Transformational Thought
Several little babies have come into our life that past year, and while females and proud parents gush about how pretty, perfect, innocent, and sweet these newborns are, I really don’t get all the fuss about their “goodness.” You see, Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature, inherently unholy, and lost.
To experience deep and lasting love and life, we must face the truth about this standing before God. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses from that core sin nature.
But thankfully, God provided a wonderful solution. We can reach out today, in faith, to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
If you have taken this step already, then Hallelujah! You have eternal victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. But it gets a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble with ongoing sinning even though we are a new creation. The reason is because we didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again. Our baggage weighs on us.
Satan is not going down without a fight. He will deceive us into thinking we aren’t really victorious over our sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have us doubt our eternal security. Regardless of Satan’s attempts, we have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but we have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God, God has given us to defend against Satan and skillfully counterattack.
Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins, the birthday that counts. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own merits. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my spiritual life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Love Him 100%…Then Exercise Free Will
Transformational Thought
My mother was a great teacher of many things. Piano, Easter egg decorating the Ukranian way, knitting, music, cooking, and negotiating the lowest price with any salesperson. But she was also a great Bible teacher for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, we would often go round and round. Even now, with my daughters and nieces, the issues of tattoos, length and cut of dresses and skirts, piercings, watching movies, college decisions, all lead to some controversy.
We talk a lot about Obedience vs. Relationship, because so many people struggle with these concepts, which sometimes seem mutually exclusive or contradictory. One way to sum it up is “Just love God with all you have … then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt Him.”
As I read today’s scripture the order seems pretty clear. Love God, then we will obey Him. Our Lord never insists on obedience for eternal life. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient, in fact, because we were disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on the status of our relationship … where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do … period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance … if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the do’s and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and all He has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my relationship and love for You … and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior and model, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
My mother was a great teacher of many things. Piano, Easter egg decorating the Ukranian way, knitting, music, cooking, and negotiating the lowest price with any salesperson. But she was also a great Bible teacher for her children and all those around her. She would simplify complex concepts for us. When it came to the question of obedience to God vs. our independence and “free-will”, we would often go round and round. Even now, with my daughters and nieces, the issues of tattoos, length and cut of dresses and skirts, piercings, watching movies, college decisions, all lead to some controversy.
We talk a lot about Obedience vs. Relationship, because so many people struggle with these concepts, which sometimes seem mutually exclusive or contradictory. One way to sum it up is “Just love God with all you have … then do whatever you want. For if you truly love God, you will do nothing to hurt Him.”
As I read today’s scripture the order seems pretty clear. Love God, then we will obey Him. Our Lord never insists on obedience for eternal life. In fact, he stresses relationship. He pursues us across the multiverse, desiring fellowship and union with us even when we are disobedient, in fact, because we were disobedient. He even died for us to provide reconciliation, restoration and relationship, not to make us obedient.
If He wanted to motivate obedience, He would offer heaven only to the obedient, or threaten to send the disobedient to hell, or give you extreme consequences every time you disobey. God does none of these. Instead, He rewards us based on the status of our relationship … where we are on the relationship growth curve with Him.
God very clearly stresses what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We find, and He desires, that we will obey Him out of love for Him and the knowledge that what He instructs us to do is actually the best thing for us to do … period. Notice that when Jesus spoke about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," clearly telling us we have a choice. When we are in relationship with Him and really love Him, we will obey. If we are truly wise, we will follow His guidance … if we really want comfort, we will trust His direction.
Today, focus on growing your love for God. Focus less on the do’s and don’ts and more on simply getting to know God and all He has done for you. You can’t help but love Him and then want to please Him, just as we are motivated to do for any one we love. When you have a choice, ask yourself, “Why am a choosing this option?” Hopefully, you answer, “Because I love God,” not “Because I need to do what is right.” For if you truly love Him, you will be less prone to do anything to hurt Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the freedom to choose. I thank You, Father, for the clarity of the messages from Your Son, Jesus. Help me, Father, to grow my relationship and love for You … and then let that love guide all my decisions and actions. I pray, Father, that You protect me from all evil influences that may impact my decisions. I pray in the name of my savior and model, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
John 14:15
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
Friday, November 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Let HIM Take That Huge Stone Off Your Back
Transformational Thought
Yesterday, someone questioned me about the theology in a past devotional. My first reaction was that clearly I must have made a mistake and I felt bad that I let so many people down and misinformed them. Upon further review, thankfully, I didn’t make a mistake and we processed his possible interpretations about what I wrote and how he read it. It was great for both of us.
But, try as I may, I find that my brokenness and past sin are sometimes like a huge stone hanging around my neck. Carrying that stone causes guilt, shame, weakness, and at times, causes me to avoid certain opportunities and experiences. I know and believe I have been forgiven, but I struggle with laying down that stone and walking away from it. Many people share this struggle, do you?
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible experiences for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform those mistakes and sins, the destructive guilt and anxiety, into constructive thought and hope for a transformed and transforming future. We don’t have to hold onto distorted lenses from past wounds and mistakes. But we do have to look back and re-examine them through Godly lenses, letting God into and heal our past so we can have clear lenses to see Him, ourselves, and daily experiences that He brings into our life today.
Trusting God’s forgiveness is a big and difficult stretch … for most, myself included, really receiving God’s forgiveness takes time. For me, I had to work up to this huge step of trust by practicing, implementing, and applying trust in much smaller areas of life and in my relationship with God. Then I was able to absorb His forgiveness in the bigger areas of my life. You can, too.
Trusting Him when there is an illness … a flat tire … change of plans … someone else is in charge … a deadline is changed … a random bill comes into your life … protection for your children is needed … feeling unloved or valueless. Like any skill, starting small, practicing, and then stretching it can lead to powerful capabilities. Trust is the same way. Trusting in His power of forgiveness is one of the richest skills you can develop. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Jesus Christ.
Today, leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into your invincible future with Him. Start by trusting Him, His agenda, promises, character, and instruction in 3 small situations today. You probably already do, but acknowledge and identify it so you can apply it to bigger, tougher areas tomorrow. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Mighty and Forgiving God, I can easily become paralyzed with shame, guilt, and fear over my past. I have hurt You … and I know I have hurt others. I am so thankful for Your promise of forgiveness – Thank You, Lord. I ask You, Father, to help me lay down the heavy stone of my past that I have been carrying. Let me remember and be accountable for my past brokenness and sin … but let it not keep me from moving toward You with freedom. I pray in the name of the one whom You sent to lift the burdens of my past, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:8
Yesterday, someone questioned me about the theology in a past devotional. My first reaction was that clearly I must have made a mistake and I felt bad that I let so many people down and misinformed them. Upon further review, thankfully, I didn’t make a mistake and we processed his possible interpretations about what I wrote and how he read it. It was great for both of us.
But, try as I may, I find that my brokenness and past sin are sometimes like a huge stone hanging around my neck. Carrying that stone causes guilt, shame, weakness, and at times, causes me to avoid certain opportunities and experiences. I know and believe I have been forgiven, but I struggle with laying down that stone and walking away from it. Many people share this struggle, do you?
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible experiences for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform those mistakes and sins, the destructive guilt and anxiety, into constructive thought and hope for a transformed and transforming future. We don’t have to hold onto distorted lenses from past wounds and mistakes. But we do have to look back and re-examine them through Godly lenses, letting God into and heal our past so we can have clear lenses to see Him, ourselves, and daily experiences that He brings into our life today.
Trusting God’s forgiveness is a big and difficult stretch … for most, myself included, really receiving God’s forgiveness takes time. For me, I had to work up to this huge step of trust by practicing, implementing, and applying trust in much smaller areas of life and in my relationship with God. Then I was able to absorb His forgiveness in the bigger areas of my life. You can, too.
Trusting Him when there is an illness … a flat tire … change of plans … someone else is in charge … a deadline is changed … a random bill comes into your life … protection for your children is needed … feeling unloved or valueless. Like any skill, starting small, practicing, and then stretching it can lead to powerful capabilities. Trust is the same way. Trusting in His power of forgiveness is one of the richest skills you can develop. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Jesus Christ.
Today, leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into your invincible future with Him. Start by trusting Him, His agenda, promises, character, and instruction in 3 small situations today. You probably already do, but acknowledge and identify it so you can apply it to bigger, tougher areas tomorrow. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Mighty and Forgiving God, I can easily become paralyzed with shame, guilt, and fear over my past. I have hurt You … and I know I have hurt others. I am so thankful for Your promise of forgiveness – Thank You, Lord. I ask You, Father, to help me lay down the heavy stone of my past that I have been carrying. Let me remember and be accountable for my past brokenness and sin … but let it not keep me from moving toward You with freedom. I pray in the name of the one whom You sent to lift the burdens of my past, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.
Jeremiah 33:8
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: This Pressure Cooker Called Life
Transformational Thought
I remember my grandmother using a pressure cooker to preserve the fruits and vegetables that she grew and picked from her own garden. She would spend hot summer days in a steamy kitchen pouring home-grown goodness into glass jars, and then plunge them into boiling water in a pressure cooker. That pressure cooker was an essential tool to her work for two reasons. It ensured that the food was safe to eat, and it shortened the time needed to accomplish the work. A pressure cooker can be used for everyday meals, too. But using it comes with a few downsides: meats are ready fast, but they’re tough; vegetables keep their nutrients, but they lose flavor.
