeit locks Satan tricks you with.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you as the key to magically and perfectly slide into and open up.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I have not yet figured out why I am here, but I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children said, – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: What Obstacle Holds You Back?
Transformational Thought
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us. Money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to go to that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to practice.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, and powerfully engaging and enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits of making good decisions on all 3 spheres, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back and why do I still do it anyway?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people said – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us. Money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to go to that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to practice.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, and powerfully engaging and enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits of making good decisions on all 3 spheres, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back and why do I still do it anyway?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people said – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Stepping Stones: Relationship or Obedience, What Do You Communicate?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us…to be in eternal and in daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He does want our obedience as well, but relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life…she embodied this principle perfectly to me. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws and wrongful behavior towards her. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok…just relate to me. The revelation that pursuit of a relationship was valuable to her dramatically changed my life. She didn’t simply say it. Instead she really believed it and she lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with, toward, or for me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that was conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride… for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you…your spouse, kids, parents, siblings. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify idols and grow.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:18-24
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us…to be in eternal and in daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He does want our obedience as well, but relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life…she embodied this principle perfectly to me. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws and wrongful behavior towards her. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok…just relate to me. The revelation that pursuit of a relationship was valuable to her dramatically changed my life. She didn’t simply say it. Instead she really believed it and she lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with, toward, or for me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that was conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride… for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you…your spouse, kids, parents, siblings. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify idols and grow.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:18-24
Monday, November 15, 2010
Stepping Stones: God Desires: Relationship or Obedience?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice of the following 2 kids…which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, no breaking curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules…BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave when she turns 18.
“Absent-Minded Mindy” on the other hand is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, forgetful, and ill-mannered at times…BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we win God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world and sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice of the following 2 kids…which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, no breaking curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules…BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave when she turns 18.
“Absent-Minded Mindy” on the other hand is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, forgetful, and ill-mannered at times…BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we win God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world and sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Stepping Stones: Can You Read God’s Mind?
Transformational Thought
When I look back at my childhood, I recognize a big disconnect that dramatically affected me through my teen and early adult years…and I battle its subsequent ripples even now. The disconnect…what my parents really wanted from me as a kid was quite different from what I thought they wanted from me. There are lots of reasons for this, but I wish I had known then what I know now about my parents’ hearts. So many mistakes and the resulting heartache and suffering could have been avoided.
In a similar fashion, a lot of my spiritual problems, which led to psychological and relational problems, had to do with another disconnect: the disconnect between what God really wanted from me and what I thought He wanted from me. God doesn’t need our plans and ideas. He needs our attention. He doesn’t need our time; He wants our adoration. He does not want us to spend hours thinking up things for Him to do and bless; He wants us to spread His Word and further His Kingdom here on earth.
I am so grateful that we serve a God who is not dependent on our strength, our time, and our money. What a mess that would be. I believe that He wants us in a place where we know He is leading. He is our shield. And a shield works best in front, not behind us. Our question must be, “What is it you want me to do, Lord?” Most of us don’t even know our own hearts. Our ways are not His ways.
Today, take a piece of paper and draw 2 lines down the page dividing it into 3 equal parts. First, without thinking, write down the things that immediately come to mind about what God desires of you. Then, in the middle section write what the Bible says God wants of, from, and for you. Lastly, in the section on the right write down what others would write about you based on what they observe from your daily behavior and if they could see into your thoughts (who you really are). Hopefully, this will help show you some of the disconnects that interfere with abundant living.
Prayer
O God, thank You so much for loving me as I am. I want to know Your desires and plans for me. At times I have glimpses of them and actually live them…but then the world’s clutter and my old tapes start playing and I lose sight of Your real desires for me. Thanks for persevering with Your plans for me even though I take the long way to get to Your goal. Thank You for the trials You allow that cause me to increase my trust in You. Help me give praise to You during the really tough storms in life. I know You are working all things out for your Glory. In the name of my connector to the Father, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose
Romans 8:28
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.
Zechariah 13:9
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
When I look back at my childhood, I recognize a big disconnect that dramatically affected me through my teen and early adult years…and I battle its subsequent ripples even now. The disconnect…what my parents really wanted from me as a kid was quite different from what I thought they wanted from me. There are lots of reasons for this, but I wish I had known then what I know now about my parents’ hearts. So many mistakes and the resulting heartache and suffering could have been avoided.
