Transformational Thought
A few years back I injured the rotator cuff in my shoulder resulting in pain that varied from chronic to acute. It really affected my daily life. Using that arm for most anything made things worse. Of course, I waited much too long before seeking medical attention. The doc told me the tendons in my shoulder were swollen and inflamed. After an injection to quiet the inflammation, and a little rest, all went back to normal.
I think it’s safe to say that most people, actually, let me say it with more strength, ALL people, are “the walking wounded” in the spiritual sense. Of course, the wounds and injuries vary in severity, but we all carry wounds around with us. And those wounds bring some degree of pain. We try to escape the pain in good and not-so-good ways, because we all are addicted to comfort and peace.
Unfortunately, our pain level often goes from bad to worse through the decisions and choices we make in our search for comfort. It’s the proverbial vicious downward cycle. Our pain, caused by new and old wounds, evokes emotions, which in turn distort our decision-making process. We then choke, and make another poor, knee jerk decision, and the cycle repeats. To go back to my shoulder injury, using my arm to engage in a pleasurable activity while the tendons were inflamed, added more pain.
The injection we need to stop this hurtful cycle is God’s peace. The promise of peace is abundant throughout The Holy Bible. An antonym for peace is uproar, a highly emotional state. And while emotions are critical to us (they act as a very effective warning system), they don’t help us to make good choices. Making decisions during times of high emotion only increases the inflammation and pain.
Today, reflect back on some decisions that you regret…what kind of emotions pushed your decision-making? How do you think your decision-making process would have gone if you had a powerful Peace in the midst of that event? In order to access His peace, you have to look in the right places. Seek and accept the peace promised by your Lord before you make any important decisions.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thankful for Your power. I know, Lord, that the very same power that controls creation and raised Your Son from the dead is available to me. Infuse me, Father, with Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit that Jesus called the Great Comforter, so that I may experience peace through good weather as well as storms. I pray this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be Exhausted For the Right Reason
Transformational Thought
You may be physically exhausted from “doing.” Going to work, cleaning the house, chauffeuring the kids, attending services, participating in small groups, volunteering on committees…doing stuff in the name of service. But a deeper and more dangerous form of exhaustion is the spiritual type. This type of exhaustion comes from giving, and not so much from doing.
Jesus said to Peter - "Feed My sheep," but He gave Peter nothing to feed them with. We are all called to go feed His sheep. The process of being made “broken bread” and “poured out wine” means that you will be the nourishment for other’s souls until they learn to feed on God. Before they learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they have to draw on it through you. This is how God uses us to minister to others. We are called to serve, but this process has the potential to deplete and exhaust us.
We shouldn’t be exhausted, rather we should feel emptied…we need not remain emptied, for we can always return to the Source of all energy to refuel. God’s Word promises you strength and power, and the Holy Spirit is the energy source that we can tap into directly for refueling in order to service others some more. We get exhausted when we try to do all these activities on our own or for our gain. When we leave God out, (forgetting to be in prayer, focus on His will, or go to Him first), exhaustion becomes our companion.
Today, ask yourself the question, “Am I exhausted for the right reasons?” Be emptied because you are giving, not because you are forgetting to refuel through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His Armor. Remember, your supply comes from Him and His fuel pump is endless, while your own supply is shallow and runs dry quickly. You know that, so turn to Him for replenishment. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am exhausted, but for the wrong reasons. I am spinning my wheels, turning in circles, making no headway. I want to experience a different form of exhaustion; I want to be emptied from furthering Your kingdom here on earth. Use me, Father, to save souls and to spiritually nourish the starving until they learn to feed directly from You. I pray this in the name of the One you sent to be our broken bread and poured out wine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:28-29
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
John 21:17
You may be physically exhausted from “doing.” Going to work, cleaning the house, chauffeuring the kids, attending services, participating in small groups, volunteering on committees…doing stuff in the name of service. But a deeper and more dangerous form of exhaustion is the spiritual type. This type of exhaustion comes from giving, and not so much from doing.
Jesus said to Peter - "Feed My sheep," but He gave Peter nothing to feed them with. We are all called to go feed His sheep. The process of being made “broken bread” and “poured out wine” means that you will be the nourishment for other’s souls until they learn to feed on God. Before they learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they have to draw on it through you. This is how God uses us to minister to others. We are called to serve, but this process has the potential to deplete and exhaust us.
We shouldn’t be exhausted, rather we should feel emptied…we need not remain emptied, for we can always return to the Source of all energy to refuel. God’s Word promises you strength and power, and the Holy Spirit is the energy source that we can tap into directly for refueling in order to service others some more. We get exhausted when we try to do all these activities on our own or for our gain. When we leave God out, (forgetting to be in prayer, focus on His will, or go to Him first), exhaustion becomes our companion.
Today, ask yourself the question, “Am I exhausted for the right reasons?” Be emptied because you are giving, not because you are forgetting to refuel through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His Armor. Remember, your supply comes from Him and His fuel pump is endless, while your own supply is shallow and runs dry quickly. You know that, so turn to Him for replenishment. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am exhausted, but for the wrong reasons. I am spinning my wheels, turning in circles, making no headway. I want to experience a different form of exhaustion; I want to be emptied from furthering Your kingdom here on earth. Use me, Father, to save souls and to spiritually nourish the starving until they learn to feed directly from You. I pray this in the name of the One you sent to be our broken bread and poured out wine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:28-29
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
John 21:17
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Without Living Water, We Crack
Transformational Thought
I am still amazed by the sheer number of TV channels available to us…you can find something playing on almost any topic. I was flipping channels the other day and stumbled on a program about vintage guitars.
The narrator was explaining that the finest acoustic guitars are made from very thin layers of tone woods…how the quality of sound is largely determined by that thinness. He went on to say how critical it is to keep a guitar at the wood’s natural moisture level, about 45% relative humidity. If not, the wood cracks and the once beautiful tone takes on a deadened sound. Of course, you can still play it, but it won’t make the beautiful sound it was built to produce.
The guitar was placed in a room at 45% humidity. Three days later the wood expanded to it original size, the cracks closed, and the guitar played and sounded like new. The narrator continued, talking about how we are made up primarily of water…how things start to go seriously wrong if we become dehydrated. It got me thinking.
We were created by God and designed in His image…finer than the finest instrument. We’re created by our Lord to make spiritual music…the fruit of our faith, to glorify His name. Just as the guitar needs moisture to keep from cracking…we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and God’s Grace. We need it in and around us. In the absence of His flowing, living water, we crack. Like the cracked guitar, we will still make music…but ouch, the sound has deadness to it.
Today, think about how well-hydrated your spirit and soul are. Does your sound replicate that of a fine instrument…or is it muted with an unwanted deadness? Soak in the living waters that flow from Jesus Christ…truly believe in and practice His teachings and watch those cracks close up before your eyes. As you practice life according to your own rules, you will hear the deadened sounds of your life in your heart.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, dry, parched, dehydrated and cracked. I know You created me to make spiritual music, but all that is coming from me lately are dead notes. Fill me, Father, with “streams of living water” so that my cracks heal and close, and that I make the beautiful music You intended for me. Thank You, Lord, for Your Son Jesus Christ, who gave us life and gave it so freely. I pray this in the name of the One who filled all my cracks and heart; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
John 4:10
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:37
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1
I am still amazed by the sheer number of TV channels available to us…you can find something playing on almost any topic. I was flipping channels the other day and stumbled on a program about vintage guitars.
The narrator was explaining that the finest acoustic guitars are made from very thin layers of tone woods…how the quality of sound is largely determined by that thinness. He went on to say how critical it is to keep a guitar at the wood’s natural moisture level, about 45% relative humidity. If not, the wood cracks and the once beautiful tone takes on a deadened sound. Of course, you can still play it, but it won’t make the beautiful sound it was built to produce.
The guitar was placed in a room at 45% humidity. Three days later the wood expanded to it original size, the cracks closed, and the guitar played and sounded like new. The narrator continued, talking about how we are made up primarily of water…how things start to go seriously wrong if we become dehydrated. It got me thinking.
We were created by God and designed in His image…finer than the finest instrument. We’re created by our Lord to make spiritual music…the fruit of our faith, to glorify His name. Just as the guitar needs moisture to keep from cracking…we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and God’s Grace. We need it in and around us. In the absence of His flowing, living water, we crack. Like the cracked guitar, we will still make music…but ouch, the sound has deadness to it.