Have you ever been in “pressure-cooker” situations, dealing with non-stop stress, multiple priorities, constant interruptions, or emotionally charged situations? What happens to the brain when we’re under pressure like that? Our circuitry, the hardware necessary to get the best decision-making and spiritual worship out of the computer that is YOU, is dramatically affected by stress. God gave us a great brain to respond to acute and short periods of stress, but longer episodes of stress are actually destructive to the brain, and thus all the areas of our life our brain touches. Satan knows that and cranks up the pressure, the stress of life, to push us to a conforming mind.
Ongoing stress causes excessive action by our immune system and endocrine system, producing cortisol and adrenaline. Prolonged activation injures brain cells, even killing some, and disrupts circuitry in our emotion, memory, and relationship centers of the brain. This is why we have trouble thinking of God’s promises, character, or past provision, trouble remembering Bible passages that soothe, or trouble connecting to God’s love, peace, comfort, and grace when we are under continual pressure or stress.
Everyone responds to stress differently. Some people just walk away. Maybe you’re competent to accomplish a task, but instead do just enough to make it work. Possibly you fall into making knee-jerk reactions, or you respond to what is urgent while avoiding what is important. It’s easy to go for the quick fix, relying on yourself but forgetting to ask God for His guidance and wisdom. That’s exactly where Satan wants you to be. But there’s another way.
Today, when you are under pressure at work, at home, or on the street, just stop. Consider that you get to make a choice. Call on God and tell Him you need His help. This is exactly where we all need to be, “on our knees” in a position of dependence. God is delighted when we rely on His goodness, mercy and power. He has promised that He will always be with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. You can decide to let the pressure get to you … or to rely on the God who loves you. When you stop and rely on Him, you are actually rewiring that damaged circuitry, healing damaged brain cells, and literally growing new ones that will allow you to function better. Your decision … choose well as it is your spiritual act of worship!
Prayer
Dear God, When I consider all the pressures and demands on my life today, it feels overwhelming. It’s so hard to know what to do or even where to start. I don’t want to just get by. I want to live a full life, the abundant life Jesus talked about, that pleases You in every way. I can’t do this alone. I need and want Your help. As I call out to You. I trust You alone to give me wisdom, guidance and energy for my situation. I pray to You in the name of Your Son Jesus who had perfect brain chemistry and triumphed through the most extreme pressure cooker. And all God’s children say, “AMEN!”
The Truth
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:13
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. 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 12:1-2
I remember my grandmother using a pressure cooker to preserve the fruits and vegetables that she grew and picked from her own garden. She would spend hot summer days in a steamy kitchen pouring home-grown goodness into glass jars, and then plunge them into boiling water in a pressure cooker. That pressure cooker was an essential tool to her work for two reasons. It ensured that the food was safe to eat, and it shortened the time needed to accomplish the work. A pressure cooker can be used for everyday meals, too. But using it comes with a few downsides: meats are ready fast, but they’re tough; vegetables keep their nutrients, but they lose flavor.
Have you ever been in “pressure-cooker” situations, dealing with non-stop stress, multiple priorities, constant interruptions, or emotionally charged situations? What happens to the brain when we’re under pressure like that? Our circuitry, the hardware necessary to get the best decision-making and spiritual worship out of the computer that is YOU, is dramatically affected by stress. God gave us a great brain to respond to acute and short periods of stress, but longer episodes of stress are actually destructive to the brain, and thus all the areas of our life our brain touches. Satan knows that and cranks up the pressure, the stress of life, to push us to a conforming mind.
Ongoing stress causes excessive action by our immune system and endocrine system, producing cortisol and adrenaline. Prolonged activation injures brain cells, even killing some, and disrupts circuitry in our emotion, memory, and relationship centers of the brain. This is why we have trouble thinking of God’s promises, character, or past provision, trouble remembering Bible passages that soothe, or trouble connecting to God’s love, peace, comfort, and grace when we are under continual pressure or stress.
Everyone responds to stress differently. Some people just walk away. Maybe you’re competent to accomplish a task, but instead do just enough to make it work. Possibly you fall into making knee-jerk reactions, or you respond to what is urgent while avoiding what is important. It’s easy to go for the quick fix, relying on yourself but forgetting to ask God for His guidance and wisdom. That’s exactly where Satan wants you to be. But there’s another way.
Today, when you are under pressure at work, at home, or on the street, just stop. Consider that you get to make a choice. Call on God and tell Him you need His help. This is exactly where we all need to be, “on our knees” in a position of dependence. God is delighted when we rely on His goodness, mercy and power. He has promised that He will always be with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. You can decide to let the pressure get to you … or to rely on the God who loves you. When you stop and rely on Him, you are actually rewiring that damaged circuitry, healing damaged brain cells, and literally growing new ones that will allow you to function better. Your decision … choose well as it is your spiritual act of worship!
Prayer
Dear God, When I consider all the pressures and demands on my life today, it feels overwhelming. It’s so hard to know what to do or even where to start. I don’t want to just get by. I want to live a full life, the abundant life Jesus talked about, that pleases You in every way. I can’t do this alone. I need and want Your help. As I call out to You. I trust You alone to give me wisdom, guidance and energy for my situation. I pray to You in the name of Your Son Jesus who had perfect brain chemistry and triumphed through the most extreme pressure cooker. And all God’s children say, “AMEN!”
The Truth
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:13
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. 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 12:1-2
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: Move out of Your Comfort Zone: “I don’t feel like it!”
Transformational Thought
I was recently challenged to step out and take on a task that was new to me, out of my comfort zone. I’m often asked to do just that … by my boss, a family member, or friend. Sometimes, I say yes because of an obligation I feel towards the person proposing the idea or because of my close relationship to that person. Or even because part of me knows it’s the right thing to do. But this time, I made excuses. The skill was out of my comfort zone. I believed I didn’t have what it took to accomplish the task. And mostly importantly, in my mind … I didn’t feel like doing it.
Sound familiar? How often do we use that excuse as a fall-back position, “I don’t feel like it!” Looking at those words in print, even I can see now that it’s lame. In fact, it’s the type of statement I might call to someone’s attention by saying, “And how often have your feelings led you to a sound decision?” If it were up to my feelings, I wouldn’t get out of bed till 10:00 everyday, and would never eat a vegetable. What was I thinking? Why did my feelings become the default mode for my decision? My faulty reasoning was the result of a trap, a trick, a deceit. And for a short time, I actually bought into it.
Eventually I actually did complete the task. What turned around the situation? Prayer ... a conversation with God in which I asked Him what to do. His answer came as I was reading about Abraham in the Bible. God told Abraham to leave his hometown and go to a place he didn’t know, and Abraham did it. As soon as my eyes passed over those words I stopped reading. I knew I was to leave my comfort zone and take on the task. I felt comforted. I told God I would do it.
Just as the Lord was with Abraham, you can trust Him to be with you and guide you. The God who knows and loves you won’t hang you out to dry. His words and promises are solid; He’s faithful and true. Unlike human feelings, He doesn’t change … ever. So the question is, “Will you choose to trust His call to follow Him out of your comfort zone?”
Today, God is actually calling you out of your comfort zone. Identify one area of your life in which He is stretching you. Now try to really dig inside yourself and examine why you won’t follow. You see, the real truth is, your comfort zone is the least comfortable spot compared to the spot God calls you to that is outside your “comfort zone.” Follow Him to the land of milk and honey, it’s your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Thank You, God, for hearing and answering my prayer. Thank You that You are a God who is holy and who does not change. I am so glad that You, the all-powerful God of the universe, are also the God who cares about the details of my life. Help me overcome my fear of the unknown, to overcome my reliance on feelings to determine what You desire for me. I trust You to be with me and to guide my steps. Teach me to call out to You, to listen for Your answers, and to rely on them. I pray in the name of the One who went way out of His comfort zone for me, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children say, Amen!
The Truth
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1Peter 5:7
I was recently challenged to step out and take on a task that was new to me, out of my comfort zone. I’m often asked to do just that … by my boss, a family member, or friend. Sometimes, I say yes because of an obligation I feel towards the person proposing the idea or because of my close relationship to that person. Or even because part of me knows it’s the right thing to do. But this time, I made excuses. The skill was out of my comfort zone. I believed I didn’t have what it took to accomplish the task. And mostly importantly, in my mind … I didn’t feel like doing it.
Sound familiar? How often do we use that excuse as a fall-back position, “I don’t feel like it!” Looking at those words in print, even I can see now that it’s lame. In fact, it’s the type of statement I might call to someone’s attention by saying, “And how often have your feelings led you to a sound decision?” If it were up to my feelings, I wouldn’t get out of bed till 10:00 everyday, and would never eat a vegetable. What was I thinking? Why did my feelings become the default mode for my decision? My faulty reasoning was the result of a trap, a trick, a deceit. And for a short time, I actually bought into it.
Eventually I actually did complete the task. What turned around the situation? Prayer ... a conversation with God in which I asked Him what to do. His answer came as I was reading about Abraham in the Bible. God told Abraham to leave his hometown and go to a place he didn’t know, and Abraham did it. As soon as my eyes passed over those words I stopped reading. I knew I was to leave my comfort zone and take on the task. I felt comforted. I told God I would do it.
Just as the Lord was with Abraham, you can trust Him to be with you and guide you. The God who knows and loves you won’t hang you out to dry. His words and promises are solid; He’s faithful and true. Unlike human feelings, He doesn’t change … ever. So the question is, “Will you choose to trust His call to follow Him out of your comfort zone?”