In a similar fashion, a lot of my spiritual problems, which led to psychological and relational problems, had to do with another disconnect: the disconnect between what God really wanted from me and what I thought He wanted from me. God doesn’t need our plans and ideas. He needs our attention. He doesn’t need our time; He wants our adoration. He does not want us to spend hours thinking up things for Him to do and bless; He wants us to spread His Word and further His Kingdom here on earth.
I am so grateful that we serve a God who is not dependent on our strength, our time, and our money. What a mess that would be. I believe that He wants us in a place where we know He is leading. He is our shield. And a shield works best in front, not behind us. Our question must be, “What is it you want me to do, Lord?” Most of us don’t even know our own hearts. Our ways are not His ways.
Today, take a piece of paper and draw 2 lines down the page dividing it into 3 equal parts. First, without thinking, write down the things that immediately come to mind about what God desires of you. Then, in the middle section write what the Bible says God wants of, from, and for you. Lastly, in the section on the right write down what others would write about you based on what they observe from your daily behavior and if they could see into your thoughts (who you really are). Hopefully, this will help show you some of the disconnects that interfere with abundant living.
Prayer
O God, thank You so much for loving me as I am. I want to know Your desires and plans for me. At times I have glimpses of them and actually live them…but then the world’s clutter and my old tapes start playing and I lose sight of Your real desires for me. Thanks for persevering with Your plans for me even though I take the long way to get to Your goal. Thank You for the trials You allow that cause me to increase my trust in You. Help me give praise to You during the really tough storms in life. I know You are working all things out for your Glory. In the name of my connector to the Father, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose
Romans 8:28
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.
Zechariah 13:9
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Stepping Stones: God: The Perfect Neurosurgeon/Psychiatrist
Transformational Thought
I talked with three strangers today…all separate, distinct encounters. But there was a common thread that ran through all three conversations. Sadly, they all appeared to be living the “old” life. I did not have a talk with them about their relationship with God or their spirituality…but the unhappiness and hopelessness came through so strongly.
When I speak at retreats or workshops, I make a comment that resonates deeply with most people: “When you become a Christian, you are a new creation with a new eternal destination and new potential on this earth, but you don’t get a brain transplant!” This is why we still sin, even though we have the perfect and powerful Holy Spirit residing in us. If we were perfect and complete upon salvation, God wouldn’t call us to go from milk to solid food. We would already be at the solid food level of maturity.
But sadly, we aren’t mature believers when we are saved, hence the term “Born Again,” to imply babes just starting out with a long way to go to maturity. Isn’t this something we all struggle with or tend to gravitate to unless we are diligent with our thoughts and focus? I know that when I became a Christian, I didn’t get a brain transplant. Old wiring, connections, thought patterns, Satan’s strongholds, memories, hurts, wounds, misinterpretations, and experiences were still in there, affecting my view of everything.
If you, too, are living the old life, remember God offers you new life—the life of Christ. The Resurrection affirms the promise Christ made. For it was HIS life he offered to give us new life. We are free to be who He meant us to be when He created us.
Today, when you are stressed or feel down about yourself or your circumstances, stop and ask, “Am I looking at this through the me-centered lens of the old life, or the God-centered lens of the new life?” Adjusting your perspective by yielding to the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible will actually stimulate a brain transplant. Paul and Peter call it a renewing of your mind. That is how we all develop the mind of Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank you for the offer and the guarantee of new life. I know what it’s like living with a heart of stone…going through the motions…living in a state of fear and worry. Thank you for turning my heart of stone into a heart that’s alive and can have hope. Thanks for Your work in my life to purge the old self, old man, old ways and renew my mind. Even though I give up, thanks for not giving up on Your goal to finish the work You started. I pray in the name of the reason for my new life, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:11
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
I talked with three strangers today…all separate, distinct encounters. But there was a common thread that ran through all three conversations. Sadly, they all appeared to be living the “old” life. I did not have a talk with them about their relationship with God or their spirituality…but the unhappiness and hopelessness came through so strongly.
When I speak at retreats or workshops, I make a comment that resonates deeply with most people: “When you become a Christian, you are a new creation with a new eternal destination and new potential on this earth, but you don’t get a brain transplant!” This is why we still sin, even though we have the perfect and powerful Holy Spirit residing in us. If we were perfect and complete upon salvation, God wouldn’t call us to go from milk to solid food. We would already be at the solid food level of maturity.