Today, think about how well-hydrated your spirit and soul are. Does your sound replicate that of a fine instrument…or is it muted with an unwanted deadness? Soak in the living waters that flow from Jesus Christ…truly believe in and practice His teachings and watch those cracks close up before your eyes. As you practice life according to your own rules, you will hear the deadened sounds of your life in your heart.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, dry, parched, dehydrated and cracked. I know You created me to make spiritual music, but all that is coming from me lately are dead notes. Fill me, Father, with “streams of living water” so that my cracks heal and close, and that I make the beautiful music You intended for me. Thank You, Lord, for Your Son Jesus Christ, who gave us life and gave it so freely. I pray this in the name of the One who filled all my cracks and heart; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
John 4:10
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:37
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: Darkness - Not Always Bad
Transformational Thought
Darkness is typically thought of as something negative, bad, or even evil. Nightfall, devoid of light, blackened, lost, secret, closed…blinded. The bible often uses darkness to mean “not in God’s light.”
As a child I was terribly frightened of the dark…I even carried that fear well into my adulthood.
But I have learned through personal experience that darkness is not all bad. And darkness does not have to be synonymous with the absence of God. Just maybe, when darkness comes, it signifies that we are under the shelter and in the shadow of our Lord. (Ps 91:1) Know that as children of God nothing happens to you that He has not allowed.
During times of darkness, there are actually treasures to be found (Isaiah 45:3), learning to be had and growth to be gained. When darkness comes most run from it, distracting themselves through their addictions…or simply sleeping through it.
When events don’t go our way and we feel emotionally uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to assume the situation is against us. We believe that nothing positive can come from it, even though we know from experience with school, sports or music that we have to practice to get good results. The same is true for spiritual growth as well.
Today, when you find yourself in the midst of physical and spiritual darkness, turn to your God for strength. Don’t run. Rather, look for the treasures in those secret places. While in the dark, turn to His Presence…His Word…His Spirit. And you will soon see His Lighthouse guiding you step by step. Look for how He wants to grow or strengthen you. Search for the positives in the storm.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know Father that You are perfect in all Your ways…therefore it is impossible for You to be careless. Nothing happens to me that You have not allowed. When I experience times of darkness – times that You could have prevented – it sometimes feels as if You are being careless with me. I pray, Father, that You equip me to navigate in the darkness…and that You will teach me how to use that equipment. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who experienced the darkest of times while paying for my sins, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Darkness is typically thought of as something negative, bad, or even evil. Nightfall, devoid of light, blackened, lost, secret, closed…blinded. The bible often uses darkness to mean “not in God’s light.”
As a child I was terribly frightened of the dark…I even carried that fear well into my adulthood.
But I have learned through personal experience that darkness is not all bad. And darkness does not have to be synonymous with the absence of God. Just maybe, when darkness comes, it signifies that we are under the shelter and in the shadow of our Lord. (Ps 91:1) Know that as children of God nothing happens to you that He has not allowed.
During times of darkness, there are actually treasures to be found (Isaiah 45:3), learning to be had and growth to be gained. When darkness comes most run from it, distracting themselves through their addictions…or simply sleeping through it.
When events don’t go our way and we feel emotionally uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to assume the situation is against us. We believe that nothing positive can come from it, even though we know from experience with school, sports or music that we have to practice to get good results. The same is true for spiritual growth as well.
Today, when you find yourself in the midst of physical and spiritual darkness, turn to your God for strength. Don’t run. Rather, look for the treasures in those secret places. While in the dark, turn to His Presence…His Word…His Spirit. And you will soon see His Lighthouse guiding you step by step. Look for how He wants to grow or strengthen you. Search for the positives in the storm.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know Father that You are perfect in all Your ways…therefore it is impossible for You to be careless. Nothing happens to me that You have not allowed. When I experience times of darkness – times that You could have prevented – it sometimes feels as if You are being careless with me. I pray, Father, that You equip me to navigate in the darkness…and that You will teach me how to use that equipment. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who experienced the darkest of times while paying for my sins, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Monday, January 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: Eternity With One or One-Night Stands With Many?
Transformational Thought
Once in a while I hear a question that makes God, Jesus and Christianity so real, so concrete, so clear. An example is this question asking me who I thought Jesus was. Based on what Jesus claimed, was He honest and therefore is the Son of God and Savior of all mankind…or was he a liar and a madman?
You see, with this question, there really isn’t any in-between answer. Based on who He said He was, either you believe Him or not. If you don’t believe He is the Son of God, then His claims are lunacy. In fact, as a psychiatrist, I have confined some delusional or manic individuals who made claims to be God, Jesus, the Antichrist, a select and powerful angel, or the Chosen One.
So, I will ask you a similar question. Do you believe in the eternity promised by God and delivered by Jesus Christ? If your answer is yes, then I say Halleluiah! If your answer is no…well then, life must feel like a continuous series of one-night stands.
Essentially, you are running from person to person, object to object, and event to event, engaged in a mad quest to find happiness, value, and connection…the desires of your heart. But without God you are coming up empty, then eagerly going to the next hot prospect. Disappointment prevails. You know the frustration and letdown of one-night stands: momentary highs followed by heartache and rejection. Ongoing chasing and coming up short. Just constant teases; never the deep, lasting romance we crave. How sad is that?
Today, think of spending your days as a string of commitments leading to God’s promise of eternity. Make God your exclusive God by choosing a life-long commitment to Him and His truth. When you are all-in with Him, He delivers the desires of your heart and you won’t waste time on one-night stands. I lived that life and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Most of my life has been a string of disjointed pursuits. I had no beliefs, never thought I would change. But today, Lord, by Your Grace, I try and build each day upon the one before it, all with the expressed purpose of pleasing You…reveling in spending eternity with You. Help me keep this focus, Lord. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver eternity to me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21
Once in a while I hear a question that makes God, Jesus and Christianity so real, so concrete, so clear. An example is this question asking me who I thought Jesus was. Based on what Jesus claimed, was He honest and therefore is the Son of God and Savior of all mankind…or was he a liar and a madman?
You see, with this question, there really isn’t any in-between answer. Based on who He said He was, either you believe Him or not. If you don’t believe He is the Son of God, then His claims are lunacy. In fact, as a psychiatrist, I have confined some delusional or manic individuals who made claims to be God, Jesus, the Antichrist, a select and powerful angel, or the Chosen One.
So, I will ask you a similar question. Do you believe in the eternity promised by God and delivered by Jesus Christ? If your answer is yes, then I say Halleluiah! If your answer is no…well then, life must feel like a continuous series of one-night stands.
Essentially, you are running from person to person, object to object, and event to event, engaged in a mad quest to find happiness, value, and connection…the desires of your heart. But without God you are coming up empty, then eagerly going to the next hot prospect. Disappointment prevails. You know the frustration and letdown of one-night stands: momentary highs followed by heartache and rejection. Ongoing chasing and coming up short. Just constant teases; never the deep, lasting romance we crave. How sad is that?
Today, think of spending your days as a string of commitments leading to God’s promise of eternity. Make God your exclusive God by choosing a life-long commitment to Him and His truth. When you are all-in with Him, He delivers the desires of your heart and you won’t waste time on one-night stands. I lived that life and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Most of my life has been a string of disjointed pursuits. I had no beliefs, never thought I would change. But today, Lord, by Your Grace, I try and build each day upon the one before it, all with the expressed purpose of pleasing You…reveling in spending eternity with You. Help me keep this focus, Lord. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver eternity to me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Stepping Stones: The 60/60 Rule
Transformational Thought
Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, well 6-9 inches here, so the weathermen get some extra grace. In the midst of shoveling snow though, I learned a great lesson about relationships.
I’m new to this neighborhood, and had the opportunity to meet my next door neighbor while we were both shoveling snow. He was a bit ahead of me…I was still on my driveway while he was shoveling the public sidewalk that ran in front of our houses. As he shoveled his way toward me, I noticed that he went well beyond his property line; he shoveled about 20 feet of my sidewalk. I thanked him, and then he told me about the 60/60 rule.
He said he learned it some time ago and it goes like this. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, don’t do any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. That when people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. He said, “When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.”
How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just do 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues forgiving…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.
I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.
Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am guilty of not always doing my fair share, taking my fair share of the blame…of letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the one who gave His all, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35
Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, well 6-9 inches here, so the weathermen get some extra grace. In the midst of shoveling snow though, I learned a great lesson about relationships.
I’m new to this neighborhood, and had the opportunity to meet my next door neighbor while we were both shoveling snow. He was a bit ahead of me…I was still on my driveway while he was shoveling the public sidewalk that ran in front of our houses. As he shoveled his way toward me, I noticed that he went well beyond his property line; he shoveled about 20 feet of my sidewalk. I thanked him, and then he told me about the 60/60 rule.