Today, God is actually calling you out of your comfort zone. Identify one area of your life in which He is stretching you. Now try to really dig inside yourself and examine why you won’t follow. You see, the real truth is, your comfort zone is the least comfortable spot compared to the spot God calls you to that is outside your “comfort zone.” Follow Him to the land of milk and honey, it’s your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Thank You, God, for hearing and answering my prayer. Thank You that You are a God who is holy and who does not change. I am so glad that You, the all-powerful God of the universe, are also the God who cares about the details of my life. Help me overcome my fear of the unknown, to overcome my reliance on feelings to determine what You desire for me. I trust You to be with me and to guide my steps. Teach me to call out to You, to listen for Your answers, and to rely on them. I pray in the name of the One who went way out of His comfort zone for me, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children say, Amen!
The Truth
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1Peter 5:7
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Life Abundant: Pain Relief and Healing
Transformational Thought
I cut my finger the other day, but I didn’t give it the care it needed at the time. Just threw a bandage on it to stop the bleeding so it wouldn’t mess up anything. A couple days later, an infection set in and the injury got my attention. I went to buy an antibiotic ointment to aid the healing and found a leading brand ointment that had an interesting claim; “Healing and pain relief.” The cut was creating some discomfort for me, so I chose the product that offered more than just healing. I wanted pain relief as well.
Holy Scripture tells us that Christ’s mission in coming to earth was to forgive and to save … to provide “eternity” for us. He came to deliver oh so much more than just our redemption. He brought us eternal freedom, fulfillment, peace and joy. Healing is now available for us.
You see, often times, we have a hard time believing the healing He brings is actually available for us here on earth. I know that not all our physical and psychological illnesses will be made whole now. But even though we struggle, His peace and comfort can melt away pain and renew our mind in powerful ways. Our biggest illness is spiritual, so connecting with Him and maximally absorbing Him will have a powerful impact on our other ills.
The prophet Isaiah tells us the Messiah will come to bind up and heal, to release and set free (while we are here on earth). Jesus Himself referenced this passage as captured in Luke 4:17. Think about this: Christ came not only to forgive you, but to restore and release you. This is the central passage in the entire Bible about Jesus. He fulfilled every prophesy, testifying to the truth and then dying for us, bringing ultimate healing and shalom to our lives and His relationship with us.
Today, take Jesus Christ at his word … as the healer of all the broken pieces within you … Who unites them into one whole and healed heart. Think what life would be like if you believed that promise. What keeps you from believing His promise? What do you believe in more strongly than His promise and the incredible body of evidence He has compiled? Why do you believe something else? It’s your decision regarding what you will believe: Jesus’ promises and teachings, or your own theory. Choose well. Your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray and ask You to release me from all bondage and captivity, as You promised to do. Take all my broken pieces and give me an all-receiving heart … make me whole. I know, Father, that You will not do this at a distance, so I desire to be as close to You as I possibly can be … show me the way to You, my Lord, and Savior. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, and heal me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I cut my finger the other day, but I didn’t give it the care it needed at the time. Just threw a bandage on it to stop the bleeding so it wouldn’t mess up anything. A couple days later, an infection set in and the injury got my attention. I went to buy an antibiotic ointment to aid the healing and found a leading brand ointment that had an interesting claim; “Healing and pain relief.” The cut was creating some discomfort for me, so I chose the product that offered more than just healing. I wanted pain relief as well.
Holy Scripture tells us that Christ’s mission in coming to earth was to forgive and to save … to provide “eternity” for us. He came to deliver oh so much more than just our redemption. He brought us eternal freedom, fulfillment, peace and joy. Healing is now available for us.
You see, often times, we have a hard time believing the healing He brings is actually available for us here on earth. I know that not all our physical and psychological illnesses will be made whole now. But even though we struggle, His peace and comfort can melt away pain and renew our mind in powerful ways. Our biggest illness is spiritual, so connecting with Him and maximally absorbing Him will have a powerful impact on our other ills.
The prophet Isaiah tells us the Messiah will come to bind up and heal, to release and set free (while we are here on earth). Jesus Himself referenced this passage as captured in Luke 4:17. Think about this: Christ came not only to forgive you, but to restore and release you. This is the central passage in the entire Bible about Jesus. He fulfilled every prophesy, testifying to the truth and then dying for us, bringing ultimate healing and shalom to our lives and His relationship with us.
Today, take Jesus Christ at his word … as the healer of all the broken pieces within you … Who unites them into one whole and healed heart. Think what life would be like if you believed that promise. What keeps you from believing His promise? What do you believe in more strongly than His promise and the incredible body of evidence He has compiled? Why do you believe something else? It’s your decision regarding what you will believe: Jesus’ promises and teachings, or your own theory. Choose well. Your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray and ask You to release me from all bondage and captivity, as You promised to do. Take all my broken pieces and give me an all-receiving heart … make me whole. I know, Father, that You will not do this at a distance, so I desire to be as close to You as I possibly can be … show me the way to You, my Lord, and Savior. I pray in the name of the one You sent to forgive me, save me, and heal me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Monday, November 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Want to Hear God’s Voice? Get Rid of the Static!
Transformational Thought
I was driving to work the other day when I turned on a local Christian radio station. This particular station is a bit smaller than many and its broadcast radius is quite limited. So, as I turned a corner in the road, the once clear voice of the Bible teacher on one station became intermingled with classical piano music and static from another station. For about a mile or two the Word of God was very difficult to make out as the words were overtaken by static, the musical notes of the piano, and the voice of the DJ. So, back and forth it went:
Bible Teacher: "Jesus said in John Chapter one, 'in the begin . . .'
Static, static, static . . . Bb7, F#m7, A, Em . . . static, static, static
Bible Teacher: "Through Him all . . . "
D.J.: "Now we'll enjoy Chopin's Nocturne in B-Flat minor"
I realized that God was showing me something. In this world, there are many enticements that compete for our attention. Some are pretenders that hinder our ability to discern God's voice (a voice that the Bible, at one point, calls a "still small voice"). As I drew nearer to the Christian radio station’s tower, the classical music faded and the words of John the Apostle came through clear as a bell:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
The Bible reminds us that God’s children recognize his voice. It’s a wonderful truth. But equally true is that we need to be listening. My children know my voice and can discern it from all other voices. For some reason, when they are playing a video game (in a trance-like state) my words fall on deaf ears. But when they turn off the game, and look in my eyes and listen, it seems the words sink in much better.
In Matthew Chapter 15 Jesus was teaching the crowd of followers and began his teaching with these words, "Listen and understand …." Jesus knew that hearing is more important than listening. Everyone within reach of Jesus' voice could hear him but not everyone listened.
We often say, "I wish I could hear the voice of God." But I think God showed me again this week that if I want to hear Him I need to tune out all the other static. I need to turn off the TV, the Ipod, and the computer. I need to get alone with him, spend some time in his written Word, and on my knees in prayer. Sure God can yell, as I have oftentimes found when I ignore or fail to listen, only to get a really uncomfortable wake-up call. Listening the first time turns out to be a better plan.
Today, don’t just talk to God … listen to Him as well. Make an effort to choose one thing in your life that interferes with tuning into God’s channel. Trim down the time spent on that, and give that time to receiving God’s message. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father God, Thank You for giving me spiritual ears to hear Your voice. Help me today to tune out the noises of the world and all the other voices that hinder my walk with You. Please help me to hear, and also to understand and be obedient to Your call on my life. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who makes these things possible. I pray in the name of the One who always tuned to Your frequency, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10: 27-28
I was driving to work the other day when I turned on a local Christian radio station. This particular station is a bit smaller than many and its broadcast radius is quite limited. So, as I turned a corner in the road, the once clear voice of the Bible teacher on one station became intermingled with classical piano music and static from another station. For about a mile or two the Word of God was very difficult to make out as the words were overtaken by static, the musical notes of the piano, and the voice of the DJ. So, back and forth it went:
Bible Teacher: "Jesus said in John Chapter one, 'in the begin . . .'
Static, static, static . . . Bb7, F#m7, A, Em . . . static, static, static
Bible Teacher: "Through Him all . . . "
D.J.: "Now we'll enjoy Chopin's Nocturne in B-Flat minor"
I realized that God was showing me something. In this world, there are many enticements that compete for our attention. Some are pretenders that hinder our ability to discern God's voice (a voice that the Bible, at one point, calls a "still small voice"). As I drew nearer to the Christian radio station’s tower, the classical music faded and the words of John the Apostle came through clear as a bell:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
The Bible reminds us that God’s children recognize his voice. It’s a wonderful truth. But equally true is that we need to be listening. My children know my voice and can discern it from all other voices. For some reason, when they are playing a video game (in a trance-like state) my words fall on deaf ears. But when they turn off the game, and look in my eyes and listen, it seems the words sink in much better.
In Matthew Chapter 15 Jesus was teaching the crowd of followers and began his teaching with these words, "Listen and understand …." Jesus knew that hearing is more important than listening. Everyone within reach of Jesus' voice could hear him but not everyone listened.
We often say, "I wish I could hear the voice of God." But I think God showed me again this week that if I want to hear Him I need to tune out all the other static. I need to turn off the TV, the Ipod, and the computer. I need to get alone with him, spend some time in his written Word, and on my knees in prayer. Sure God can yell, as I have oftentimes found when I ignore or fail to listen, only to get a really uncomfortable wake-up call. Listening the first time turns out to be a better plan.
