December 22, 2011
Transformational Thought
Our family was blessed with a new baby girl this year. As her grandmother, I began to dream (as we all do) about her life and the wonderful possibilities that would be available to her as she grows up through the different stages of life. Wow, I realized, she was born to live!
Then it made me think of the One whose purpose in life was being born to die! But as Eternal God, He could not die. So on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, He became the unique God-man when He entered human history as a babe in a manger. He knew when he left the splendors of Heaven to come down to earth, becoming once and forever a member of the human race, that He was born to die! Our Heavenly Father gives us a glimpse of that truth through Jesus’ physical birth in that humble stable in Bethlehem. This powerful reality was made so evident through the simple “swaddling clothes” in which He was wrapped - clothes set apart for burial of the dead!
The overwhelming truth of this is that He was willing to die. He was not forced or coerced. Scripture tells us that …”who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man.” (Philippians 2:6-7)
It’s Christmas again, and for me that means Jesus, simply Jesus! And despite man’s attempt to distort and destroy it in ever way possible, the old, old story has never changed. The simple truth is that man was lost in sin, separated from God, without hope … without eternal life, and then JESUS CAME! Imagine that! Into this troubled world came an event that changed everything! God entered human history. God became a man!
Jesus left heaven for one reason, to die on a cross at Calvary to reconcile to God everyone who would believe in Him. The sinless, spotless Lamb of God gave Himself so that we might have eternal life. Born to die! What love! What sacrifice! Darkness pierced with light! Never has there been a greater need for the Savior of the world! In this dark hour of history, Jesus shines more brightly than ever as the “Light of the World!” It was in the “fullness of time” that He came and when the time is right He will fulfill His promise to return and take us home. That is the Christmas message! That is our assured hope!
Today, think of your destiny. What would you die for? Would you have chosen to be born if your knew your main role was to die a violent, premature death? For the Christian, everyday is Christmas! But in this season that we set apart to commemorate the unique event of the Incarnation of our Lord, Satan will use everything he can to take our eyes off of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas … that He was BORN TO DIE! FOR YOU! May you make your Christmas one that will fill your heart with this truth. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I can never begin to thank You enough for sending our Lord Jesus to die for my sins and every sin ever committed in the human race. Thank You for His willingness to fulfill Your plan to reconcile man back to You. I can never begin to understand such love. I am humbled and overwhelmed when I think that Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, left Heaven to identify himself with the filth of this world of sin. Oh Father, purify my life so that I may be obedient to You, live the life that is pleasing to You, and bring honor and glory to Him. I pray this in the name of the One who was born to die, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: On Your Life Journey, Unpacking is Necessary
December 21, 2011
Well Christmas is rapidly approaching, and for many that means a road trip, congested airports, weather delays, holding patterns, sleeping in odd beds, and rushing between relatives. One part of travel that I enjoy is packing. Quick, efficient, taking only what I really need. I am good with wearing the same clothes several consecutive days without problem. My girls are really efficient as well. Some other people, I won’t mention who she is, really have trouble getting rid of the excess baggage, no matter how short and simple the trip!
Extra baggage on a trip weighs us down but at least it isn’t harmful. But when it comes to our minds and hearts, it’s amazing how much extra toxic baggage we voluntarily choose to keep jammed in our hidden compartments. Try as I may, I find that the brokenness and sin of my past is like huge stone hanging around my neck. Carrying that stone brings guilt, shame and weakness. I know and believe I have been forgiven, but I struggle with laying that stone down and walking away from it.
Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive guilt and anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness and hope for a transforming future. Trusting God’s forgiveness is a big and difficult stretch for most, myself included. It takes time to receive God’s forgiveness … to absorb the full depth and power of it … allowing it to seep into those hidden compartments.
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. Trusting Him when … there is an illness … a flat tire … a change of plans … someone else is in charge … a deadline is moved … a random expense comes into the mix … protection for my children is needed … I don’t feel loved or valued. Like any skill, starting small, practicing, then stretching it, can lead to powerful skills. Trust is the same way. Trusting in His power of forgiveness is one of the richest skills you can develop. Unpack some baggage, but pull it out of your heart with the loving hand of Jesus Christ. This is why He came to earth, to set us free from our baggage and the stone of sin.
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 5 separate situations today. You already do this at times, but learn that it is trusting in God so you can grow this skill and finally be free from your past. WITHIN REACH is designed to specifically help you properly unpack your toxic baggage. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father 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 this 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 remove my toxic baggage, 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
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions - the Stone Gods
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition for addiction. Our description then opened some eyes and caused some head scratching by showing how we all suffer from an addiction. If you missed yesterday’s devotional, click here to go to our blogsite and read it now. Today is an experiential description of addiction.