He said he learned it some time ago and it goes like this. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, don’t do any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. That when people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. He said, “When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.”
How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just do 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues forgiving…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.
I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.
Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am guilty of not always doing my fair share, taking my fair share of the blame…of letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the one who gave His all, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Burning Question
Transformational Thought
Yes, you have accepted Jesus as your savior... but have you asked yourself the next burning question?
Five years back, I lost my younger brother to cancer. Thankfully, Allen knew Christ and was ready to move on to eternity for complete and ultimate healing. Allen was a loving and dedicated husband and father…my neighbor and best friend. While deep sadness from his loss remains, what God taught those close to Allen during his fight changed our lives. Here’s just one example.
During Allen’s final days he was an in-patient at a cancer treatment center. In addition to the medical staff, there was a team of ministers, priests, nuns and others constantly available to the patients and their families for support, prayer, and questions. One of those was an 82-year-old nun…a retired missionary who spent her days visiting with patients. Allen and Sister became friends.
On one particular day, Allen received more devastating news about the spreading of his cancer. As he was sharing that with me, Sister stopped in for her daily visit with my brother. Allen told her the news; Sister calmly asked him, “What can I do for you?”
Allen told her that he had a question that was plaguing him. He didn’t know whether he should be praying for the healing promised in God’s Word or if he should be praying to align his fate and future with the will of God…whatever that may be. Sister said; “Let me ask you the burning question, Allen. Have you given yourself totally to God? Do that, and He will answer your question.”
Today, ask yourself that burning question, “Have you given yourself totally to God?” If the answer is no, then ask yourself why not? What do you need to believe differently about God or yourself in order to give yourself to Him as He gave Himself for you? As long as you keep putting yourself in your own hands, life will be hard and limited. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, It is so beautiful and rewarding to see Your work even in difficult circumstances. Help me look to You, Father, during these difficult times, as there is so much to learn when life doesn’t meet my expectations. I want to live a life that is close to You. I ask You, Father, to remove all obstacles that prevent me from totally giving myself to You. I pray this in the name of the One who gave Himself totally, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:26
Yes, you have accepted Jesus as your savior... but have you asked yourself the next burning question?
Five years back, I lost my younger brother to cancer. Thankfully, Allen knew Christ and was ready to move on to eternity for complete and ultimate healing. Allen was a loving and dedicated husband and father…my neighbor and best friend. While deep sadness from his loss remains, what God taught those close to Allen during his fight changed our lives. Here’s just one example.
During Allen’s final days he was an in-patient at a cancer treatment center. In addition to the medical staff, there was a team of ministers, priests, nuns and others constantly available to the patients and their families for support, prayer, and questions. One of those was an 82-year-old nun…a retired missionary who spent her days visiting with patients. Allen and Sister became friends.
On one particular day, Allen received more devastating news about the spreading of his cancer. As he was sharing that with me, Sister stopped in for her daily visit with my brother. Allen told her the news; Sister calmly asked him, “What can I do for you?”
Allen told her that he had a question that was plaguing him. He didn’t know whether he should be praying for the healing promised in God’s Word or if he should be praying to align his fate and future with the will of God…whatever that may be. Sister said; “Let me ask you the burning question, Allen. Have you given yourself totally to God? Do that, and He will answer your question.”
Today, ask yourself that burning question, “Have you given yourself totally to God?” If the answer is no, then ask yourself why not? What do you need to believe differently about God or yourself in order to give yourself to Him as He gave Himself for you? As long as you keep putting yourself in your own hands, life will be hard and limited. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, It is so beautiful and rewarding to see Your work even in difficult circumstances. Help me look to You, Father, during these difficult times, as there is so much to learn when life doesn’t meet my expectations. I want to live a life that is close to You. I ask You, Father, to remove all obstacles that prevent me from totally giving myself to You. I pray this in the name of the One who gave Himself totally, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:26
Friday, January 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Weathering a Spiritual SnowStorm?
Transformational Thought
A big snowstorm was reportedly heading our way tonight – 12 to 20 inches! At least that’s what the weather experts said. (Boy, I would love to have a job where I could be wrong so often and still be loved, popular, and an expert in my field!) So, like the masses, I went food shopping this morning. The grocery store and the shopping carts were chock-full. The longest we would be homebound by this storm…something like 12-24 hours. However, most shoppers were purchasing weeks’ worth of supplies…all based on the fear of being without what they need to nourish and sustain their bodies…for just one day.
This mob scene made me wonder why I don’t think more…no, actually worry more, about how well my spiritual cupboard is stocked; will I run out of blessing and grace? Will I have enough of God’s goodness within me to make it through my next spiritual snow-storm? Do I have enough Bible understanding and application nuggets ready to implement? Or is my cupboard empty, filled with stale or moldy bread that has been sitting unused for many months (except Sunday mornings).
Just imagine for a minute walking into a spiritual gifts, nuggets, and blessings supermarket. Shelves stocked to the ceiling…and all you have to do is fill up your cart. No check-out lines, no credit or debit cards…no need for cash. It’s all free; already paid for. The reason that we don’t stock up for snowstorms is because it costs money and we have limited room. But God’s supplies are free, and He made our hearts to store as much as we want – no limit.
Today, know that the door is right before you. All you have to do is believe and then open that door to receive. That door follows you wherever you go…that store is open 24/7. The super store has everything you need to sustain you not only for days and weeks…but for eternity. What’s in your shopping basket? Do you have enough to weather your next spiritual storm? Don’t cheat yourself. You can always shop and use it with abandon because it’s free and your heart can hold it all. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to have my name in the book of life. I pray for Your strength so that I may “overcome”, so that I may stand firm to the end. I know, Lord, that just as sure as You saved me, You will mold me to Your likeness and finish the work You started. Thank You, Father. Help me, Lord, to focus on my spiritual cart instead of my physical shopping cart. Help me develop the wisdom to endlessly shop in Your store for free treasures…available just for the taking. Fill my basket, Father, with all Your blessings. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Revelations 21:6,7
A big snowstorm was reportedly heading our way tonight – 12 to 20 inches! At least that’s what the weather experts said. (Boy, I would love to have a job where I could be wrong so often and still be loved, popular, and an expert in my field!) So, like the masses, I went food shopping this morning. The grocery store and the shopping carts were chock-full. The longest we would be homebound by this storm…something like 12-24 hours. However, most shoppers were purchasing weeks’ worth of supplies…all based on the fear of being without what they need to nourish and sustain their bodies…for just one day.
This mob scene made me wonder why I don’t think more…no, actually worry more, about how well my spiritual cupboard is stocked; will I run out of blessing and grace? Will I have enough of God’s goodness within me to make it through my next spiritual snow-storm? Do I have enough Bible understanding and application nuggets ready to implement? Or is my cupboard empty, filled with stale or moldy bread that has been sitting unused for many months (except Sunday mornings).
Just imagine for a minute walking into a spiritual gifts, nuggets, and blessings supermarket. Shelves stocked to the ceiling…and all you have to do is fill up your cart. No check-out lines, no credit or debit cards…no need for cash. It’s all free; already paid for. The reason that we don’t stock up for snowstorms is because it costs money and we have limited room. But God’s supplies are free, and He made our hearts to store as much as we want – no limit.
Today, know that the door is right before you. All you have to do is believe and then open that door to receive. That door follows you wherever you go…that store is open 24/7. The super store has everything you need to sustain you not only for days and weeks…but for eternity. What’s in your shopping basket? Do you have enough to weather your next spiritual storm? Don’t cheat yourself. You can always shop and use it with abandon because it’s free and your heart can hold it all. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to have my name in the book of life. I pray for Your strength so that I may “overcome”, so that I may stand firm to the end. I know, Lord, that just as sure as You saved me, You will mold me to Your likeness and finish the work You started. Thank You, Father. Help me, Lord, to focus on my spiritual cart instead of my physical shopping cart. Help me develop the wisdom to endlessly shop in Your store for free treasures…available just for the taking. Fill my basket, Father, with all Your blessings. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Revelations 21:6,7
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Call of God
Transformational Thought
God loves you more than anybody does. God has intentionally, specifically, and uniquely designed each and every one of us. Wanting us to be fulfilled, knowing what will fulfill us, and designing us specifically to do what will fulfill us, God “calls” us for several missions in life that will fulfill us to the max.