Today, don’t just talk to God … listen to Him as well. Make an effort to choose one thing in your life that interferes with tuning into God’s channel. Trim down the time spent on that, and give that time to receiving God’s message. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father God, Thank You for giving me spiritual ears to hear Your voice. Help me today to tune out the noises of the world and all the other voices that hinder my walk with You. Please help me to hear, and also to understand and be obedient to Your call on my life. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who makes these things possible. I pray in the name of the One who always tuned to Your frequency, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10: 27-28
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Diagnosis: Worry, Cure: Perspective
Transformational Thought
A pretty interesting book was written about ten years ago titled The Knowing-Doing Gap. It highlighted an everyday phenomenon we see all around us and even in our own lives. The bottom line is, in general, we all know what we should and should not do, but there is a huge gap between knowing it and actually doing it. We shouldn’t smoke…but we do. We shouldn’t overeat…but we do. We shouldn’t worry…but we do.
At Lighthouse Network, we call this our Intellectual Creed vs. our Behavioral Creed. Our Intellectual Creed is what we know we should do, or more exactly, what we know the Bible teaches us to do. Our Behavioral Creed is what we actually do in a given situation. Maturity, growth, and transformation are measured by how much our Behavioral Creed becomes more and more like our Intellectual Creed.
Our Intellectual Creed: we shouldn’t worry, no matter what the adversity because God is sovereign and in control of all things. Our Behavioral Creed: we end up worrying about events or the opinions of others, or many other things that are out of our control. But they aren’t out of God’s control. Worrying really interferes with everything in our life from our relationship with God, our interactions with our self and others, and even injures our brain chemistry. In fact, for many, trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something; the more we try, the more anxious we become. So, we even begin to worry about worrying. Trying to fight this battle alone gets to be so counterproductive.
Perspective…how we view ourselves, God, and the circumstances He allows in our lives…is the key to good decision-making. Decision-making is knowing what the right thing to do is, then actually doing it. Will you have God’s perspective or your own? Big difference. Sometimes it is hard to have God’s perspective, but the more time you spend with Him, getting to know Him, the clearer His perspective becomes to you. Stop focusing on worry and put your energy into communicating with God. This strategy will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative behavior, including worrying. The idea is simple: replace hurtful, self-defeating tendencies with something wonderfully positive – communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Today, don’t just talk to God…listen to Him as well. He speaks to you through His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, through other believers, and constantly through the circumstances He allows in your life. As you give yourself over more and more to communicating with Him, you will find your worry-time evaporates and the knowing-doing gap closes. Your Behavioral Creed will match your Intellectual Creed. WITHIN REACH will help you develop those Godly lenses and do what you know is right. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You in prayer with a thankful and penitent heart. I confess that I struggle to find the time to communicate with You…yet I seem to always find the time to worry about so many things that are out of my control. I have battled this worry-beast for years and have made little progress. Help me, Father, to focus more on You and less on worrying. Help me both speak and listen to You. I pray in the name of the One whose Intellectual Creed was His Behavioral Creed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
Luke 12:25-26
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5
A pretty interesting book was written about ten years ago titled The Knowing-Doing Gap. It highlighted an everyday phenomenon we see all around us and even in our own lives. The bottom line is, in general, we all know what we should and should not do, but there is a huge gap between knowing it and actually doing it. We shouldn’t smoke…but we do. We shouldn’t overeat…but we do. We shouldn’t worry…but we do.
At Lighthouse Network, we call this our Intellectual Creed vs. our Behavioral Creed. Our Intellectual Creed is what we know we should do, or more exactly, what we know the Bible teaches us to do. Our Behavioral Creed is what we actually do in a given situation. Maturity, growth, and transformation are measured by how much our Behavioral Creed becomes more and more like our Intellectual Creed.
Our Intellectual Creed: we shouldn’t worry, no matter what the adversity because God is sovereign and in control of all things. Our Behavioral Creed: we end up worrying about events or the opinions of others, or many other things that are out of our control. But they aren’t out of God’s control. Worrying really interferes with everything in our life from our relationship with God, our interactions with our self and others, and even injures our brain chemistry. In fact, for many, trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something; the more we try, the more anxious we become. So, we even begin to worry about worrying. Trying to fight this battle alone gets to be so counterproductive.
Perspective…how we view ourselves, God, and the circumstances He allows in our lives…is the key to good decision-making. Decision-making is knowing what the right thing to do is, then actually doing it. Will you have God’s perspective or your own? Big difference. Sometimes it is hard to have God’s perspective, but the more time you spend with Him, getting to know Him, the clearer His perspective becomes to you. Stop focusing on worry and put your energy into communicating with God. This strategy will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative behavior, including worrying. The idea is simple: replace hurtful, self-defeating tendencies with something wonderfully positive – communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Today, don’t just talk to God…listen to Him as well. He speaks to you through His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, through other believers, and constantly through the circumstances He allows in your life. As you give yourself over more and more to communicating with Him, you will find your worry-time evaporates and the knowing-doing gap closes. Your Behavioral Creed will match your Intellectual Creed. WITHIN REACH will help you develop those Godly lenses and do what you know is right. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You in prayer with a thankful and penitent heart. I confess that I struggle to find the time to communicate with You…yet I seem to always find the time to worry about so many things that are out of my control. I have battled this worry-beast for years and have made little progress. Help me, Father, to focus more on You and less on worrying. Help me both speak and listen to You. I pray in the name of the One whose Intellectual Creed was His Behavioral Creed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
Luke 12:25-26
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5
Friday, November 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: What You Gonna Blame It On Today?
Transformational Thought
I’ve noticed many unhappy people cross my path every day. They all have a common trait. They are all quick to blame their unhappiness on things that are out of their control: the economy, the government, their circumstances, boss, family, parents, kids, spouse, job, alcohol, food, money, or a lack of time.
All these outside factors can rob us of joy and happiness. But there is another list of objectives and desires that are within our control: a close relationship with God, a clear purpose in life, a commitment to help someone in greater need than ourselves, and maybe, clearer lenses to view our circumstances, management of our feelings and behaviors. But if we really want to get serious and personal, the heart of what we need to be pursuing are a deeper commitment to understanding and practicing our faith.
These are all honorable desires and are all things we as individuals can do something about … without outside human help. No stimulus package or government program will assist here, and tough economic times cannot steal these ideals. These life goals are achieved as we allow God’s Word to rule in our hearts and receive the Spirit’s strength to build up the inner man. Then true joy will ooze out of our pores, in every life situation, to impact those around us.
In our complicated world, it’s tempting to put the pursuit of our desires into the hands of others—to expect an outside entity to fulfill them. It is true we sometimes need help from others and we cannot live in isolation. But the outside sources of this world cannot really provide true happiness. That must come from your spirit engaging with God. He is always reaching out to you. So it is up to you. Only you can decide. You control the switch … will you shine brightly or switch your light off?
Today, remember that blaming your unhappiness on things that are out of your control is an excuse, a very weak attempt to avoid responsibility. Change your lenses, change your life. Ask 2 people who are close to you to give you Godly advice about your area of struggle. Ask them to be very specific and to break it down to it’s smallest piece. We aren’t looking for “have more faith” or “stop drinking/eating so much.” These are way too vague. We need more specific insights and steps to move forward to the next stepping stone. Then consider following that feedback today. The direction is up to you, nobody else steers your ship. Which way will you steer your life? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, even though I hate when people play the victim card and blame others for their predicament, I confess that I have been guilty of having that “victim mentality.” I have been so quick to blame circumstances beyond my control for my unhappiness. I pray, Father, that You help turn my mind to those things that I can control. Help me, Father, to remember that You are the one and only true source of sustainable happiness. I pray in the name of the One source who gave me the freedom to control my happiness, Your greatest gift, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:3-9
I’ve noticed many unhappy people cross my path every day. They all have a common trait. They are all quick to blame their unhappiness on things that are out of their control: the economy, the government, their circumstances, boss, family, parents, kids, spouse, job, alcohol, food, money, or a lack of time.
All these outside factors can rob us of joy and happiness. But there is another list of objectives and desires that are within our control: a close relationship with God, a clear purpose in life, a commitment to help someone in greater need than ourselves, and maybe, clearer lenses to view our circumstances, management of our feelings and behaviors. But if we really want to get serious and personal, the heart of what we need to be pursuing are a deeper commitment to understanding and practicing our faith.
These are all honorable desires and are all things we as individuals can do something about … without outside human help. No stimulus package or government program will assist here, and tough economic times cannot steal these ideals. These life goals are achieved as we allow God’s Word to rule in our hearts and receive the Spirit’s strength to build up the inner man. Then true joy will ooze out of our pores, in every life situation, to impact those around us.
In our complicated world, it’s tempting to put the pursuit of our desires into the hands of others—to expect an outside entity to fulfill them. It is true we sometimes need help from others and we cannot live in isolation. But the outside sources of this world cannot really provide true happiness. That must come from your spirit engaging with God. He is always reaching out to you. So it is up to you. Only you can decide. You control the switch … will you shine brightly or switch your light off?
Today, remember that blaming your unhappiness on things that are out of your control is an excuse, a very weak attempt to avoid responsibility. Change your lenses, change your life. Ask 2 people who are close to you to give you Godly advice about your area of struggle. Ask them to be very specific and to break it down to it’s smallest piece. We aren’t looking for “have more faith” or “stop drinking/eating so much.” These are way too vague. We need more specific insights and steps to move forward to the next stepping stone. Then consider following that feedback today. The direction is up to you, nobody else steers your ship. Which way will you steer your life? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, even though I hate when people play the victim card and blame others for their predicament, I confess that I have been guilty of having that “victim mentality.” I have been so quick to blame circumstances beyond my control for my unhappiness. I pray, Father, that You help turn my mind to those things that I can control. Help me, Father, to remember that You are the one and only true source of sustainable happiness. I pray in the name of the One source who gave me the freedom to control my happiness, Your greatest gift, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:3-9
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You Choking Yourself?