As kids, none of us set out with the goal of feeling trapped in an addiction. Sadly, after a slow and insidious beginning, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement. Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we easily become slaves to the objects that soothe us. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects. Because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves, Satan has to be subtle and crafty to help us progress down the enslavement pathway.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attacks, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance … man, the list is endless. Just think of how many times these responses or objects got you into trouble, yet you still do them. That is enslavement.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or struggle go away. What entered life as an understanding resource, tool, friend, or savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us, not because of what they actually are. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods … illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will actually bring in-full.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally, notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions. Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or for those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to set me free from all enslavement, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition for addiction. Our description then opened some eyes and caused some head scratching by showing how we all suffer from an addiction. If you missed yesterday’s devotional, click here to go to our blogsite and read it now. Today is an experiential description of addiction.
As kids, none of us set out with the goal of feeling trapped in an addiction. Sadly, after a slow and insidious beginning, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement. Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we easily become slaves to the objects that soothe us. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects. Because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves, Satan has to be subtle and crafty to help us progress down the enslavement pathway.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attacks, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance … man, the list is endless. Just think of how many times these responses or objects got you into trouble, yet you still do them. That is enslavement.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or struggle go away. What entered life as an understanding resource, tool, friend, or savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us, not because of what they actually are. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods … illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will actually bring in-full.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally, notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions. Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or for those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to set me free from all enslavement, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Monday, December 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions – I Bet You Got One
Transformational Thought
If you thought our liberal sprinkling of devotions about addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading today because … Newsflash: we are all addicts. Every one of us is addicted to comfort. We all struggle to deal with discomfort, especially emotional or psychological pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain, or need to quickly soothe it. You see, we are all born separated from God … and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted … not very effective for the long haul.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, or immediate relievers. These “solutions” are the Addiction Objects … things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. Now God could directly soothe us or He might choose to provide appropriate objects to fill our needs. But each time we need to look to Him first, not the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, or pornography. But they can also be anger (or any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, Satan will use it as an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. The truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, while leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, hen finally declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless when God is not pursued first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He prescribes for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins. Edging Forward is designed to help you identify your addiction objects and replace them with God! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions for comfort, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
If you thought our liberal sprinkling of devotions about addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading today because … Newsflash: we are all addicts. Every one of us is addicted to comfort. We all struggle to deal with discomfort, especially emotional or psychological pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain, or need to quickly soothe it. You see, we are all born separated from God … and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted … not very effective for the long haul.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, or immediate relievers. These “solutions” are the Addiction Objects … things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. Now God could directly soothe us or He might choose to provide appropriate objects to fill our needs. But each time we need to look to Him first, not the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, or pornography. But they can also be anger (or any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, Satan will use it as an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. The truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, while leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, hen finally declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless when God is not pursued first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He prescribes for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins. Edging Forward is designed to help you identify your addiction objects and replace them with God! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions for comfort, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: Failures: Let God In More
Transformational Thought
The legendary basketball coach at UCLA and incredibly mature Christian, John Wooden, is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis … of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my disasters. Obviously, failures can have consequences and make an adverse impact on our lives. But their biggest and most harmful aspect is their propensity to distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent to process failures properly and accurately.
But on the positive side, when I look back on most of those mistakes, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and led to positive change in my life. In fact, my life has really taken off since I learned how to view failures in a way that allows me to look deeper in my heart, to seek God and His instruction more, and to apply what He is teaching me.
Have you learned from your failures? Or have you let your failures defeat you? Since nobody is perfect, we all experience failure. But God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help and less of your understanding. When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority. Where has this gotten you? Don’t you think it is time to change this strategy?
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure leak into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses, as one of His very own children, covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures … and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Thank You especially for Your Holy Spirit that empowers and guides me. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for picking me up when I fall, and for sending Jesus Christ at my most fallen state, to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
The legendary basketball coach at UCLA and incredibly mature Christian, John Wooden, is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis … of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my disasters. Obviously, failures can have consequences and make an adverse impact on our lives. But their biggest and most harmful aspect is their propensity to distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent to process failures properly and accurately.
But on the positive side, when I look back on most of those mistakes, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and led to positive change in my life. In fact, my life has really taken off since I learned how to view failures in a way that allows me to look deeper in my heart, to seek God and His instruction more, and to apply what He is teaching me.
Have you learned from your failures? Or have you let your failures defeat you? Since nobody is perfect, we all experience failure. But God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help and less of your understanding. When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority. Where has this gotten you? Don’t you think it is time to change this strategy?
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure leak into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses, as one of His very own children, covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures … and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Thank You especially for Your Holy Spirit that empowers and guides me. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for picking me up when I fall, and for sending Jesus Christ at my most fallen state, to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
Friday, December 16, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Are You Looking At?