One of the calls each of us receives is to spread God’s word and promises. In today’s scripture, Paul states the call of God is to preach the gospel. It is called The Great Commission.
I don’t take this literally to mean we all need to become verbal preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. What I believe Paul means by "the gospel," is living out the reality of salvation we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. To preach it through our action, to speak our personal testimony, and walk easily and eagerly when an opening is presented.
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God…the miraculous and awe-inspiring message of salvation. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation to show his need for the Gospel…because these adversities kept him in unshakeable devotion to the Gospel of God. They also provided ripe times for others to be exposed to the peace and freedom of the Gospel, so Paul keenly watched for these Gospel moments.
Today, think about one person whom you could tell about God’s promise of salvation and eternity…so many are in desperate need of that news. Write their name down someplace. Pray for them and then tell a brother/sister to pray for them and you. Call that person and let them know they are important to you and you care about them. Behold what God can and will do in you, through you, and in them. God has designed, prepared, and called you to this very specific task. The peace and fulfillment you will experience when you step into His calling is UNBELIEVABLE! Don’t let Satan cheat you from it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the life I now live by faith in Your Son who loved me so much He gave Himself up for me. Thank You, Lord. I pray Father that You fill me with the Holy Spirit which will give me the courage, strength, and wisdom to “preach the Gospel.” Thank You for leading me to those who need to hear the good news. I pray for discernment, wisdom, courage, and excitement to proclaim the great gift you have given me and have for them. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
John 12:32
God loves you more than anybody does. God has intentionally, specifically, and uniquely designed each and every one of us. Wanting us to be fulfilled, knowing what will fulfill us, and designing us specifically to do what will fulfill us, God “calls” us for several missions in life that will fulfill us to the max.
One of the calls each of us receives is to spread God’s word and promises. In today’s scripture, Paul states the call of God is to preach the gospel. It is called The Great Commission.
I don’t take this literally to mean we all need to become verbal preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. What I believe Paul means by "the gospel," is living out the reality of salvation we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. To preach it through our action, to speak our personal testimony, and walk easily and eagerly when an opening is presented.
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God…the miraculous and awe-inspiring message of salvation. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation to show his need for the Gospel…because these adversities kept him in unshakeable devotion to the Gospel of God. They also provided ripe times for others to be exposed to the peace and freedom of the Gospel, so Paul keenly watched for these Gospel moments.
Today, think about one person whom you could tell about God’s promise of salvation and eternity…so many are in desperate need of that news. Write their name down someplace. Pray for them and then tell a brother/sister to pray for them and you. Call that person and let them know they are important to you and you care about them. Behold what God can and will do in you, through you, and in them. God has designed, prepared, and called you to this very specific task. The peace and fulfillment you will experience when you step into His calling is UNBELIEVABLE! Don’t let Satan cheat you from it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the life I now live by faith in Your Son who loved me so much He gave Himself up for me. Thank You, Lord. I pray Father that You fill me with the Holy Spirit which will give me the courage, strength, and wisdom to “preach the Gospel.” Thank You for leading me to those who need to hear the good news. I pray for discernment, wisdom, courage, and excitement to proclaim the great gift you have given me and have for them. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
John 12:32
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions - the Stone Gods
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions – I Bet You Got One
Transformational Thought
If you thought our current topic of addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading because…Newsflash: we are all addicts. We are all addicted to comfort. We all have a difficult time dealing with discomfort, and especially with pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain. You see, we are all born separated from God…and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, immediate relievers. These “solutions” are Addiction Objects…things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. God might choose to provide other more appropriate objects to fill these needs. So, each time we should look to Him first, not to the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, pornography…but can also be anger (really any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter…if it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, it can be an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. But the truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, and declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless without God first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He will prescribe for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions to soothe, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
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
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
If you thought our current topic of addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading because…Newsflash: we are all addicts. We are all addicted to comfort. We all have a difficult time dealing with discomfort, and especially with pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain. You see, we are all born separated from God…and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, immediate relievers. These “solutions” are Addiction Objects…things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. God might choose to provide other more appropriate objects to fill these needs. So, each time we should look to Him first, not to the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, pornography…but can also be anger (really any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter…if it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, it can be an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. But the truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, and declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless without God first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He will prescribe for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions to soothe, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
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
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
Monday, January 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: Failures: Let God In More
Transformational Thought
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But when I look back on some of those failures, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you? Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…and most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses as one of His very own children covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But when I look back on some of those failures, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you? Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…and most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses as one of His very own children covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: What You Looking At?
Transformational Thought
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of one character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in…like his body was a container. I always wondered what the inside of our body was like. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by with the amazing opportunity to study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye…the main gateway that allows information to come into our minds for us to process and grow by. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages, some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time…truths that really do say it all in a few words and sentences. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved”…He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you really look at God, seeing Him for who He really is, you can’t stop the forces of repentance and acceptance of His gifts of Love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Today, take note of what you are looking at. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things vying for your attention; push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you see everything else through. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance, but really look!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for only You are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path, if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of one character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in…like his body was a container. I always wondered what the inside of our body was like. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by with the amazing opportunity to study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye…the main gateway that allows information to come into our minds for us to process and grow by. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages, some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time…truths that really do say it all in a few words and sentences. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved”…He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you really look at God, seeing Him for who He really is, you can’t stop the forces of repentance and acceptance of His gifts of Love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Today, take note of what you are looking at. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things vying for your attention; push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you see everything else through. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance, but really look!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for only You are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path, if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Make God Look For You!
Transformational Thought
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
Friday, January 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Wait…Do It Now!
Transformational Thought
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: Delivered in…not from Adversity?
Transformational Thought
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Thinking About Enlisting?
Transformational Thought
I know many people don’t like billboards. They can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
I know many people don’t like billboards. They can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a Storm-Chaser?
Transformational Thought
Tornado chasing is a thrill-seeking activity made popular by the movie Twister. It depicted people, professionals and amateurs alike, who literally chased life-endangering storms. These types of people are actually drawn to the storms. Most do it to take once in a lifetime photos…others do it for the thrill and the danger. They are adrenaline junkies.
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The general connotation is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them…that we have no early-warning system.
There is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. They make conscious choices that lead them right into the eye of a storm…and they repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do they create storms for themselves, they create storms for all those around them.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from that choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will…we always have choices.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that yet again place you smack in the eye of a storm? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm…think how you might create your own great weather. WITHIN REACH will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear weather. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead…Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Tornado chasing is a thrill-seeking activity made popular by the movie Twister. It depicted people, professionals and amateurs alike, who literally chased life-endangering storms. These types of people are actually drawn to the storms. Most do it to take once in a lifetime photos…others do it for the thrill and the danger. They are adrenaline junkies.
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The general connotation is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them…that we have no early-warning system.
There is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. They make conscious choices that lead them right into the eye of a storm…and they repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do they create storms for themselves, they create storms for all those around them.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from that choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will…we always have choices.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that yet again place you smack in the eye of a storm? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm…think how you might create your own great weather. WITHIN REACH will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear weather. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead…Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Monday, January 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On
Transformational Thought
In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed? Which way are you leaning?
In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship?...Which job should I seek?...How will I make the mortgage payment this month?...How can I help my daughter?...What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding…or are you going to trust God?
Satan has played with our heads and we have experienced so many hurts, letdowns, and frustrations when trusting others in the past. All that scar tissue interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again to someone other than ourselves.
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for my agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves us with a love so great that we can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today.
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down what God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction.
Prayer
Father, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. (Am I ever really in control of my life anyway?) Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the one I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed? Which way are you leaning?
In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship?...Which job should I seek?...How will I make the mortgage payment this month?...How can I help my daughter?...What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding…or are you going to trust God?
Satan has played with our heads and we have experienced so many hurts, letdowns, and frustrations when trusting others in the past. All that scar tissue interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again to someone other than ourselves.
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for my agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves us with a love so great that we can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today.
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down what God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction.
Prayer
Father, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. (Am I ever really in control of my life anyway?) Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the one I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Wisdom, not Weakness
Transformational Thought
The parties are over. The buzz of the holidays is behind us. For many this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the season (maybe many seasons) start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot do it ourselves does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue that we have developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself … I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites … I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son … he will straighten up. I don't want your charity … I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself … I don’t need a therapist for that.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people.