Transformational Thought
A friend recently asked about my most treasured memories. Besides the natural answers, my wedding day and the births of my 3 daughters, I was at a lost to answer his question on the spot. But the question haunted me over the following few days. Did I not have any treasured memories? That just couldn’t be.
I began flipping through the photo album of my mind and heart, and a collection of treasured memories started to crystallize. I recalled moments when I felt really special … times when I knew I was loved. I also recalled times of adventure, various accomplishments, and challenging episodes in which God used adversity for valuable reflection and growth. There were times of excitement and anticipation … of connection and fulfillment. I was reflecting on how long ago some of those memories were created. All of a sudden I began yearning for that life … yearning to have moments like those more often.
The Bible tells us we are meant to live in a world like that—every day. Just as our lungs are made to breathe oxygen, our souls are designed to flourish in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and exploration. But most of us don’t live in that world anymore. Far from it.
We try to resolve the dilemma by turning to materialism, illicit sex, drugs, food, sports, excessive busyness, buying, gossiping, caffeine, our kids, money, our looks, health, and many other quick and shallow fixes. But they don’t work. We never really get what we need to truly flourish. It is the soul’s equivalent of holding your breath or choking on an obstruction in your throat. Eventually, you find yourself gasping for air.
Turning from some of those quick fixes isn’t easy. Believe me, I know. That life was so tiring and life-sucking for me. But what finally helped set me free was this: the right way isn’t easy, but the wrong way is a lot harder. Look at the turmoil and consequences, the fruit of the flesh you are reaping now. At the end of each day it’s a net loss. The right way is hard but yields a huge net gain at the end of the day - the fruit of the spirit and the benefits of growing closer to God.
Today, know that your Lord and God is ready to breathe true life into you. Identify one of the quick but shallow fixes in your life. Turn away today from just one thing that is obstructing the windpipe of your soul and causing you to gasp for air. Now turn toward Him, the giver of the life you were meant to live. It’s not easy, but the old way is really harder. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been holding my spiritual breath ... sometimes even choking myself with self-imposed impediments to breathing in Your life. I am truly gasping for air. Help me, Lord, to turn away from all things that deprive me of oxygen and separate me from You. Help me recognize the things I choke on. Do not even let them come close to my mouth. I rejoice in You, Father, I find joy in You, the God of my salvation. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to breathe and to flourish, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Ezekiel 37:10
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
A friend recently asked about my most treasured memories. Besides the natural answers, my wedding day and the births of my 3 daughters, I was at a lost to answer his question on the spot. But the question haunted me over the following few days. Did I not have any treasured memories? That just couldn’t be.
I began flipping through the photo album of my mind and heart, and a collection of treasured memories started to crystallize. I recalled moments when I felt really special … times when I knew I was loved. I also recalled times of adventure, various accomplishments, and challenging episodes in which God used adversity for valuable reflection and growth. There were times of excitement and anticipation … of connection and fulfillment. I was reflecting on how long ago some of those memories were created. All of a sudden I began yearning for that life … yearning to have moments like those more often.
The Bible tells us we are meant to live in a world like that—every day. Just as our lungs are made to breathe oxygen, our souls are designed to flourish in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and exploration. But most of us don’t live in that world anymore. Far from it.
We try to resolve the dilemma by turning to materialism, illicit sex, drugs, food, sports, excessive busyness, buying, gossiping, caffeine, our kids, money, our looks, health, and many other quick and shallow fixes. But they don’t work. We never really get what we need to truly flourish. It is the soul’s equivalent of holding your breath or choking on an obstruction in your throat. Eventually, you find yourself gasping for air.
Turning from some of those quick fixes isn’t easy. Believe me, I know. That life was so tiring and life-sucking for me. But what finally helped set me free was this: the right way isn’t easy, but the wrong way is a lot harder. Look at the turmoil and consequences, the fruit of the flesh you are reaping now. At the end of each day it’s a net loss. The right way is hard but yields a huge net gain at the end of the day - the fruit of the spirit and the benefits of growing closer to God.
Today, know that your Lord and God is ready to breathe true life into you. Identify one of the quick but shallow fixes in your life. Turn away today from just one thing that is obstructing the windpipe of your soul and causing you to gasp for air. Now turn toward Him, the giver of the life you were meant to live. It’s not easy, but the old way is really harder. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been holding my spiritual breath ... sometimes even choking myself with self-imposed impediments to breathing in Your life. I am truly gasping for air. Help me, Lord, to turn away from all things that deprive me of oxygen and separate me from You. Help me recognize the things I choke on. Do not even let them come close to my mouth. I rejoice in You, Father, I find joy in You, the God of my salvation. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to breathe and to flourish, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Ezekiel 37:10
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: God Wants Us To Travel
Transformational Thought
One of the saddest things I see in real life or on TV is when a small kid just realizes he are lost. You see the initial joy and excitement on his face as he is exploring fresh territory with newfound independence. Then disorientation and disconnection from their parent, guide, or guardian sets in. Some keep that distress in, anticipating that their parent is right around the corner; others let loose a fearful shriek that lets everyone around know they are lost. Being lost is such a fearful and disorienting struggle.
But you see, even though we have a home and parents, we are born lost, spiritually lost, in a terrible place … a state of insecurity, inadequacy, and isolation. We long to be in a different place … one of peace, love, joy, security, and intimacy. To arrive at this secure destination we need to go on an excursion. In today’s scripture reading, God tells us that He goes before us. God’s imagery of “going before” clearly lets us know that He desires us to go on a journey ... with Him as our guide and leader … He even calls us by our name.
Even before we get started on our exciting adventure, we have problems. Unfortunately, we forget to let God prepare and guide us. We make many poor choices regarding important elements of the trip. The map we use to chart our journey and avoid obstacles is our own random one. We use the world’s distorted strategy. Our destination is a self-centered goal. We demand to be our own guides, thinking we can see everything and know the future.
Instead, we need to use the Bible’s teachings as both our map and our strategy. Allow all-powerful and all-knowing God to be your guide. Choose the mind of Christ as your destination. The journey is of your mind, heart, and Spirit. The pot of gold at the end of the journey – the fruit of the Spirit that only comes as the result of a close relationship with God! It all happens through Godly decision-making. WITHIN REACH shows you how.
Christian life is a dangerous pilgrimage to the Promised Land … Satan is always lurking. So, we need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit … the power and comfort of prayer … and the protection and counter attack of the armor of God. All these start with the decisions you make right now.
Today, imagine yourself standing at a fork in the road. One option looks enticing but you are your own guide. The other is the journey your Lord invites you to take. Believing He is your ultimate destination, and having faith He will come alongside you, take an intentional step on the next Stepping Stone of God’s path. Listen to His guidance and resist Satan’s deception. Your decision, choose well. If you don’t, the fruit of the flesh will detour you into anxiety, fear, loneliness, frustration, agitation, and impulsivity.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for going before me. What a gift! I like to have a map when I travel, to know exactly where I am going, and how long it will take me to arrive. When I look at the road ahead that You call me to travel with You, all I see is a bend where the road disappears. Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are my map and guide. Thank You for not forgetting about me when I do take the wrong fork in the road. Thank You for Your constant willingness to take my hand and guide me back to Your path. Help me to encourage others to follow You on this journey. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to travel Your path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, I am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:2-3
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
One of the saddest things I see in real life or on TV is when a small kid just realizes he are lost. You see the initial joy and excitement on his face as he is exploring fresh territory with newfound independence. Then disorientation and disconnection from their parent, guide, or guardian sets in. Some keep that distress in, anticipating that their parent is right around the corner; others let loose a fearful shriek that lets everyone around know they are lost. Being lost is such a fearful and disorienting struggle.
But you see, even though we have a home and parents, we are born lost, spiritually lost, in a terrible place … a state of insecurity, inadequacy, and isolation. We long to be in a different place … one of peace, love, joy, security, and intimacy. To arrive at this secure destination we need to go on an excursion. In today’s scripture reading, God tells us that He goes before us. God’s imagery of “going before” clearly lets us know that He desires us to go on a journey ... with Him as our guide and leader … He even calls us by our name.
Even before we get started on our exciting adventure, we have problems. Unfortunately, we forget to let God prepare and guide us. We make many poor choices regarding important elements of the trip. The map we use to chart our journey and avoid obstacles is our own random one. We use the world’s distorted strategy. Our destination is a self-centered goal. We demand to be our own guides, thinking we can see everything and know the future.
Instead, we need to use the Bible’s teachings as both our map and our strategy. Allow all-powerful and all-knowing God to be your guide. Choose the mind of Christ as your destination. The journey is of your mind, heart, and Spirit. The pot of gold at the end of the journey – the fruit of the Spirit that only comes as the result of a close relationship with God! It all happens through Godly decision-making. WITHIN REACH shows you how.
Christian life is a dangerous pilgrimage to the Promised Land … Satan is always lurking. So, we need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit … the power and comfort of prayer … and the protection and counter attack of the armor of God. All these start with the decisions you make right now.