Transformational Thought
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of a character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in … like his body were a container you could fill with ingredients. I used to wonder what the inside of a human body was like. Until you actually see it, it really is hard to imagine the amazing way God arranges all these components in our body, gets them to stay in the right places, then actually move us around and function. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by the opportunity to see inside and study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind. Our mind and free will are 2 great gifts God gives us. So powerful and complex.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye … the main gateway through which information enters our minds to be processed resulting in our growth. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages (some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate) teaching us about having eyes that see and ears that hear the truth. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time … truths that say it all in a few words. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved,” … He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you look at God, seeing Him for who He truly is and what He has done for us, you can’t stop the force of repentance … you can’t help but accept His gifts of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Satan isn’t going to let it be that easy, so that is why we have all this brainwashing in the world and in our lives. We are so gullible as kids and Satan is relentless with deceptions that dirty and distort our lenses. His goal is that we won’t see ourselves for who we really are, and most importantly, that we won’t see Jesus for who HE really is and know what really happened on the cross and why.
Today, take time to examine what you are looking at. Then determine how clear your lenses really are. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. Even if there are a hundred-and-one things vying for your attention, push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you through which you see everything else. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance and turn away, but really look! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for You alone are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of a character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in … like his body were a container you could fill with ingredients. I used to wonder what the inside of a human body was like. Until you actually see it, it really is hard to imagine the amazing way God arranges all these components in our body, gets them to stay in the right places, then actually move us around and function. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by the opportunity to see inside and study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind. Our mind and free will are 2 great gifts God gives us. So powerful and complex.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye … the main gateway through which information enters our minds to be processed resulting in our growth. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages (some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate) teaching us about having eyes that see and ears that hear the truth. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time … truths that say it all in a few words. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved,” … He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you look at God, seeing Him for who He truly is and what He has done for us, you can’t stop the force of repentance … you can’t help but accept His gifts of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Satan isn’t going to let it be that easy, so that is why we have all this brainwashing in the world and in our lives. We are so gullible as kids and Satan is relentless with deceptions that dirty and distort our lenses. His goal is that we won’t see ourselves for who we really are, and most importantly, that we won’t see Jesus for who HE really is and know what really happened on the cross and why.
Today, take time to examine what you are looking at. Then determine how clear your lenses really are. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. Even if there are a hundred-and-one things vying for your attention, push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you through which you see everything else. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance and turn away, but really look! Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for You alone are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Make God Look For You!
Transformational Thought
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule … picking up one of my kids … taking a phone call from a pastor … talking to someone needing hep with an addiction … checking out a decent late night movie … even writing another devotional.
My friends all say their plates are full too, but they too often add in spur-of-the-moment activities. We all get so busy … planning … working … doing. As children of God and believers, of course, we want God in our lives. But do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
You see, because we can’t see God concretely it’s tough for us to enjoy solid time with Him, because it isn’t the familiar, tangible, stimulating, immediately satisfying experience we crave or measure against. Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you, even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the other activities you put off to spend time with Him.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him. Ignoring time with God leads to being chased down, hit upside the head to get my attention, and having other activities knocked off my schedule (often in pretty abrupt ways) to dethrone the idols I prioritize over Him. You don’t want to go through that experience, believe me. Been there, done that, and it’s not pretty.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time directly with Him, whether with others, or by yourself. Start to look at these experiences as investments that will bring a tremendous return as you grow in your appreciation of His reward. If you put Him off too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Heavenly God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often squeeze You out – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me, because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule … picking up one of my kids … taking a phone call from a pastor … talking to someone needing hep with an addiction … checking out a decent late night movie … even writing another devotional.
My friends all say their plates are full too, but they too often add in spur-of-the-moment activities. We all get so busy … planning … working … doing. As children of God and believers, of course, we want God in our lives. But do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
You see, because we can’t see God concretely it’s tough for us to enjoy solid time with Him, because it isn’t the familiar, tangible, stimulating, immediately satisfying experience we crave or measure against. Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you, even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the other activities you put off to spend time with Him.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him. Ignoring time with God leads to being chased down, hit upside the head to get my attention, and having other activities knocked off my schedule (often in pretty abrupt ways) to dethrone the idols I prioritize over Him. You don’t want to go through that experience, believe me. Been there, done that, and it’s not pretty.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time directly with Him, whether with others, or by yourself. Start to look at these experiences as investments that will bring a tremendous return as you grow in your appreciation of His reward. If you put Him off too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Heavenly God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often squeeze You out – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me, because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Wait…Do It Now!