But sadly, we aren’t mature believers when we are saved, hence the term “Born Again,” to imply babes just starting out with a long way to go to maturity. Isn’t this something we all struggle with or tend to gravitate to unless we are diligent with our thoughts and focus? I know that when I became a Christian, I didn’t get a brain transplant. Old wiring, connections, thought patterns, Satan’s strongholds, memories, hurts, wounds, misinterpretations, and experiences were still in there, affecting my view of everything.
If you, too, are living the old life, remember God offers you new life—the life of Christ. The Resurrection affirms the promise Christ made. For it was HIS life he offered to give us new life. We are free to be who He meant us to be when He created us.
Today, when you are stressed or feel down about yourself or your circumstances, stop and ask, “Am I looking at this through the me-centered lens of the old life, or the God-centered lens of the new life?” Adjusting your perspective by yielding to the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible will actually stimulate a brain transplant. Paul and Peter call it a renewing of your mind. That is how we all develop the mind of Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank you for the offer and the guarantee of new life. I know what it’s like living with a heart of stone…going through the motions…living in a state of fear and worry. Thank you for turning my heart of stone into a heart that’s alive and can have hope. Thanks for Your work in my life to purge the old self, old man, old ways and renew my mind. Even though I give up, thanks for not giving up on Your goal to finish the work You started. I pray in the name of the reason for my new life, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:11
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Friday, November 12, 2010
Stepping Stones: Who’s Stronger, A Tiger or Man?
Transformational Thought
Got a quick quiz for you. Who is stronger, a tiger or a man? You know, physically stronger? Correct, a tiger. Who is locked up in a cage, a tiger or a man? Tiger, correct again. Well, if a tiger is physically stronger, why is the tiger the one locked up in a cage? Here is a hint…what does the man have that the tiger doesn’t? Gun, trap, tranquilizers, and usually some kind of strategy.
You see, all these things the man brings to the fight come from his brain. If man uses his intelligence, he can control the tiger. If he doesn’t use his intelligence, the tiger will devour him. The tiger represents our emotions. If you don’t use your intelligence by thinking and strategizing your way through an issue, your emotions kill you.
Whether your emotions get you in trouble with poor judgment, raise your blood pressure, give you heartburn, or interfere with your awareness of God and applying His instruction in a troubling situation, your emotions, left unchecked or supervised, will destroy you.
On the flip side, we don’t want to annihilate our emotions. Just like we lock up the tiger for entertainment, education, edification, or admiration, we want to keep our emotions around because they do have a significant purpose. Our emotions are a tremendous gift from God, even our “negative” feelings, but that’s a devotional for another day. Satan wants to push our emotional buttons so it is easier prey on and devour us. Drugs and alcohol bring emotions to the surface leading to many disastrous decisions.
Today, when you are experiencing some negative feelings, stop and think. Thinking before reacting is always helpful. Ask yourself, “are my feelings controlling my thinking, or is my intelligence controlling my feelings?” Take a deep breath and think about the real problem and a solution. When you are able to think through your emotional states, your level of success during adversity will be dramatically improved. Click here for WITHIN REACH to help you understand how to manage your feelings better.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks so much for giving me my intelligence and my emotions. I confess that I don’t think sometimes and I let my feelings devour my brains, and wow, the damage to others, You, and me is so embarrassing to face sometimes. Help me control my feelings better, and improve my ability to take “every thought captive.” I pray in the name of the perfect role model, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:29,30
Got a quick quiz for you. Who is stronger, a tiger or a man? You know, physically stronger? Correct, a tiger. Who is locked up in a cage, a tiger or a man? Tiger, correct again. Well, if a tiger is physically stronger, why is the tiger the one locked up in a cage? Here is a hint…what does the man have that the tiger doesn’t? Gun, trap, tranquilizers, and usually some kind of strategy.
You see, all these things the man brings to the fight come from his brain. If man uses his intelligence, he can control the tiger. If he doesn’t use his intelligence, the tiger will devour him. The tiger represents our emotions. If you don’t use your intelligence by thinking and strategizing your way through an issue, your emotions kill you.
Whether your emotions get you in trouble with poor judgment, raise your blood pressure, give you heartburn, or interfere with your awareness of God and applying His instruction in a troubling situation, your emotions, left unchecked or supervised, will destroy you.
On the flip side, we don’t want to annihilate our emotions. Just like we lock up the tiger for entertainment, education, edification, or admiration, we want to keep our emotions around because they do have a significant purpose. Our emotions are a tremendous gift from God, even our “negative” feelings, but that’s a devotional for another day. Satan wants to push our emotional buttons so it is easier prey on and devour us. Drugs and alcohol bring emotions to the surface leading to many disastrous decisions.