Today, imagine yourself standing at a fork in the road. One option looks enticing but you are your own guide. The other is the journey your Lord invites you to take. Believing He is your ultimate destination, and having faith He will come alongside you, take an intentional step on the next Stepping Stone of God’s path. Listen to His guidance and resist Satan’s deception. Your decision, choose well. If you don’t, the fruit of the flesh will detour you into anxiety, fear, loneliness, frustration, agitation, and impulsivity.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for going before me. What a gift! I like to have a map when I travel, to know exactly where I am going, and how long it will take me to arrive. When I look at the road ahead that You call me to travel with You, all I see is a bend where the road disappears. Help me, Father, to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You are my map and guide. Thank You for not forgetting about me when I do take the wrong fork in the road. Thank You for Your constant willingness to take my hand and guide me back to Your path. Help me to encourage others to follow You on this journey. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might be free to travel Your path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, I am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:2-3
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: Diagnosis: Dehydration, Cure: Living Water
Transformational Thought
When I was a kid, people weren’t obsessed about health. Fitness clubs didn’t exist, nobody ran unless they had to, grease and butter were part of an actual food group, fast food was the new Utopia, and cigarettes were just a smelly habit. Now my wife says my Fruit Loops aren’t healthy and keeps putting vegetables on my plate even though my favorite vegetable is french fries.
Everywhere I go nowadays, I see water bottles. I still have a hard time paying for water, but we do have water bottles all over the house. Martine and my girls tell me water is healthy for me and that I don’t drink enough. The experts say that if you become thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated. A recent report title said it all; “You are not sick … you are just thirsty.” All the medical experts agree on this one; we need to drink water continually throughout our day. Seems like we are all dehydrated.
Not only are we physically thirsty, but we are born spiritually thirsty as well … empty … dry. All of our “sickness” is actually due to our spiritual dehydration. You see, we constantly thirst for God … His love, acceptance, and security. Only He can fill these essential needs … our neediness for everything. Only through Him do we find purpose, fulfillment, contentment, connection, engagement, passion, competence, peace, joy … and especially, pure and true love.
But we are constantly using “spoiled,” even poisoned, water to substitute for the true living water that only God, through Jesus, is. Satan is sharp. He doesn’t put the poisoned water in a bottle with a big ‘X’ on it. He doesn’t place a ‘Poison Warning’ or a skull and crossbones on the label. No, Satan packages this poison in an attractive, fancy bottle, with an enticing ad with promises on the label. Drinking this contaminated water leads to depression, anxiety, addictions, hopelessness, anger, brokenness, stress, agitation, loneliness, and frustration.
Sounds easy to avoid, but why do we still drink the poisoned water? One reason is that we don’t drink regularly and when we are dehydrated. Out of desperation we just grab any bottle thinking some water is better than none. That is like drinking salt water when you are thirsty. Instead of making the situation better, the situation actually becomes dangerous.
Today, commit to taking sips, short prayers, of living water. Confes a sin immediately, stop to thank Him for a blessing you take for granted, ask His advice on an issue, tell someone why God makes a difference in your life. Take sips throughout the day from the river of living waters offered by Your Lord and God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty, Lord, and I know this means I am spiritually dehydrated. Daily, my tank is low and I thirst for more. Please give me wisdom to avoid contaminated water. Help me, Father, to drink and eat only what is good for me so that my soul may delight itself in Your abundance. Help me not to be complacent, and instead, to talk to you and recognize you more often in my day. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might drink from the living waters, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:37-38
Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Isaiah 55:1-2
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?” Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:10, 11,13-15
When I was a kid, people weren’t obsessed about health. Fitness clubs didn’t exist, nobody ran unless they had to, grease and butter were part of an actual food group, fast food was the new Utopia, and cigarettes were just a smelly habit. Now my wife says my Fruit Loops aren’t healthy and keeps putting vegetables on my plate even though my favorite vegetable is french fries.
Everywhere I go nowadays, I see water bottles. I still have a hard time paying for water, but we do have water bottles all over the house. Martine and my girls tell me water is healthy for me and that I don’t drink enough. The experts say that if you become thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated. A recent report title said it all; “You are not sick … you are just thirsty.” All the medical experts agree on this one; we need to drink water continually throughout our day. Seems like we are all dehydrated.
Not only are we physically thirsty, but we are born spiritually thirsty as well … empty … dry. All of our “sickness” is actually due to our spiritual dehydration. You see, we constantly thirst for God … His love, acceptance, and security. Only He can fill these essential needs … our neediness for everything. Only through Him do we find purpose, fulfillment, contentment, connection, engagement, passion, competence, peace, joy … and especially, pure and true love.
But we are constantly using “spoiled,” even poisoned, water to substitute for the true living water that only God, through Jesus, is. Satan is sharp. He doesn’t put the poisoned water in a bottle with a big ‘X’ on it. He doesn’t place a ‘Poison Warning’ or a skull and crossbones on the label. No, Satan packages this poison in an attractive, fancy bottle, with an enticing ad with promises on the label. Drinking this contaminated water leads to depression, anxiety, addictions, hopelessness, anger, brokenness, stress, agitation, loneliness, and frustration.
Sounds easy to avoid, but why do we still drink the poisoned water? One reason is that we don’t drink regularly and when we are dehydrated. Out of desperation we just grab any bottle thinking some water is better than none. That is like drinking salt water when you are thirsty. Instead of making the situation better, the situation actually becomes dangerous.
Today, commit to taking sips, short prayers, of living water. Confes a sin immediately, stop to thank Him for a blessing you take for granted, ask His advice on an issue, tell someone why God makes a difference in your life. Take sips throughout the day from the river of living waters offered by Your Lord and God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty, Lord, and I know this means I am spiritually dehydrated. Daily, my tank is low and I thirst for more. Please give me wisdom to avoid contaminated water. Help me, Father, to drink and eat only what is good for me so that my soul may delight itself in Your abundance. Help me not to be complacent, and instead, to talk to you and recognize you more often in my day. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might drink from the living waters, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:37-38
Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Isaiah 55:1-2
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?” Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:10, 11,13-15
Monday, October 31, 2011
Stepping Stones: Trick or Treat, For All The Marbles
Transformational Thought
Trick or Treat? What does that mean? As a kid, I never really understood what that actually meant. I was the one saying “trick or treat”, but was I asking them whether they wanted a trick or a treat from me? Was I asking the house owner to choose whether they would trick me or give me candy? Was I offering to perform a trick for them so they would give me candy based on how good my trick was? Was I to do a trick for my treat, like a dog? Who really was supposed to be doing the trick? Was I supposed to give them a treat from my bag if they didn’t like my trick? I hoped I was the one getting a treat, but why was I asking the adult, “Trick or Treat?”
As I went from house to house, in my pursuit of the perfect blend of Reese’s, Sweet-Tarts, real coins, a big candy bar, or the grandest house of them all, put in my hand and choose for myself, were they giving me a choice to accept a trick or treat from them? Nobody could ever explain it to me. It seemed like the person answering the door was giving me a treat and no tricks were happening. Confusing!
Halloween is about pretending to be someone you’re not. Then a stranger gives you a small “fun” size treat, a cheap imitation of the real king size candy bar you are longing for. Or like Charlie Brown’s letdown when he realizes, “I got a rock.” Isn’t this just like Satan’s plan? In the real story, God wants us to come with no costume, no hiding behind a mask, just baring our soul to Him. We don’t have to be nervous about a trick or treat, or who is doing which one. We don’t need to be frightened as we approach His door. In fact, He comes to our door. God isn’t a stranger we only see once a year, but our loving and dear Father and friend who loves us more than anything. He has all the treats, and we don’t need to perform any tricks, other than accepting His son’s sacrifice for all our sins.
Best of all, our hearts aren’t filled with cheap imitations of the real treat. We are getting the King of Kings to come into our heart, our lives, and sharing His royal inheritance. All He has is ours. The best thing is the cost … it requires no trick from us. In fact, Jesus did the trick. He died on the cross so you can enjoy all the treats His Father, your Father, can infinitely give you above and beyond your heart’s desires.
Today, Halloween is controversial. But as you think back on past Halloweens, or take your kids around for fun and candy, or give out candy to other excited kids, be thankful for the treat your Father gave you. Express some real gratitude to God and be gleeful, just like a child finding a dream candy bar in the bag. Also, take time to think of who needs this treat and show them how to go “trick or treating” for all the marbles.
Prayer
Dear Father God, you are so amazing. I am so glad I don’t have to pretend to be someone else with you. Just as I am you shower me with so many treats. Help me see and appreciate the many treats you bring into my life everyday, treats that I often overlook, take for granted, or feel entitled to. Give me courage to share with others the treats you have for them too. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Trick or Treat? What does that mean? As a kid, I never really understood what that actually meant. I was the one saying “trick or treat”, but was I asking them whether they wanted a trick or a treat from me? Was I asking the house owner to choose whether they would trick me or give me candy? Was I offering to perform a trick for them so they would give me candy based on how good my trick was? Was I to do a trick for my treat, like a dog? Who really was supposed to be doing the trick? Was I supposed to give them a treat from my bag if they didn’t like my trick? I hoped I was the one getting a treat, but why was I asking the adult, “Trick or Treat?”
As I went from house to house, in my pursuit of the perfect blend of Reese’s, Sweet-Tarts, real coins, a big candy bar, or the grandest house of them all, put in my hand and choose for myself, were they giving me a choice to accept a trick or treat from them? Nobody could ever explain it to me. It seemed like the person answering the door was giving me a treat and no tricks were happening. Confusing!