Transformational Thought
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction, or at least the ones that most people learn in our world today,usually falls into one of 2 categories. Either 1. ignore the problem and hope it goes away, or 2. react in a knee-jerk way to the problem to bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more actual damage later on. Obviously, neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are … yes, we all have idols of the heart that we turn to instead of God at times … like a gunslinger from the Old West,we continue to quickdrawout these “weapons” when we feel threatenedby the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn, and sometimes the hard way, that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react with your not thought out knee-jerk response(unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset. That recognizes His majesty as well as our limitations, not to mention it really is the best for our well-being.
In the scripture reading for today, Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. God has given you answers to deal with it externally (behaviorally), or internally (inside your head). Don’t procrastinate, act now moving toward the mind of Christ, as that is where you will find God’s peace. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. But help me see life through Your eyes then respond with Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction, or at least the ones that most people learn in our world today,usually falls into one of 2 categories. Either 1. ignore the problem and hope it goes away, or 2. react in a knee-jerk way to the problem to bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more actual damage later on. Obviously, neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are … yes, we all have idols of the heart that we turn to instead of God at times … like a gunslinger from the Old West,we continue to quickdrawout these “weapons” when we feel threatenedby the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn, and sometimes the hard way, that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react with your not thought out knee-jerk response(unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset. That recognizes His majesty as well as our limitations, not to mention it really is the best for our well-being.
In the scripture reading for today, Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. God has given you answers to deal with it externally (behaviorally), or internally (inside your head). Don’t procrastinate, act now moving toward the mind of Christ, as that is where you will find God’s peace. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. But help me see life through Your eyes then respond with Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: Let’s Play Some Monopoly
Transformational Thought
I love games. Going all the way back to my childhood, I can’t remember any part of my life when I wasn’t engaged in some kind of competition. Sports that involve a ball, or put me in direct physical competition against someone else, really get my juices flowing. In that sane vein, ever since I was a kid, I always enjoyed playing cards and many different board games that involved strategy. Like most, I loved Monopoly. All that money! But it had one special card I’ll get to in a minute.
One of my struggles in life had to do with the idea of adversity. For a long time, I believed that when I became a believer in Christ, a follower of God, actually one of God’s own children, I would have special privileges. One of these perks was all-powerful protection. No harm would ever come to me because I have the special security or covering of the Ultimate King of the universe. An unconditional pardon. My own personal “Get out of Jail – Free” card. Boy, I wish those had worked when I did get arrested, but that is a whole other devotional!
This is a major lie Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will deliver you from all adversity. Consequently, when hardships occur in life, either 1. God doesn’t love you; 2. God really isn’t the all-powerful sovereign King of the Multiverse; 3. You really aren’t saved or a child of God; 4. You are defective and not leading a Godly life; 5. There are better ways to an adversity-free life, so dump God and jump on another faith system. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible. It’s important to remember that Jesus was perfect, yet endured extreme adversity.
You see, we are not delivered from adversity, in fact, we should expect adversity. But there is nothing to fear if you are a child of God. The strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength as we access the power of the Holy Spirit. Facing the strain actually gives strength. God does not give us an overcoming life … He gives us life as we overcome. This is how we are refined, purified so that we see Him and ourselves way more clearly.
But through each tribulation, we need to focus on God and see our circumstances through His eyes. This brings a calm and peace that is simply beyond belief.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work and effort … or experiencing some pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I love games. Going all the way back to my childhood, I can’t remember any part of my life when I wasn’t engaged in some kind of competition. Sports that involve a ball, or put me in direct physical competition against someone else, really get my juices flowing. In that sane vein, ever since I was a kid, I always enjoyed playing cards and many different board games that involved strategy. Like most, I loved Monopoly. All that money! But it had one special card I’ll get to in a minute.
One of my struggles in life had to do with the idea of adversity. For a long time, I believed that when I became a believer in Christ, a follower of God, actually one of God’s own children, I would have special privileges. One of these perks was all-powerful protection. No harm would ever come to me because I have the special security or covering of the Ultimate King of the universe. An unconditional pardon. My own personal “Get out of Jail – Free” card. Boy, I wish those had worked when I did get arrested, but that is a whole other devotional!
This is a major lie Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will deliver you from all adversity. Consequently, when hardships occur in life, either 1. God doesn’t love you; 2. God really isn’t the all-powerful sovereign King of the Multiverse; 3. You really aren’t saved or a child of God; 4. You are defective and not leading a Godly life; 5. There are better ways to an adversity-free life, so dump God and jump on another faith system. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible. It’s important to remember that Jesus was perfect, yet endured extreme adversity.
You see, we are not delivered from adversity, in fact, we should expect adversity. But there is nothing to fear if you are a child of God. The strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength as we access the power of the Holy Spirit. Facing the strain actually gives strength. God does not give us an overcoming life … He gives us life as we overcome. This is how we are refined, purified so that we see Him and ourselves way more clearly.
But through each tribulation, we need to focus on God and see our circumstances through His eyes. This brings a calm and peace that is simply beyond belief.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work and effort … or experiencing some pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Monday, December 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You Committed to the Right Cause?