Are you dealing with a challenge, a problem that is causing you frustration and stress? Stop and ask for God’s help several times today. Then wait with bold expectation. Sometimes the answer comes that day, but often it takes several days for God to reveal His answer and will. Be patient. Asking for His help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father, I have always wanted to feel that I could handle whatever life brings me, on my own. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and ask for your help in this situation. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear your answer when You send it. I pray in the name of the one who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
The parties are over. The buzz of the holidays is behind us. For many this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the season (maybe many seasons) start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot do it ourselves does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue that we have developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself … I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites … I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son … he will straighten up. I don't want your charity … I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself … I don’t need a therapist for that.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people.
Are you dealing with a challenge, a problem that is causing you frustration and stress? Stop and ask for God’s help several times today. Then wait with bold expectation. Sometimes the answer comes that day, but often it takes several days for God to reveal His answer and will. Be patient. Asking for His help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father, I have always wanted to feel that I could handle whatever life brings me, on my own. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and ask for your help in this situation. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear your answer when You send it. I pray in the name of the one who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: Guarantee: Time Passes – What Will You Do?
Transformational Thought
Happy New Year! Seems like Y2K was just a couple years ago with all the commotion about streetlights going crazy…retirement funds being depleted…financial chaos emerging from Wall Street…water and food being unavailable…people reserving generators over one year in advance. Then, 9/11 and the economy really crashing. Wow! This decade has blown by so rapidly.
I’ve never met anyone who thinks time has passed slowly. Really, the only thing we are guaranteed in this world (assuming the Rapture doesn’t occur) is this…Time Passes! Unless you die, time passes. And as we’ve noted…time passes very quickly.
So here’s my point…Putting the above observations together, we are guaranteed that Jan 1, 2012 will be here, and be here very quickly. Just preparing you. Now, the question you need to ask yourself, “Do I want to be in the same position, shoes, state of mind, level of psychological and spiritual maturity? Do I want to have the same degree of impact on family, friends and society? Or do I want more from myself?” We all want to grow. In fact, God commands us to mature…to go from milk to solid food. Staying the same isn’t a choice. If you aren’t going forward, then you are going backward. Life is much easier and more fulfilling when we are growing.
First, growth starts when you set a goal. Second, you have to realize where you are now. And third, you need to develop a strategy that takes you from where you are now to your goal. To make growth happen, self-reflection and assessment are essential keys. New Year’s Eve is the time most of us look back and evaluate, but it really is hard to appraise one whole year in a just a few hours. That’s just a lazy and shortsighted shortcut. You didn’t get this way overnight and you can’t assess it in just a few hours.
Today, you have a day off, so take time to invest in yourself. Write down who you want to be on 1/1/12. Be very descriptive about your spiritual, emotional, relational and thinking world. Then commit to 15-30 minutes per day for the next month for serious self-reflection/assessment. The return on this small investment will be life changing. WITHIN REACH will give you a unique and powerful strategy to quickly, efficiently, and deeply assess yourself and bring dramatic, powerful growth to all areas of your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so Holy and amazing, and I am in awe. Thank You for not giving up on me, a sinner, and actually wanting to come alongside me, bear my yoke, be my Counselor, and grow me to be more Christ-like. I know You want to finish the work You started and have promised You will. Show me how to use your Holy Spirit, your instruction, and the understanding of who You are to transform my mind and life. I pray in the name of the one who started this transformational revolution, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:23-25
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Happy New Year! Seems like Y2K was just a couple years ago with all the commotion about streetlights going crazy…retirement funds being depleted…financial chaos emerging from Wall Street…water and food being unavailable…people reserving generators over one year in advance. Then, 9/11 and the economy really crashing. Wow! This decade has blown by so rapidly.
I’ve never met anyone who thinks time has passed slowly. Really, the only thing we are guaranteed in this world (assuming the Rapture doesn’t occur) is this…Time Passes! Unless you die, time passes. And as we’ve noted…time passes very quickly.
So here’s my point…Putting the above observations together, we are guaranteed that Jan 1, 2012 will be here, and be here very quickly. Just preparing you. Now, the question you need to ask yourself, “Do I want to be in the same position, shoes, state of mind, level of psychological and spiritual maturity? Do I want to have the same degree of impact on family, friends and society? Or do I want more from myself?” We all want to grow. In fact, God commands us to mature…to go from milk to solid food. Staying the same isn’t a choice. If you aren’t going forward, then you are going backward. Life is much easier and more fulfilling when we are growing.
First, growth starts when you set a goal. Second, you have to realize where you are now. And third, you need to develop a strategy that takes you from where you are now to your goal. To make growth happen, self-reflection and assessment are essential keys. New Year’s Eve is the time most of us look back and evaluate, but it really is hard to appraise one whole year in a just a few hours. That’s just a lazy and shortsighted shortcut. You didn’t get this way overnight and you can’t assess it in just a few hours.
Today, you have a day off, so take time to invest in yourself. Write down who you want to be on 1/1/12. Be very descriptive about your spiritual, emotional, relational and thinking world. Then commit to 15-30 minutes per day for the next month for serious self-reflection/assessment. The return on this small investment will be life changing. WITHIN REACH will give you a unique and powerful strategy to quickly, efficiently, and deeply assess yourself and bring dramatic, powerful growth to all areas of your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so Holy and amazing, and I am in awe. Thank You for not giving up on me, a sinner, and actually wanting to come alongside me, bear my yoke, be my Counselor, and grow me to be more Christ-like. I know You want to finish the work You started and have promised You will. Show me how to use your Holy Spirit, your instruction, and the understanding of who You are to transform my mind and life. I pray in the name of the one who started this transformational revolution, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:23-25
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Friday, December 31, 2010
Stepping Stones: Only One Resolution Needed
Transformational Thought
So many of us use New Year’s Eve and Day to make resolutions…to try and “fix” our shortcomings…to focus on our failures. So many resolutions are made…and within a few days or weeks, they are broken. To keep a resolution for a whole month is virtually unheard of in our society.
Remember, the world we live in is fallen and we are part of that brokenness. In this fallen world, all our default settings are tainted by sin. Trying to “fix” yourself, by yourself, is futile. It’s like trying to put all the pieces of a broken mirror back together to get a true reflection. Only one resolution is needed…to develop the Mind of Christ. Growing closer to God, yearning for Him, then glorifying Him with your internal and external functioning.
Developing the Mind of Christ can’t happen without the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t saved, often called born again, (meaning you haven’t received God’s gift of Jesus as your personal Savior to save you from the penalty for your sins), then click here to learn how to be saved to go to heaven for eternity. If you are saved, then learning how to access the power of the Holy Spirit is the way to achieve your resolution and grow the Mind of Christ – be a better person. WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real Life Change is our decision-making and growth workshop that covers confession, the armor of God, biblical truths, and a strategy to understand and apply the Holy Spirit’s work in the everyday decisions of life.
To make a resolution is to make a decision with intention and determination…a decision with firmness of mind and purpose. When the Spirit is in you, and you are obeying and following Him, you will be transformed and renewed. The Holy Spirit will give you incredible motivation to follow through with your resolution.
Today, make the only resolution that can truly make a difference in your life. Decide to move closer to God and access the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and life...now and for eternity. Tomorrow, we will look closer at transformation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on this New Year’s Eve, I make the only resolution that counts…to move closer to You by achieving the “Mind of Christ.” In New Year’s Eves of the past, I have defaulted to try and problem solve through resolutions, always trying to find out what was wrong…and then trying to “fix” things my way. I come to You, Father, and ask for Your grace and collaboration to set me free from all my hurtful, sinful ways. I will view each moment in this New Year and all the years to come as a fresh opportunity to draw ever closer to You. I pray in the name of the one you sent to transform me and give me new life, Jesus Christ; and all the children of the world said - AMEN!
Truth
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
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
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
So many of us use New Year’s Eve and Day to make resolutions…to try and “fix” our shortcomings…to focus on our failures. So many resolutions are made…and within a few days or weeks, they are broken. To keep a resolution for a whole month is virtually unheard of in our society.
Remember, the world we live in is fallen and we are part of that brokenness. In this fallen world, all our default settings are tainted by sin. Trying to “fix” yourself, by yourself, is futile. It’s like trying to put all the pieces of a broken mirror back together to get a true reflection. Only one resolution is needed…to develop the Mind of Christ. Growing closer to God, yearning for Him, then glorifying Him with your internal and external functioning.