Halloween is about pretending to be someone you’re not. Then a stranger gives you a small “fun” size treat, a cheap imitation of the real king size candy bar you are longing for. Or like Charlie Brown’s letdown when he realizes, “I got a rock.” Isn’t this just like Satan’s plan? In the real story, God wants us to come with no costume, no hiding behind a mask, just baring our soul to Him. We don’t have to be nervous about a trick or treat, or who is doing which one. We don’t need to be frightened as we approach His door. In fact, He comes to our door. God isn’t a stranger we only see once a year, but our loving and dear Father and friend who loves us more than anything. He has all the treats, and we don’t need to perform any tricks, other than accepting His son’s sacrifice for all our sins.
Best of all, our hearts aren’t filled with cheap imitations of the real treat. We are getting the King of Kings to come into our heart, our lives, and sharing His royal inheritance. All He has is ours. The best thing is the cost … it requires no trick from us. In fact, Jesus did the trick. He died on the cross so you can enjoy all the treats His Father, your Father, can infinitely give you above and beyond your heart’s desires.
Today, Halloween is controversial. But as you think back on past Halloweens, or take your kids around for fun and candy, or give out candy to other excited kids, be thankful for the treat your Father gave you. Express some real gratitude to God and be gleeful, just like a child finding a dream candy bar in the bag. Also, take time to think of who needs this treat and show them how to go “trick or treating” for all the marbles.
Prayer
Dear Father God, you are so amazing. I am so glad I don’t have to pretend to be someone else with you. Just as I am you shower me with so many treats. Help me see and appreciate the many treats you bring into my life everyday, treats that I often overlook, take for granted, or feel entitled to. Give me courage to share with others the treats you have for them too. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: “You have no idea …”
Transformational Thought
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?”. When I hear those words, my initiative reaction is to ask, “Does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea ….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There … I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and our acceptance of His death for our sin takes the veil away. We are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So, we adopt other veils to get us back into our “comfort zone”.
We have many veils, but a common one we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces … veils created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus clearly says it’s about believing and receiving … it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive … to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off … bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why do you let it interfere? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell him or her a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. When I look into the mirror I want to see the reflection of Your glory. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like … no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say- AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?”. When I hear those words, my initiative reaction is to ask, “Does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea ….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There … I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and our acceptance of His death for our sin takes the veil away. We are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So, we adopt other veils to get us back into our “comfort zone”.
We have many veils, but a common one we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces … veils created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus clearly says it’s about believing and receiving … it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive … to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off … bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why do you let it interfere? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell him or her a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. When I look into the mirror I want to see the reflection of Your glory. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like … no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say- AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Friday, October 28, 2011
Stepping Stones: Get Real!
Transformational Thought
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we said them to ourselves? How many times have we silently thought them when our children made grandiose statements or shared impossible dreams? In the past it was hard for me to see who I really was, to actually get real with myself. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason … the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness … lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us. His corrupt world system pushes our buttons and interferes with our ability to interpret God’s sovereignty accurately.
Another reason … it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah … than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs. It’s even harder still to face the major uphill battle to overcome issues like these. The best way for us to face ourselves … to be real with ourselves … is to remember that as Christians we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing … just imagine that … God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows Him to bring out the very best in you. When you are real, He can work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him. Let light into that area of your life … this pushes the darkness out, and then real healing and transformation can occur. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that You planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord. But this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort and negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the One who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we said them to ourselves? How many times have we silently thought them when our children made grandiose statements or shared impossible dreams? In the past it was hard for me to see who I really was, to actually get real with myself. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason … the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness … lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us. His corrupt world system pushes our buttons and interferes with our ability to interpret God’s sovereignty accurately.
Another reason … it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah … than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs. It’s even harder still to face the major uphill battle to overcome issues like these. The best way for us to face ourselves … to be real with ourselves … is to remember that as Christians we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing … just imagine that … God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows Him to bring out the very best in you. When you are real, He can work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him. Let light into that area of your life … this pushes the darkness out, and then real healing and transformation can occur. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that You planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord. But this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort and negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the One who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: Holy Ground Here On Earth
Transformational Thought
Our society is so complex, more toys and gadgets than you can count, and so much technology at our fingertips. My two teenager daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text, and watch a YouTube video … all at the same time!
I am blessed to be a pretty good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need … who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get very focused on them and what they are sharing … on what I am about to say and how I can help … and sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself … but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. When people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground, and I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct my response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclination toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain where you are standing.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you … think through you … love through you … to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me … it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of Yours. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Our society is so complex, more toys and gadgets than you can count, and so much technology at our fingertips. My two teenager daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text, and watch a YouTube video … all at the same time!
I am blessed to be a pretty good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need … who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get very focused on them and what they are sharing … on what I am about to say and how I can help … and sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself … but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. When people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground, and I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct my response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclination toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain where you are standing.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you … think through you … love through you … to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me … it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of Yours. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Commitment Plus Humility Equals Growth
Transformational Thought
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially the growth … physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual … of another. But for growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
In the first 26 years of my life, God brought many mentors into my life, people of great skills in many areas. Humility was often tough for me, but the prize of growth and success motivated me deeply. I was a committed student, unafraid of hard work, and willing to endure and tolerate various pains. Delaying gratification was easier at each level and new-found area of growth.
My problem was that I was unable to transfer any of these gains, skills, or qualities to my spiritual world. An awareness of my spiritual depravity, and the great peace and abundant life of spiritual growth and connection to God were two concepts that were not even blips on my radar. My lenses were so clouded with fleshly needs, material rewards, or people’s approval, that I had no ability to see my core need for God as the answer for all my … everything.
Sadly, I believe many today have the same struggle, not realizing the true spiritual mentors God continually brings into their lives. More importantly, the bigger deficit is a lack of true commitment mixed with a me-first attitude, the unwillingness to practice regularly, and be a faithful steward of the sanctification process.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom, are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, and to commit to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Start by asking yourself some questions. Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith. God is always ready, so your growth is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people You have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, Biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially the growth … physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual … of another. But for growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
In the first 26 years of my life, God brought many mentors into my life, people of great skills in many areas. Humility was often tough for me, but the prize of growth and success motivated me deeply. I was a committed student, unafraid of hard work, and willing to endure and tolerate various pains. Delaying gratification was easier at each level and new-found area of growth.
My problem was that I was unable to transfer any of these gains, skills, or qualities to my spiritual world. An awareness of my spiritual depravity, and the great peace and abundant life of spiritual growth and connection to God were two concepts that were not even blips on my radar. My lenses were so clouded with fleshly needs, material rewards, or people’s approval, that I had no ability to see my core need for God as the answer for all my … everything.
Sadly, I believe many today have the same struggle, not realizing the true spiritual mentors God continually brings into their lives. More importantly, the bigger deficit is a lack of true commitment mixed with a me-first attitude, the unwillingness to practice regularly, and be a faithful steward of the sanctification process.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom, are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, and to commit to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Start by asking yourself some questions. Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith. God is always ready, so your growth is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people You have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, Biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Stepping Stones: Out On A Limb With God
Transformational Thought
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees, especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, eat a few, and then throw some down to my friends. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I was a big kid, and when you hear the slight crack of a limb, you retreat to the trunk. I would never go very far out on a limb … but always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
Just like the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. The cracking sound you hear as God calls you to the edge of the limb ... that’s Satan calling out to you, trying to trick you into thinking that moving closer to God is dangerous and will bring pain. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here … out on this limb with your Lord … than you would be hugging the trunk, or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they may also lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with … truly amazing, and would never have happened if Abraham had not followed God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision yourself climbing out on the limb, hearing the crackling of Satan’s call, but seeing God leading and holding your hand. Enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me … even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear. For I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees, especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, eat a few, and then throw some down to my friends. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I was a big kid, and when you hear the slight crack of a limb, you retreat to the trunk. I would never go very far out on a limb … but always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
Just like the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. The cracking sound you hear as God calls you to the edge of the limb ... that’s Satan calling out to you, trying to trick you into thinking that moving closer to God is dangerous and will bring pain. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here … out on this limb with your Lord … than you would be hugging the trunk, or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they may also lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with … truly amazing, and would never have happened if Abraham had not followed God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision yourself climbing out on the limb, hearing the crackling of Satan’s call, but seeing God leading and holding your hand. Enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me … even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear. For I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Monday, October 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: Man’s Idiots are Jesus’ “Sons of Thunder”
Transformational Thought
There was a time in my life when I was quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had an outlandish or controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine … I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this egotistical and terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. The other day I read something about James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples. It helped to give me another perspective on this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them “Idiots” … Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman with impulsive, knee-jerk suggestions, and grandiose, me-centered viewpoints … they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has incredibly and purposefully created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are unique. Frequently you’ll notice that others don’t wisely utilize how God designs them … but neither do you. You often squander the unique giftedness and wiring God initially gave you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them … calling them an idiot and blowing them off … you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people who annoy you … see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument, serving them as a positive influence on their lenses and spiritual growth. Also, ask why has God brought this person, with these issues, into your life, right now. He didn’t make a mistake, so embrace it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others … too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the One whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
There was a time in my life when I was quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had an outlandish or controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine … I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this egotistical and terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. The other day I read something about James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples. It helped to give me another perspective on this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them “Idiots” … Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman with impulsive, knee-jerk suggestions, and grandiose, me-centered viewpoints … they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has incredibly and purposefully created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are unique. Frequently you’ll notice that others don’t wisely utilize how God designs them … but neither do you. You often squander the unique giftedness and wiring God initially gave you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them … calling them an idiot and blowing them off … you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people who annoy you … see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument, serving them as a positive influence on their lenses and spiritual growth. Also, ask why has God brought this person, with these issues, into your life, right now. He didn’t make a mistake, so embrace it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others … too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the One whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: Special Lens Cleaners: Please and Thank You
Transformational Thought
When we were little kids, going to a restaurant was a rare treat. One summer, on a road trip, there was a great greasy hamburger joint we tried. Greasy burgers, salty fries, and thick milkshakes. A kid’s dream place. But, they had this server who took our orders at the front window. Remember, this was a different era. He had an ‘annoying’ habit: he made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward, with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
As a kid, I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my parents were teaching me at home. It showed me several important lessons. I am not entitled to anything. I am dependent on others for the items I need and want. And, I should always be thankful for everything I get. All accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more servers like that in the world today to reinforce these principles today. Actually, it seems like more parents need to role out this strategy with their kids.