Transformational Thought
I know many people don’t like billboards. They often mess up the landscape and often have trashy or ridiculous messages … but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course ... just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a bit more deeply or differently about something. I saw a billboard the other day with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention, in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit and to old to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist, I was energized and influenced to consider why I only joined Air Force ROTC and didn’t enlist fulltime.
The reason this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need … a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves … to God. We were born with an emptiness in our lives and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, (the title of one of his books).
Unfortunately, this desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways, behaviors, and addictions. In response to our desire to commit to something, something big, something that will elevate our power or status, Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors. These impostors look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it really counts, then ultimately backfire, leaving us wounded and worse off than where we started.
The reality is, we all commit to something. Most of the time, it is something of ourselves (think feelings, agenda, control, comfort), or of the world (think power, attention, status, credentials, money, materialism, kids). None of those has our ultimate fulfillment in mind; none has power over everything else, loves us unconditionally, knows the future, or has the ultimate game plan for our lives. But God has all of these and more!
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to … really?” Look at your decisions. Every decision you make shows you what you were really committed to. You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true, intentional, lasting, and disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the destruction of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day instead of the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, a power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. Give me vision, wisdom, and courage to see the impostors and turn away from them and commit to you early and often. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
I know many people don’t like billboards. They often mess up the landscape and often have trashy or ridiculous messages … but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course ... just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a bit more deeply or differently about something. I saw a billboard the other day with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention, in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit and to old to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist, I was energized and influenced to consider why I only joined Air Force ROTC and didn’t enlist fulltime.
The reason this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need … a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves … to God. We were born with an emptiness in our lives and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, (the title of one of his books).
Unfortunately, this desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways, behaviors, and addictions. In response to our desire to commit to something, something big, something that will elevate our power or status, Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors. These impostors look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it really counts, then ultimately backfire, leaving us wounded and worse off than where we started.
The reality is, we all commit to something. Most of the time, it is something of ourselves (think feelings, agenda, control, comfort), or of the world (think power, attention, status, credentials, money, materialism, kids). None of those has our ultimate fulfillment in mind; none has power over everything else, loves us unconditionally, knows the future, or has the ultimate game plan for our lives. But God has all of these and more!
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to … really?” Look at your decisions. Every decision you make shows you what you were really committed to. You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true, intentional, lasting, and disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the destruction of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day instead of the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, a power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. Give me vision, wisdom, and courage to see the impostors and turn away from them and commit to you early and often. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a Storm-Chaser?
Transformational Thought
Tornado chasing is a thrill-seeking activity made popular by the movie Twister. It depicted both professionals and amateurs, who literally chased life-endangering storms. Storm-chasers get so close that injuries do occur, and risking their lives is common. These types of people are actually drawn to storms. Most do it to take once-in-a-lifetime photos. Others, adrenaline junkies, do it for the thrill and the danger.
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The usual assumption is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them … that we have no early-warning system. And oftentimes this is true.
But there is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. Sometimes we aren’t aware we are stirring up a tempest, and we make mistakes and poor choices out of ignorance. But often times, we make conscious choices that lead us right into the eye of a storm … and we repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do we create a storm for ourselves, but that same problem also blasts others.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from our choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on. We feel we are invincible … or that the storm will blow a different direction … or I have better protection to minimize the damage from this storm.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices, ones that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will. We always have choices to make: avoid the storm or stand in the middle of the tornado.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that place you smack in the middle of a storm yet again? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm … think how you might create your own great weather. Edging Forward will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear sailing. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead. Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the decision you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The usual assumption is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them … that we have no early-warning system. And oftentimes this is true.
But there is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. Sometimes we aren’t aware we are stirring up a tempest, and we make mistakes and poor choices out of ignorance. But often times, we make conscious choices that lead us right into the eye of a storm … and we repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do we create a storm for ourselves, but that same problem also blasts others.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from our choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on. We feel we are invincible … or that the storm will blow a different direction … or I have better protection to minimize the damage from this storm.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices, ones that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will. We always have choices to make: avoid the storm or stand in the middle of the tornado.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that place you smack in the middle of a storm yet again? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm … think how you might create your own great weather. Edging Forward will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear sailing. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead. Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the decision you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Friday, December 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On
Transformational Thought
The Music Man, a famous Broadway musical from the 50’s that was made into a fun movie, is one of my all-time favorites. The setting is River City, Iowa, perfect small town USA, a Garden of Eden. An infamous conman, Harold Hill, rolls into town and fabricates trouble with a capital T, singing a famous song Ya Got Trouble. Then he cons the residents into buying a pricey solution. It’s a great movie to watch with the kids, especially if you have one with a lisp as I did.