Today, when you are experiencing some negative feelings, stop and think. Thinking before reacting is always helpful. Ask yourself, “are my feelings controlling my thinking, or is my intelligence controlling my feelings?” Take a deep breath and think about the real problem and a solution. When you are able to think through your emotional states, your level of success during adversity will be dramatically improved. Click here for WITHIN REACH to help you understand how to manage your feelings better.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks so much for giving me my intelligence and my emotions. I confess that I don’t think sometimes and I let my feelings devour my brains, and wow, the damage to others, You, and me is so embarrassing to face sometimes. Help me control my feelings better, and improve my ability to take “every thought captive.” I pray in the name of the perfect role model, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:29,30
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Stepping Stones: Visiting Heaven on Earth
Transformational Thought
Each year in the small town where I grew up, the local park district ran a kite-flying contest. It was one of the main summer events for children…an all-day extravaganza. It was always my dream as a boy to win that contest, but I never seemed to have the money for a kite. One year, my mother decided “we” were going to win that contest. She built a kite with old wood, string, and paper from a couple of brown paper sacks. It was an ugly kite…until she finished her artwork.
On the front she drew a vision of heaven; she chose a picture from our big Bible as a guide. She used gold and silver crayons…it was an incredible masterpiece. She told me that God inspired the artist so that we could have a glimpse into heaven. Well, that day God must have inspired my mother…we all got a glimpse into heaven through her creative drawing.
At the contest, the kite couldn’t fly…just too heavy. But we won first prize for artistry! Life sometimes feels really heavy. But living in collaboration with God through Jesus can give us an awesome glimpse of heaven. Jesus’ miracles, attitude, character, and actions are a sneak preview of the grandeur of Heaven.
Today, when you see something wonderful, realize heaven is close, right at your fingertips, and celebrate. When you see something wrong, imagine what Heaven’s version would be, and through you, draw God into the situation, altering it to be more like Heaven. Don’t doubt…laugh…or walk away in resignation. The Holy Spirit is powerfully present in you. Begin to do this you-and-Him adventure that will continue throughout eternity in Heaven.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for always being before me, leading me one stepping stone at a time closer to you. I thank You, Father, for Your reassurance that nothing in this creation can separate me from Your loving existence. I want to live my life focused on You, in the here and now. I do believe that You are always before me…leading and encouraging me. However, I struggle, Father, with living out that reality moment by moment. During those times when I am able to stay focused on You, my work becomes infused with Your presence and work becomes like play. I pray in the name of Him who was Heaven on Earth, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Each year in the small town where I grew up, the local park district ran a kite-flying contest. It was one of the main summer events for children…an all-day extravaganza. It was always my dream as a boy to win that contest, but I never seemed to have the money for a kite. One year, my mother decided “we” were going to win that contest. She built a kite with old wood, string, and paper from a couple of brown paper sacks. It was an ugly kite…until she finished her artwork.
On the front she drew a vision of heaven; she chose a picture from our big Bible as a guide. She used gold and silver crayons…it was an incredible masterpiece. She told me that God inspired the artist so that we could have a glimpse into heaven. Well, that day God must have inspired my mother…we all got a glimpse into heaven through her creative drawing.
At the contest, the kite couldn’t fly…just too heavy. But we won first prize for artistry! Life sometimes feels really heavy. But living in collaboration with God through Jesus can give us an awesome glimpse of heaven. Jesus’ miracles, attitude, character, and actions are a sneak preview of the grandeur of Heaven.
Today, when you see something wonderful, realize heaven is close, right at your fingertips, and celebrate. When you see something wrong, imagine what Heaven’s version would be, and through you, draw God into the situation, altering it to be more like Heaven. Don’t doubt…laugh…or walk away in resignation. The Holy Spirit is powerfully present in you. Begin to do this you-and-Him adventure that will continue throughout eternity in Heaven.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for always being before me, leading me one stepping stone at a time closer to you. I thank You, Father, for Your reassurance that nothing in this creation can separate me from Your loving existence. I want to live my life focused on You, in the here and now. I do believe that You are always before me…leading and encouraging me. However, I struggle, Father, with living out that reality moment by moment. During those times when I am able to stay focused on You, my work becomes infused with Your presence and work becomes like play. I pray in the name of Him who was Heaven on Earth, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Stepping Stones: Don’t Become Firewood
Transformational Thought
In my younger days, I enjoyed cutting and splitting my own firewood. I would whip that sledge, honing my baseball swing, splitting and stacking all summer, and then enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the winter. If you’ve ever split wood, you know how important and effective the “wedge” is.