Our interactions with God should follow and reflect these same lenses. Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns to God, with a disrespectful and entitled attitude, we will live in a state of confused tension not knowing why Santa Claus isn’t giving us what we demanded.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for the grace He has already extended to you and prayer He has already answered, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because now you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers, for everything, the good and the bad, keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. More importantly, look closely for those answers, because they might not be packaged how you initially expected. If it seems like God isn’t answering your prayers, you need to re-tune your system to a different channel because God is answering with the plan that is the best fit for you right now.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. Please grow in me a humble and thankful attitude. Give me eyes and radar to see Your answers to every prayer request, because I know you answer, but when it’s different than what I want, I sometimes don’t see it. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
When we were little kids, going to a restaurant was a rare treat. One summer, on a road trip, there was a great greasy hamburger joint we tried. Greasy burgers, salty fries, and thick milkshakes. A kid’s dream place. But, they had this server who took our orders at the front window. Remember, this was a different era. He had an ‘annoying’ habit: he made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward, with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
As a kid, I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my parents were teaching me at home. It showed me several important lessons. I am not entitled to anything. I am dependent on others for the items I need and want. And, I should always be thankful for everything I get. All accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more servers like that in the world today to reinforce these principles today. Actually, it seems like more parents need to role out this strategy with their kids.
Our interactions with God should follow and reflect these same lenses. Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns to God, with a disrespectful and entitled attitude, we will live in a state of confused tension not knowing why Santa Claus isn’t giving us what we demanded.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for the grace He has already extended to you and prayer He has already answered, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because now you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers, for everything, the good and the bad, keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. More importantly, look closely for those answers, because they might not be packaged how you initially expected. If it seems like God isn’t answering your prayers, you need to re-tune your system to a different channel because God is answering with the plan that is the best fit for you right now.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. Please grow in me a humble and thankful attitude. Give me eyes and radar to see Your answers to every prayer request, because I know you answer, but when it’s different than what I want, I sometimes don’t see it. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
Friday, October 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Steer, God’s Traction Control
Transformational Thought
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: A Powerful Prayer, But Be Careful!
Transformational Thought
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Fear Sucks Joy From Today
Transformational Thought
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers from the cheerleaders I had a crush on, and adulation from peers and fans. I was even on local TV a lot! But amazingly, and sadly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. The rest is memories formed by what people tell me, what I see on video, or read in newspaper clippings.
Why can’t I remember? Here is the reality of my childhood. In my mind, most of my identity was being a gifted and accomplished athlete. I received lots of attention and sports greased the path for many friendships. The downside, I was so anxious and afraid of failure. Failure meant losing the attention from parents and peers, friendships, and my identity. So I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed, but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I rarely enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment, and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride I was on would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I should have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks now are full of great experiences. Satan wants you to think you are a future teller and spend your time predicting or managing the future instead of resting in God’s sovereignty and grace.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid pain or facing today’s problems. I know You see my every thought, Father, so You know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers from the cheerleaders I had a crush on, and adulation from peers and fans. I was even on local TV a lot! But amazingly, and sadly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. The rest is memories formed by what people tell me, what I see on video, or read in newspaper clippings.
Why can’t I remember? Here is the reality of my childhood. In my mind, most of my identity was being a gifted and accomplished athlete. I received lots of attention and sports greased the path for many friendships. The downside, I was so anxious and afraid of failure. Failure meant losing the attention from parents and peers, friendships, and my identity. So I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed, but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I rarely enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment, and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride I was on would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I should have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks now are full of great experiences. Satan wants you to think you are a future teller and spend your time predicting or managing the future instead of resting in God’s sovereignty and grace.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid pain or facing today’s problems. I know You see my every thought, Father, so You know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Are The Key, Now Find The Lock
Transformational Thought
We hear this line all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, pastor and priests at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah, Tony Robbins, and Dr. Oz.
Yes, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life, I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
Another way to envision it is by thinking we are not just human beings, rather we are wonderfully designed keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks distinctive and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and specially designed life crafted by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally.
Unfortunately, we waste much of our life and time on trying to fit into many counterfeit locks Satan tries to trick us with. I know I tried to live lives that weren’t designed for me, but I thought would make me more popular, accepted, in control, in charge, loved, secure, better off, and the list goes on. Trying those locks hurt, because I was trying to jam my specific key into the wrong lock. It never fit. Once I found my real fit in Christ and followed His leading, my life is so much more comfortable, because it is a perfect fit.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you to magically and perfectly slide your key into and open up. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I took me so long to figure out what my lock looked like. I am glad I am looking through Your eyed more often as it makes finding my lock so much easier. I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me continue to find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
We hear this line all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, pastor and priests at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah, Tony Robbins, and Dr. Oz.
Yes, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life, I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
Another way to envision it is by thinking we are not just human beings, rather we are wonderfully designed keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks distinctive and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and specially designed life crafted by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally.
Unfortunately, we waste much of our life and time on trying to fit into many counterfeit locks Satan tries to trick us with. I know I tried to live lives that weren’t designed for me, but I thought would make me more popular, accepted, in control, in charge, loved, secure, better off, and the list goes on. Trying those locks hurt, because I was trying to jam my specific key into the wrong lock. It never fit. Once I found my real fit in Christ and followed His leading, my life is so much more comfortable, because it is a perfect fit.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you to magically and perfectly slide your key into and open up. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I took me so long to figure out what my lock looked like. I am glad I am looking through Your eyed more often as it makes finding my lock so much easier. I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me continue to find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
Monday, October 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Obstacle Holds You Back?
Transformational Thought
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us and we wouldn’t try if the task stood on it’s own. Earning money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to show up at that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to put forth our best effort during a boring practice session.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, powerfully engaging, and uniquely enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ, actually develop the Mind of Christ that is already in us.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles that impede your progress, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits on all 3 spheres when you make good decisions, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach for you.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back, why do I still do it anyway, and do I have a strategy to do life differently?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel I am so far from being a perfect Christian and I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:4-5
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us and we wouldn’t try if the task stood on it’s own. Earning money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to show up at that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to put forth our best effort during a boring practice session.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, powerfully engaging, and uniquely enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ, actually develop the Mind of Christ that is already in us.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles that impede your progress, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits on all 3 spheres when you make good decisions, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach for you.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back, why do I still do it anyway, and do I have a strategy to do life differently?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel I am so far from being a perfect Christian and I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:4-5
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: Relationship or Obedience, What Do You Communicate?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us … to be in eternal and daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He certainly wants our obedience as well, but if he had to choose between relationship and obedience, relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life. To me she perfectly embodied the principle of relationship trumping the importance of obedience. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws, she never let my shortcomings interfere with her love for me. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok. Connecting with me and relating to was important to her and those were the messages she consistently sent to me. She really does love me unconditionally.
This revelation dramatically changed my life: the pursuit of relationship with each other was more valuable to her than my doing all the activities just right. She didn’t simply say it. Instead, she really believed it and she still lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with me and towards me. You see, that was different from the take-home message I got from the family in which I grew up, and what the world of sports taught me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that I conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride … for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you … your spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first by doing everything just to your liking? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify our idols and grow. Obedience or relationship, which do you prioritize? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:18-24
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us … to be in eternal and daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He certainly wants our obedience as well, but if he had to choose between relationship and obedience, relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life. To me she perfectly embodied the principle of relationship trumping the importance of obedience. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws, she never let my shortcomings interfere with her love for me. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok. Connecting with me and relating to was important to her and those were the messages she consistently sent to me. She really does love me unconditionally.
This revelation dramatically changed my life: the pursuit of relationship with each other was more valuable to her than my doing all the activities just right. She didn’t simply say it. Instead, she really believed it and she still lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with me and towards me. You see, that was different from the take-home message I got from the family in which I grew up, and what the world of sports taught me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that I conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride … for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you … your spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first by doing everything just to your liking? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify our idols and grow. Obedience or relationship, which do you prioritize? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:18-24
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: God’s Desire: Relationship or Obedience?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice between the following 2 kids … which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, never breaks curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules … BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave home when she turns 18.
Your other daughter, “Absent-Minded Mindy”, on the contrary, is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, is forgetful, and ill-mannered at times … BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we won God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world that he sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice between the following 2 kids … which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, never breaks curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules … BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave home when she turns 18.
Your other daughter, “Absent-Minded Mindy”, on the contrary, is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, is forgetful, and ill-mannered at times … BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we won God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world that he sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