In reality, trouble is all around us, especially in today’s society. In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed … which way are you leaning? In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship? Which job should I seek? How will I make the mortgage payment this month? How can I help my daughter? Should I confront that problem or wait? What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding … or are you going to trust God?
Satan is always playing with our heads. We also wrestle with our own litany of hurts, letdowns, and frustrations from times when we trusted others. All that scar tissue from the past interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again with someone else. The message society tries to drive home is, “You can only rely on and trust yourself.”
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for your agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves you with a love so great that you can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today. If not God, who is worthy and capable of trust in these questions? Certainly not you!
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Almighty God, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. Am I ever really in control of my life anyway? Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
The Music Man, a famous Broadway musical from the 50’s that was made into a fun movie, is one of my all-time favorites. The setting is River City, Iowa, perfect small town USA, a Garden of Eden. An infamous conman, Harold Hill, rolls into town and fabricates trouble with a capital T, singing a famous song Ya Got Trouble. Then he cons the residents into buying a pricey solution. It’s a great movie to watch with the kids, especially if you have one with a lisp as I did.
In reality, trouble is all around us, especially in today’s society. In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed … which way are you leaning? In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship? Which job should I seek? How will I make the mortgage payment this month? How can I help my daughter? Should I confront that problem or wait? What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding … or are you going to trust God?
Satan is always playing with our heads. We also wrestle with our own litany of hurts, letdowns, and frustrations from times when we trusted others. All that scar tissue from the past interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again with someone else. The message society tries to drive home is, “You can only rely on and trust yourself.”
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for your agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves you with a love so great that you can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today. If not God, who is worthy and capable of trust in these questions? Certainly not you!
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Almighty God, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. Am I ever really in control of my life anyway? Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the One I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Go Ahead, Drop Into the Doctor’s Office
Transformational Thought
My main job is directing Lighthouse Network and consulting with some rehab facilities. I still have a psychiatry practice. Due to God’s blessing and my specialty as a Christian psychiatrist, my appointment schedule is packed and has a 2-3 month wait for an evaluation. Periodically, someone wanders into the office and wants a “drop-in” appointment. Big mistake. They usually understand, but some are amazed and say, if I went to my family doc, they would see me! You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Unfortunately, no appointment … no meeting.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on Someone far more important and much busier than a psychiatrist during the high stress holiday … and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal appointment and relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer and HIV, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering, affirming, and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in,” He actually knocks on the door of your heart … all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in as He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and then wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in to the Ultimate Healer … pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Actually talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice , so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter what, THE DOCTOR always has a special appointment time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank You for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to follow Your treatment plan, which brings peace and fulfillment, and to turn away from my treatment plan, which leads to destruction. I pray in the name of the One who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:7-15
My main job is directing Lighthouse Network and consulting with some rehab facilities. I still have a psychiatry practice. Due to God’s blessing and my specialty as a Christian psychiatrist, my appointment schedule is packed and has a 2-3 month wait for an evaluation. Periodically, someone wanders into the office and wants a “drop-in” appointment. Big mistake. They usually understand, but some are amazed and say, if I went to my family doc, they would see me! You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Unfortunately, no appointment … no meeting.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on Someone far more important and much busier than a psychiatrist during the high stress holiday … and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal appointment and relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer and HIV, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering, affirming, and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in,” He actually knocks on the door of your heart … all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in as He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and then wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in to the Ultimate Healer … pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Actually talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice , so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter what, THE DOCTOR always has a special appointment time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank You for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to follow Your treatment plan, which brings peace and fulfillment, and to turn away from my treatment plan, which leads to destruction. I pray in the name of the One who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:7-15
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Go For Third Place!
Transformational Thought
As a kid, reading was not a favorite pasttime, in fact, I avoided it at all costs. But being obsessed with all things sports, when the famous football player Gale Sayers wrote I Am Third … I couldn’t wait to read it. I was both disappointed and surprised … disappointed it hardly mentioned football, but surprised that it was still incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear in the media, in the news from Wall Street to government to the local nightly news, and through advertising. “Have it your way” … “Because I’m worth it” … ”You deserve a break today” … “I need it” … ”Me first” … ”My way or the highway” … ”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 1970s through the 1990s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and most of all, from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly demands “ME FIRST!” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is … to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my worst suffering occurred when I followed me and placed myself on top of the totem pole of worship. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection … the list of sufferings I endured when I was looking out for self first was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering is healed and fades away.