Developing the Mind of Christ can’t happen without the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t saved, often called born again, (meaning you haven’t received God’s gift of Jesus as your personal Savior to save you from the penalty for your sins), then click here to learn how to be saved to go to heaven for eternity. If you are saved, then learning how to access the power of the Holy Spirit is the way to achieve your resolution and grow the Mind of Christ – be a better person. WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real Life Change is our decision-making and growth workshop that covers confession, the armor of God, biblical truths, and a strategy to understand and apply the Holy Spirit’s work in the everyday decisions of life.
To make a resolution is to make a decision with intention and determination…a decision with firmness of mind and purpose. When the Spirit is in you, and you are obeying and following Him, you will be transformed and renewed. The Holy Spirit will give you incredible motivation to follow through with your resolution.
Today, make the only resolution that can truly make a difference in your life. Decide to move closer to God and access the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and life...now and for eternity. Tomorrow, we will look closer at transformation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on this New Year’s Eve, I make the only resolution that counts…to move closer to You by achieving the “Mind of Christ.” In New Year’s Eves of the past, I have defaulted to try and problem solve through resolutions, always trying to find out what was wrong…and then trying to “fix” things my way. I come to You, Father, and ask for Your grace and collaboration to set me free from all my hurtful, sinful ways. I will view each moment in this New Year and all the years to come as a fresh opportunity to draw ever closer to You. I pray in the name of the one you sent to transform me and give me new life, Jesus Christ; and all the children of the world said - AMEN!
Truth
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
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
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Stepping Stones: Go Ahead, Drop Into The Doctor’s Office
Transformational Thought
I woke up feeling very sick the other day…knew I needed to see a doctor. Instead of trying to make an appointment, I decided to just drop by my doctor’s office and try to have the receptionist “fit me in.” Big mistake. You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Regardless of my condition…no appointment, no visit.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on someone far more important and much busier than your family doctor in the middle of flu season…and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in”, He has actually been knocking on the door of your heart…all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in how He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in on Him…pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter how busy, THE DOCTOR always has time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank you for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to turn from my treatment plan that leads to destruction and follow Yours, which brings peace and fulfillment. I pray in the name of the one who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 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? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." 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 4:7-15
I woke up feeling very sick the other day…knew I needed to see a doctor. Instead of trying to make an appointment, I decided to just drop by my doctor’s office and try to have the receptionist “fit me in.” Big mistake. You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Regardless of my condition…no appointment, no visit.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on someone far more important and much busier than your family doctor in the middle of flu season…and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in”, He has actually been knocking on the door of your heart…all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in how He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in on Him…pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter how busy, THE DOCTOR always has time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank you for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to turn from my treatment plan that leads to destruction and follow Yours, which brings peace and fulfillment. I pray in the name of the one who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 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? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." 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 4:7-15
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: Go For Third
Transformational Thought
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Stepping Stones: What Do You Anchor to in a Storm?
Transformational Thought
Have you ever noticed this natural human phenomenon? The more behind we are, the faster we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. My mother taught little sayings to register her lessons in her children’s minds. One of her favorite sayings, “The faster I go…the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift…and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely…not in wishes and hopes…but securely in God’s promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge from the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in life to grow the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the ‘My kingdom come, my will be done’ mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money or even education. The only place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten. When you are faced with uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort…just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart…You know I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Have you ever noticed this natural human phenomenon? The more behind we are, the faster we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. My mother taught little sayings to register her lessons in her children’s minds. One of her favorite sayings, “The faster I go…the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift…and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely…not in wishes and hopes…but securely in God’s promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge from the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in life to grow the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the ‘My kingdom come, my will be done’ mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money or even education. The only place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten. When you are faced with uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort…just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart…You know I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Monday, December 27, 2010
Stepping Stones: This is for me?
Transformational Thought
Each year on Christmas Eve Day, I have a tradition of delivering a small gift to the people who provide a service to me throughout the year. The postman, butcher, coffee-shop owner, etc. I’ve been doing it for years. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
This year, as I was walking toward the coffee shop to deliver a bottle of wine, I stopped into a local oriental rug store to pick up a rug I had ordered the week before. The owner of the store greeted me when I walked in. He’s been in that same location for 25 years now. He’s a wheeler-dealer, an all-business kind of guy…he rarely smiles. He and I had a fairly intense negotiation session over the rug I purchased the previous week.
As I reached to shake his hand he noticed the gift-wrapped bottle of wine I was carrying (the coffee-shop owner’s gift, remember). Mistakenly assuming the gift was for him, he reached for it with his other hand and said, “This is for me?,” and then began thanking me profusely. His face lit up, almost in shock, and he started searching for something to give me in return. He also sells imported tea in his shop…so he grabbed a box containing a selection of exotic teas and gave it to me with pride and joy.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to this man. For a few minutes that gift transformed this man’s life. We talked a bit more and then I left with my rug; the smile remained on his face the entire time. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Sometimes God is reaching out to us. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our life and is speaking through.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change even for a few minutes by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far…maybe one of those people lives in your own h ome. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to this man who was in need of some kindness. I confess Lord that I am much too focused on myself…on my issues and needs. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them need see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
Each year on Christmas Eve Day, I have a tradition of delivering a small gift to the people who provide a service to me throughout the year. The postman, butcher, coffee-shop owner, etc. I’ve been doing it for years. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
This year, as I was walking toward the coffee shop to deliver a bottle of wine, I stopped into a local oriental rug store to pick up a rug I had ordered the week before. The owner of the store greeted me when I walked in. He’s been in that same location for 25 years now. He’s a wheeler-dealer, an all-business kind of guy…he rarely smiles. He and I had a fairly intense negotiation session over the rug I purchased the previous week.
As I reached to shake his hand he noticed the gift-wrapped bottle of wine I was carrying (the coffee-shop owner’s gift, remember). Mistakenly assuming the gift was for him, he reached for it with his other hand and said, “This is for me?,” and then began thanking me profusely. His face lit up, almost in shock, and he started searching for something to give me in return. He also sells imported tea in his shop…so he grabbed a box containing a selection of exotic teas and gave it to me with pride and joy.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to this man. For a few minutes that gift transformed this man’s life. We talked a bit more and then I left with my rug; the smile remained on his face the entire time. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Sometimes God is reaching out to us. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our life and is speaking through.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change even for a few minutes by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far…maybe one of those people lives in your own h ome. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to this man who was in need of some kindness. I confess Lord that I am much too focused on myself…on my issues and needs. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them need see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Stepping Stones: Called Alongside to Help
Transformational Thought
While the Christmas holidays are a time of joy and excitement for some, it’s also the most painful and lonely time of year for others. Missing a loved one, stressing about the lack of enough money for gifts, not getting the gifts we expect, being estranged from someone we love…so many factors have the potential to bring us down. These struggles are amplified just after Christmas, when Christmas expectations go unmet and the foreboding empty days of winter lie ahead. Many people really suffer.
This time of year is when encouraging others can an impact more powerful than you could ever imagine. The Greek translation of the word encouragement is “parakletos”, which means “called alongside to help.” Encouragement can be offering an uplifting word, but it can also be so much more than that, such as an opportunity to come alongside and help.
Showing someone they have value and dignity, and offering respect as you take action…doing something for them…this has an amazing influence on others’ thoughts and feelings. Show them they matter to you and to God by putting aside your needs in favor of theirs. The idea of being created in God’s image and having value, so much so that God sacrificed His Son for them, needs to be brought tangibly to them. You are the vehicle God will use to get them this life-saving, actually, life-transforming message.
Today, think of someone who needs you “alongside” them to help. Your spouse, parent, child, neighbor, work colleague, or friend. When you stand alongside and offer help, you become a powerful vessel through which God supplies courage, hope and happiness. You have the Holy Spirit in you and will directly bring Him to them. What better gift do you have to give than this? God will even bring people to you. So be alert and step up to the plate.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to encourage me. I thank You for Your Holy Word that offers encouragement each time I open the Bible. I thank You for making it possible for me to encourage others. I pray, Lord, that You help me become an expert in this area. I pray in the name of the one You sent to encourage me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24
While the Christmas holidays are a time of joy and excitement for some, it’s also the most painful and lonely time of year for others. Missing a loved one, stressing about the lack of enough money for gifts, not getting the gifts we expect, being estranged from someone we love…so many factors have the potential to bring us down. These struggles are amplified just after Christmas, when Christmas expectations go unmet and the foreboding empty days of winter lie ahead. Many people really suffer.
This time of year is when encouraging others can an impact more powerful than you could ever imagine. The Greek translation of the word encouragement is “parakletos”, which means “called alongside to help.” Encouragement can be offering an uplifting word, but it can also be so much more than that, such as an opportunity to come alongside and help.