The wedge is a heavy chunk of metal with a sharp edge on one end and a flat surface on the other. Green wood is very difficult to split…to separate the wood into logs. The wedge is a necessity. The wedge is slowly pounded into the logs with a sledgehammer, and as it goes in, it pushes the wood apart, tearing the fibers…weakening them to the point of failure. The harder the wood the more times you have to hit the wedge.
This is the enemy’s single-minded focus…separating us from our Father. His swings of the hammer are like the neglect we feel as he uses a wedge of deceit like: “See, no one cares. You’re on your own.” He uses a sudden loss of innocence to tell us, “See, this is a dangerous world, and you’re all alone. You’ve been abandoned.” He uses assaults and abuses to scream at us, “See, this is all you are good for.”
By constantly striking the wedge he weakens us and separates us from our Father. The details are different and unique to each of us, but the effect is always the same…an injury to the soul, and with it, separation from our Father. It’s dramatic but true…the enemy wants to split us from God and put us in the fire!
But God is not willing to simply let that be the end of the story…so here’s the good news. Remember what Jesus taught us about the Father’s heart in the parable of the lost son. Filled with compassion, our Father God will come like a loving Father, take the wedge out, and take us close to his heart. He will also take us back to heal the injuries, and finish things that didn’t get finished. He will come for you, no matter how old you might be, or how far away from Him you feel. He makes you his dearly loved daughter or son.
Today, identify the wedge. What one lie or deception is Satan using to separate you from God’s love and abundant life today? When you feel uncomfortable, look at some of the data for the situation. Some of that data or your conclusions will be false. That is Satan’s wedge. Replace it with God’s truth and that will draw you closer to Him.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My deepest desire is to trust You with my whole being. But this trust does not come easily for me, Father. I know that if I learn to trust You…really trust You…nothing can separate me from Your peace. I will endure the pounding of the wedge and will use each strike to train myself to trust You. I will ruin the enemy’s plan by growing in grace through the very adversity he uses to try and harm me. I pray in the name of the reason for my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him
Luke 15:20
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16
In my younger days, I enjoyed cutting and splitting my own firewood. I would whip that sledge, honing my baseball swing, splitting and stacking all summer, and then enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the winter. If you’ve ever split wood, you know how important and effective the “wedge” is.
The wedge is a heavy chunk of metal with a sharp edge on one end and a flat surface on the other. Green wood is very difficult to split…to separate the wood into logs. The wedge is a necessity. The wedge is slowly pounded into the logs with a sledgehammer, and as it goes in, it pushes the wood apart, tearing the fibers…weakening them to the point of failure. The harder the wood the more times you have to hit the wedge.
This is the enemy’s single-minded focus…separating us from our Father. His swings of the hammer are like the neglect we feel as he uses a wedge of deceit like: “See, no one cares. You’re on your own.” He uses a sudden loss of innocence to tell us, “See, this is a dangerous world, and you’re all alone. You’ve been abandoned.” He uses assaults and abuses to scream at us, “See, this is all you are good for.”
By constantly striking the wedge he weakens us and separates us from our Father. The details are different and unique to each of us, but the effect is always the same…an injury to the soul, and with it, separation from our Father. It’s dramatic but true…the enemy wants to split us from God and put us in the fire!
But God is not willing to simply let that be the end of the story…so here’s the good news. Remember what Jesus taught us about the Father’s heart in the parable of the lost son. Filled with compassion, our Father God will come like a loving Father, take the wedge out, and take us close to his heart. He will also take us back to heal the injuries, and finish things that didn’t get finished. He will come for you, no matter how old you might be, or how far away from Him you feel. He makes you his dearly loved daughter or son.
Today, identify the wedge. What one lie or deception is Satan using to separate you from God’s love and abundant life today? When you feel uncomfortable, look at some of the data for the situation. Some of that data or your conclusions will be false. That is Satan’s wedge. Replace it with God’s truth and that will draw you closer to Him.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My deepest desire is to trust You with my whole being. But this trust does not come easily for me, Father. I know that if I learn to trust You…really trust You…nothing can separate me from Your peace. I will endure the pounding of the wedge and will use each strike to train myself to trust You. I will ruin the enemy’s plan by growing in grace through the very adversity he uses to try and harm me. I pray in the name of the reason for my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him
Luke 15:20
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16
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