Today, observe how many times you make yourself first instead of second or ideally third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. When we talk about third, it’s a healthy third in which you care for yourself in a positive way, not as a “martyr.“ You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of defaulting to your natural instincts to worship yourself and your own agenda. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. Some days I get tired and lazy and just look out for my own comfort. Strengthen me to make better decisions, and to be a better steward of my activities so I can see Your will more clearly. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
As a kid, reading was not a favorite pasttime, in fact, I avoided it at all costs. But being obsessed with all things sports, when the famous football player Gale Sayers wrote I Am Third … I couldn’t wait to read it. I was both disappointed and surprised … disappointed it hardly mentioned football, but surprised that it was still incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear in the media, in the news from Wall Street to government to the local nightly news, and through advertising. “Have it your way” … “Because I’m worth it” … ”You deserve a break today” … “I need it” … ”Me first” … ”My way or the highway” … ”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 1970s through the 1990s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and most of all, from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly demands “ME FIRST!” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is … to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my worst suffering occurred when I followed me and placed myself on top of the totem pole of worship. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection … the list of sufferings I endured when I was looking out for self first was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering is healed and fades away.
Today, observe how many times you make yourself first instead of second or ideally third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. When we talk about third, it’s a healthy third in which you care for yourself in a positive way, not as a “martyr.“ You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of defaulting to your natural instincts to worship yourself and your own agenda. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. Some days I get tired and lazy and just look out for my own comfort. Strengthen me to make better decisions, and to be a better steward of my activities so I can see Your will more clearly. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Do You Anchor to During a Storm?
Transformational Thought
Have you ever noticed these natural human phenomena? The more behind we are, the more quickly we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame captured this behavior saying, “The faster I go, the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift, being tossed back and forth due to the winds and waves … and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely … not in transient wishes and hopes … but securely in God’s rock-solid character and promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge during the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge that Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in our life for the purpose of growing the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money, alcohol, a drug, a pain pill, more control, that significant other who is an answer-to-my-dreams, or even education, employment, or family. The only reliable place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Having the ability to believe what the Bible says about pain is one of the most important set of instructions we can learn. God will provide a peace. He won’t give us more than we can endure. He will hook up to our yoke to lighten our burden. He will grow us through these trials, and He will provide the Great Comforter.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten your peace and stability. When you face uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort … just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God. Look at the optional anchors and be honest with yourself about the safety they offer. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart … You know when I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Have you ever noticed these natural human phenomena? The more behind we are, the more quickly we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame captured this behavior saying, “The faster I go, the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift, being tossed back and forth due to the winds and waves … and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely … not in transient wishes and hopes … but securely in God’s rock-solid character and promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge during the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge that Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in our life for the purpose of growing the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money, alcohol, a drug, a pain pill, more control, that significant other who is an answer-to-my-dreams, or even education, employment, or family. The only reliable place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Having the ability to believe what the Bible says about pain is one of the most important set of instructions we can learn. God will provide a peace. He won’t give us more than we can endure. He will hook up to our yoke to lighten our burden. He will grow us through these trials, and He will provide the Great Comforter.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten your peace and stability. When you face uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort … just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God. Look at the optional anchors and be honest with yourself about the safety they offer. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart … You know when I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Monday, December 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: This is for me?
Transformational Thought
Hopefully everyone had a happy Thanksgiving holiday, feeling grateful for all the blessings and hardships this past year. Weirdly tucked into that long weekend is the phenomenon of Black Friday. Commercialism and shopping somehow get us into the mood for the season of giving. Like many others who follow this giving tradition, we get gifts, small tokens of appreciation, for those who have provided some service to us through the year ... teachers, kid’s bus drivers, the mailman and paperman, many different vendors for Lighthouse, as well as some neighbors. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
But have you ever had the experience of carrying a gift to give to someone, but running into someone else who thinks the gift was for them? Mistakenly assuming the gift was for them, they reach for it and expectantly ask, “This is for me?” and then began thanking you profusely. Their face lights up, almost in shock, and they start searching for something to give you in return, all because of a miscommunication and unwritten rules of relational etiquette.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to one person. For a few minutes, that gift transformed the man’s day. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness. I know I have been on the receiving end as well. Just yesterday, one of our vendors delivered an unexpected gift. Such a warm and loving feeling immediately ushered in hope and promise for the day and week.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Then sometimes, God is reaching out to us through the actions of others. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our lives to speak with or perhaps to hear God speaking to us.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change, even for a few minutes, by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far … maybe one of them lives in your own home. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to others who are in need of some kindness. I confess, Lord, that I am much too focused on myself … on my issues and needs. Sometimes I let the events that don’t go my way distract me from understanding and seeing Your love in my life. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. Help me also appreciate Your wonderful servants who bring Your love, compassion and grace to me. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