Showing someone they have value and dignity, and offering respect as you take action…doing something for them…this has an amazing influence on others’ thoughts and feelings. Show them they matter to you and to God by putting aside your needs in favor of theirs. The idea of being created in God’s image and having value, so much so that God sacrificed His Son for them, needs to be brought tangibly to them. You are the vehicle God will use to get them this life-saving, actually, life-transforming message.
Today, think of someone who needs you “alongside” them to help. Your spouse, parent, child, neighbor, work colleague, or friend. When you stand alongside and offer help, you become a powerful vessel through which God supplies courage, hope and happiness. You have the Holy Spirit in you and will directly bring Him to them. What better gift do you have to give than this? God will even bring people to you. So be alert and step up to the plate.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to encourage me. I thank You for Your Holy Word that offers encouragement each time I open the Bible. I thank You for making it possible for me to encourage others. I pray, Lord, that You help me become an expert in this area. I pray in the name of the one You sent to encourage me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:22-24
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Stepping Stones: Where Will You Put Christmas Tomorrow?
Transformational Thought
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Our hope and prayer from Lighthouse Network to you is for a year spent growing closer to God, maturing in your Christian walk (not just knowledge), and further developing the mind of Christ.
Today is a day of great celebration, remembering the greatest gift ever given to us. Many went to church yesterday or will go today. We will celebrate today with those we love, exchanging gifts as symbols of our love, laughing and hugging, and adding another chapter of Christmas memories. But to be honest with you, part of me gets angry about Christmas Day.
You see, we are truly blessed that Christmas is everyday, especially for us Christians. All 365 days a year, Christ’s and God’s grace is abundantly given to us in extraordinary portions. Every day is Christmas! Satan has put out a lie that no other days are special, that they are just ordinary at best, and often, are even terrible days. Unfortunately, we fall into the trap of believing those lies. So we celebrate Christmas just one day a year, I believe, allowing people to enjoy it for only one day. Then we carve it out of our life as we pack it back in the attic with the ornaments, lights, wreaths, wrapping paper, nativity set, tablecloth and placemats until December 25th comes around again.
Today, make a commitment to yourself and God not to put Christmas away in the attic of your heart…but to keep it in the kitchen of your heart… accessible daily with the rest of your staples for surviving and living. Each day will have new meaning. Your lenses will be more God-centered and the goal of the mind of Christ will be on your doorstep. Your decision, choose well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Prayer
Dear Father God, Christmas is beautiful and I am overwhelmed with Your love, gift, and death for me. Actually for me, a sinner like me. It is still so unbelievable that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would actually die for me. I regret that I put Christmas away in the attic sometimes instead of living out of and in that joy daily. Help me see Your gift and presence daily, and to allow me to shine like a Lighthouse bringing Christmas to all those I contact, daily. I pray in the name of the star of Christmas, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Our hope and prayer from Lighthouse Network to you is for a year spent growing closer to God, maturing in your Christian walk (not just knowledge), and further developing the mind of Christ.
Today is a day of great celebration, remembering the greatest gift ever given to us. Many went to church yesterday or will go today. We will celebrate today with those we love, exchanging gifts as symbols of our love, laughing and hugging, and adding another chapter of Christmas memories. But to be honest with you, part of me gets angry about Christmas Day.
You see, we are truly blessed that Christmas is everyday, especially for us Christians. All 365 days a year, Christ’s and God’s grace is abundantly given to us in extraordinary portions. Every day is Christmas! Satan has put out a lie that no other days are special, that they are just ordinary at best, and often, are even terrible days. Unfortunately, we fall into the trap of believing those lies. So we celebrate Christmas just one day a year, I believe, allowing people to enjoy it for only one day. Then we carve it out of our life as we pack it back in the attic with the ornaments, lights, wreaths, wrapping paper, nativity set, tablecloth and placemats until December 25th comes around again.
Today, make a commitment to yourself and God not to put Christmas away in the attic of your heart…but to keep it in the kitchen of your heart… accessible daily with the rest of your staples for surviving and living. Each day will have new meaning. Your lenses will be more God-centered and the goal of the mind of Christ will be on your doorstep. Your decision, choose well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Prayer
Dear Father God, Christmas is beautiful and I am overwhelmed with Your love, gift, and death for me. Actually for me, a sinner like me. It is still so unbelievable that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would actually die for me. I regret that I put Christmas away in the attic sometimes instead of living out of and in that joy daily. Help me see Your gift and presence daily, and to allow me to shine like a Lighthouse bringing Christmas to all those I contact, daily. I pray in the name of the star of Christmas, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Friday, December 24, 2010
Stepping Stones: Proof: Jesus Will Hold Your Life Together!
Transformational Thought
One of our Stepping Stones readers sent this video link to me. It is so awesome…so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes. I know you will love it, especially during Christmas when stress, loss, illness, hurt, depression, addictions, rejection, or abandonment get magnified. I know many who will be experiencing their first Christmas without their spouse, parent, child, sibling, or best friend. Know that Jesus will keep you from falling apart, now and forever.
This clip is 8 min and once you see it, you will be inspired to pass it on to your struggling friends.
Click here now (it is safe). Here is the link also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
Today, stop and realize how Jesus and the cross, physically, psychologically, and spiritually hold you together. Also, pass it to someone who needs this reminder, proof of Jesus’ intimate involvement in their life. Tomorrow, be especially thankful for our spiritual laminin.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to hold me together, everyday, forever. Some days, it feels like I will fall apart…but now You give me more evidence that You are always there, intimately in my life, pulling me together. I will wake up tomorrow in joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth. Thank You, Jesus, for dying to be my spiritual glue. I pray in the name of our spiritual laminin, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:11-17
One of our Stepping Stones readers sent this video link to me. It is so awesome…so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes. I know you will love it, especially during Christmas when stress, loss, illness, hurt, depression, addictions, rejection, or abandonment get magnified. I know many who will be experiencing their first Christmas without their spouse, parent, child, sibling, or best friend. Know that Jesus will keep you from falling apart, now and forever.
This clip is 8 min and once you see it, you will be inspired to pass it on to your struggling friends.
Click here now (it is safe). Here is the link also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
Today, stop and realize how Jesus and the cross, physically, psychologically, and spiritually hold you together. Also, pass it to someone who needs this reminder, proof of Jesus’ intimate involvement in their life. Tomorrow, be especially thankful for our spiritual laminin.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to hold me together, everyday, forever. Some days, it feels like I will fall apart…but now You give me more evidence that You are always there, intimately in my life, pulling me together. I will wake up tomorrow in joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth. Thank You, Jesus, for dying to be my spiritual glue. I pray in the name of our spiritual laminin, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:11-17
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Stepping Stones: Shopping…For What?
Transformational Tip
Well, Christmas is just a couple days away. How are you doing with your shopping list? Shopping isn’t my thing, never was, never will be. Since I don’t like shopping, I procrastinate up to the last second. You guessed it…I’ve become an incredibly efficient Christmas Eve shopper. It really is a lot of fun as people are in better moods, excitement is in the air, less than 24 hours till the magic of Christmas, and a party atmosphere everywhere you go. Try it next year, or at least save some of your list for the Christmas Eve.
But you see, shopping is about finding something to fill a need for someone. To me, shopping is for not a just a want, but a need. As a psychiatrist, when I think about “shopping” for something to help fill someone’s need, the items can’t be found in any store. Value, purpose, connection, identity, security, consistency, meaning, competence, ability, and love aren’t for sale. Watching all the commercials or ads in the paper you would swear these precious needs are in every store and even on sale, but they’re not.
The most important gift, the foundation to all the gifts I listed above, is a 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 in a pretty package, but they came in a manger and they are FREE.
This is the true and amazing story of Christmas. God gave us the most loving and unbelievable gift of all time to meet all our needs completely. It cost Him and Jesus a lot…but it is truly free to us. Really, it is the grandest gift ever given. That is what we are blessed to celebrate on Christmas Day.
Today, think how you will receive God’s gift each day to affect the issues you struggle with…to address and meet all your real needs. God has given you what you need. Learn how to use it. WITHIN REACH can help you apply God’s gift to your areas of need. Also, consider how you can give this gift to your loved ones who need it. It’s more valuable than anything you can buy, make, or give from this world. Don’t be shy about sharing. You might cheat someone from receiving the greatest gift ever given.
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, heal me - Jesus Christ; 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, Christmas is just a couple days away. How are you doing with your shopping list? Shopping isn’t my thing, never was, never will be. Since I don’t like shopping, I procrastinate up to the last second. You guessed it…I’ve become an incredibly efficient Christmas Eve shopper. It really is a lot of fun as people are in better moods, excitement is in the air, less than 24 hours till the magic of Christmas, and a party atmosphere everywhere you go. Try it next year, or at least save some of your list for the Christmas Eve.
But you see, shopping is about finding something to fill a need for someone. To me, shopping is for not a just a want, but a need. As a psychiatrist, when I think about “shopping” for something to help fill someone’s need, the items can’t be found in any store. Value, purpose, connection, identity, security, consistency, meaning, competence, ability, and love aren’t for sale. Watching all the commercials or ads in the paper you would swear these precious needs are in every store and even on sale, but they’re not.
The most important gift, the foundation to all the gifts I listed above, is a 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 in a pretty package, but they came in a manger and they are FREE.
This is the true and amazing story of Christmas. God gave us the most loving and unbelievable gift of all time to meet all our needs completely. It cost Him and Jesus a lot…but it is truly free to us. Really, it is the grandest gift ever given. That is what we are blessed to celebrate on Christmas Day.
Today, think how you will receive God’s gift each day to affect the issues you struggle with…to address and meet all your real needs. God has given you what you need. Learn how to use it. WITHIN REACH can help you apply God’s gift to your areas of need. Also, consider how you can give this gift to your loved ones who need it. It’s more valuable than anything you can buy, make, or give from this world. Don’t be shy about sharing. You might cheat someone from receiving the greatest gift ever given.
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, heal me - Jesus Christ; 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
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: What is Your Instrument Panel?
Transformational Thought
During a recent transatlantic flight I had the experience of flying through a violent storm. It lasted about an hour. The pilot told us passengers the storm was so large that there was no way to go around it. We would need to continue to fly through it. He encouraged us to hang in there and assured us we were in no danger.
I had a chance to talk with the pilot after we landed. I asked him if he felt flying through the storm was dangerous. He said, “No, but as any pilot will tell you, the danger comes in giving in to the temptation to fly by your instincts instead of using the instrument panel.” He went on to explain how easy it is to become disoriented if you rely on instincts - thinking the plane is going up when it’s actually going down. Thankfully, the instrument panel is set to magnetic north and can be trusted every time, no matter how bad the conditions might be. He said that letting the instruments guide you…even when it feels wrong…ensures safety in the storm.
We all face storms that not just threaten, but actually confuse and disorient us. Experiencing an ominous call from the doctor’s office, the betrayal of a loved one or friend, a financial setback, an unexpected obstacle in your day, or a shattered dream is a time to be especially careful. When you are blinded by life’s disappointments, don’t trust your instincts. Flying by the seat of your pants during life’s storms can lead to despair, confusion, and vengeful responses that make matters worse…and this is exactly where Satan wants you to be. God wants to guide you, and His Word is packed with wisdom and insights for living. You have to trust in something to guide you. So, what is your instrument panel? Go to your Bible and trust God. Trust His promises and character. Let His instructions guide you through the storms of life.
In today’s storms, make the decision to use God as your instrument panel. If you are experiencing a conflict, examine what you are leaning on to guide and interpret the situation. Then compare it to the power and track record of God and His word. You definitely want to follow where His instrument panel guides you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I seem to spend most of my life in storms…worse yet, I get disoriented easily. I turn now to You God, to help me know what is up and what is down. You are my instrument panel and my lighthouse…teach me how to develop antennae for Your signals, and how to follow Your tracking signal. I pray in the name of the ultimate instrument panel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
During a recent transatlantic flight I had the experience of flying through a violent storm. It lasted about an hour. The pilot told us passengers the storm was so large that there was no way to go around it. We would need to continue to fly through it. He encouraged us to hang in there and assured us we were in no danger.
I had a chance to talk with the pilot after we landed. I asked him if he felt flying through the storm was dangerous. He said, “No, but as any pilot will tell you, the danger comes in giving in to the temptation to fly by your instincts instead of using the instrument panel.” He went on to explain how easy it is to become disoriented if you rely on instincts - thinking the plane is going up when it’s actually going down. Thankfully, the instrument panel is set to magnetic north and can be trusted every time, no matter how bad the conditions might be. He said that letting the instruments guide you…even when it feels wrong…ensures safety in the storm.
We all face storms that not just threaten, but actually confuse and disorient us. Experiencing an ominous call from the doctor’s office, the betrayal of a loved one or friend, a financial setback, an unexpected obstacle in your day, or a shattered dream is a time to be especially careful. When you are blinded by life’s disappointments, don’t trust your instincts. Flying by the seat of your pants during life’s storms can lead to despair, confusion, and vengeful responses that make matters worse…and this is exactly where Satan wants you to be. God wants to guide you, and His Word is packed with wisdom and insights for living. You have to trust in something to guide you. So, what is your instrument panel? Go to your Bible and trust God. Trust His promises and character. Let His instructions guide you through the storms of life.
In today’s storms, make the decision to use God as your instrument panel. If you are experiencing a conflict, examine what you are leaning on to guide and interpret the situation. Then compare it to the power and track record of God and His word. You definitely want to follow where His instrument panel guides you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I seem to spend most of my life in storms…worse yet, I get disoriented easily. I turn now to You God, to help me know what is up and what is down. You are my instrument panel and my lighthouse…teach me how to develop antennae for Your signals, and how to follow Your tracking signal. I pray in the name of the ultimate instrument panel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: Put God on Speed Dial…The World on Hold
Transformational Thought
I remember some time ago actually making the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other things. I knew I needed to “get right with God”…it seemed like such a big task that needed lots of time. But I wanted to do it right, not just rush through it, so I just couldn’t get to it right away I had too many items on my “To Do” list that I thought were more urgent.
Because of my incredible shortsightedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand how to accomplish those “to do’s” with joy and efficiency. Furthermore, I didn’t see that I risked further damage to myself and those around me as I ventured into life trying to do it alone. How much more vulnerable I was…how truly naked and defenseless I was.
Most of us live among people who glorify busyness…who have made time a tyrant that controls their life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world, putting God on hold…putting Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives.
The real distortion is our belief that we can conquer life on our own…that we are the king of our kingdom and don’t need to humble ourselves to any other authority. We believe we can generate all the power we need to overcome the struggles of this world. It’s easy to see how blatantly wrong these beliefs are. But when you break down some of your decisions you will be amazed to see how these beliefs insidiously creep in and determine your responses to what life brings your way.
Today, instead of making the choice (yes, it is always your decision and choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes. Spend some time with God. Have a conversation with Him. Bring Him your greatest concerns. Read a few pages of scripture. Pray prayers of simple thanksgiving. Dig into a couple of wrong decisions and be honest. See if some of the distortions above are part of your lenses.
You will be amazed at how this daily practice will change your life. It will allow you to develop the Mind of Christ and develop you in the greatest spiritual discipline: Decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that you are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the directions for this journey, stepping stone by stepping stone…for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son who put everything on hold to serve You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
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
I remember some time ago actually making the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other things. I knew I needed to “get right with God”…it seemed like such a big task that needed lots of time. But I wanted to do it right, not just rush through it, so I just couldn’t get to it right away I had too many items on my “To Do” list that I thought were more urgent.
Because of my incredible shortsightedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand how to accomplish those “to do’s” with joy and efficiency. Furthermore, I didn’t see that I risked further damage to myself and those around me as I ventured into life trying to do it alone. How much more vulnerable I was…how truly naked and defenseless I was.
Most of us live among people who glorify busyness…who have made time a tyrant that controls their life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world, putting God on hold…putting Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives.
The real distortion is our belief that we can conquer life on our own…that we are the king of our kingdom and don’t need to humble ourselves to any other authority. We believe we can generate all the power we need to overcome the struggles of this world. It’s easy to see how blatantly wrong these beliefs are. But when you break down some of your decisions you will be amazed to see how these beliefs insidiously creep in and determine your responses to what life brings your way.
Today, instead of making the choice (yes, it is always your decision and choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes. Spend some time with God. Have a conversation with Him. Bring Him your greatest concerns. Read a few pages of scripture. Pray prayers of simple thanksgiving. Dig into a couple of wrong decisions and be honest. See if some of the distortions above are part of your lenses.
You will be amazed at how this daily practice will change your life. It will allow you to develop the Mind of Christ and develop you in the greatest spiritual discipline: Decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that you are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the directions for this journey, stepping stone by stepping stone…for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son who put everything on hold to serve You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
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
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