Hopefully everyone had a happy Thanksgiving holiday, feeling grateful for all the blessings and hardships this past year. Weirdly tucked into that long weekend is the phenomenon of Black Friday. Commercialism and shopping somehow get us into the mood for the season of giving. Like many others who follow this giving tradition, we get gifts, small tokens of appreciation, for those who have provided some service to us through the year ... teachers, kid’s bus drivers, the mailman and paperman, many different vendors for Lighthouse, as well as some neighbors. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
But have you ever had the experience of carrying a gift to give to someone, but running into someone else who thinks the gift was for them? Mistakenly assuming the gift was for them, they reach for it and expectantly ask, “This is for me?” and then began thanking you profusely. Their face lights up, almost in shock, and they start searching for something to give you in return, all because of a miscommunication and unwritten rules of relational etiquette.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to one person. For a few minutes, that gift transformed the man’s day. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness. I know I have been on the receiving end as well. Just yesterday, one of our vendors delivered an unexpected gift. Such a warm and loving feeling immediately ushered in hope and promise for the day and week.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Then sometimes, God is reaching out to us through the actions of others. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our lives to speak with or perhaps to hear God speaking to us.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change, even for a few minutes, by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far … maybe one of them lives in your own home. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to others who are in need of some kindness. I confess, Lord, that I am much too focused on myself … on my issues and needs. Sometimes I let the events that don’t go my way distract me from understanding and seeing Your love in my life. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. Help me also appreciate Your wonderful servants who bring Your love, compassion and grace to me. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: His Head Wasn’t Where He Should Have Been
Transformational Thought
I was driving during the recent holidays to visit family. With a wife and 3 girls in the car we had to do the unforgivable, take a bathroom break, and obviously upsetting my “set a travel time record” mentality. We took a break at one of the mega rest stops off the turnpike. The place was pretty crowded with holiday travelers, and I ended up sitting at a table just next to a family of 4.
Now that my children are older, I enjoy the voices of young children. I can still clearly hear my daughters’ childhood voices … so cute and innocent. One of the children at the table next to me was a talker who was about 10 years old. She tried hard to get her father’s attention. “Daddy, when we get home can I … Daddy, what do you want for Christmas … Daddy, Daddy...” As I was listening, I realized I wasn’t hearing any response from the dad, so I looked over and saw that he was looking completely the other way, not hearing a word his daughter was saying. He wasn’t even there mentally … wasn’t where he needed to be. More importantly, he wasn’t where she needed him to be. Eventually the little girl stopped trying … but she kept looking up at him with hopeful expectation that he was going to respond. But, you guessed it, he never did.
I, of course, have no way of knowing his circumstances or his thoughts. And I know that there were times as a young father that I was just as guilty of not engaging with my girls when they needed me. Oh, how I long for the opportunity to go back and do it differently, do many things differently. I certainly am not judging that father, but it brought to mind how easily the distractions of the day and of the world can take our focus off the attention needed by our children, or other people who are important in our lives.
Isn’t this the same way we respond to God’s voice and prompting, focusing instead on more trivial and transient distractions, thinking the guidance of these distractions is more important than God’s guidance? Distracted and tuned into harmful substitutions is a dangerous road to wander down. This is exactly where Satan wants you. Warning buzzers should be going off in your heart when your focus turns from God’s soothing and peace-bringing voice and guidance.
Today, and every day, really make an effort to connect with your children or loved ones. After Jesus, these people in your life are the greatest gifts God gives. They are also the most important mission field most of us are ever called to. The easiest way to start showing your love, respect, and honor for them is by giving them your full attention when they are talking to you. But more importantly, when God is talking to you, stop and listen to Him! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Almighty God, I know that being faithful parents and guiding our children toward You is very important to You. Help me and all parents truly listen to our children, giving them the security, dignity, and love they need. Through us, they get to know the ultimate security and love You are excited to give them. Give all parents the wisdom and strength for this most important task of parenting. But please allow us to extend this attitude to all the precious people You put in our lives as our way of thanking You for these gifts. Most importantly, help me realize the dangerous game I play when I get distracted from hearing You. I pray in the name of the One who always listened to You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Mark 10:14
But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen,” says the LORD of hosts;
Zechariah 7:11-13
I was driving during the recent holidays to visit family. With a wife and 3 girls in the car we had to do the unforgivable, take a bathroom break, and obviously upsetting my “set a travel time record” mentality. We took a break at one of the mega rest stops off the turnpike. The place was pretty crowded with holiday travelers, and I ended up sitting at a table just next to a family of 4.
Now that my children are older, I enjoy the voices of young children. I can still clearly hear my daughters’ childhood voices … so cute and innocent. One of the children at the table next to me was a talker who was about 10 years old. She tried hard to get her father’s attention. “Daddy, when we get home can I … Daddy, what do you want for Christmas … Daddy, Daddy...” As I was listening, I realized I wasn’t hearing any response from the dad, so I looked over and saw that he was looking completely the other way, not hearing a word his daughter was saying. He wasn’t even there mentally … wasn’t where he needed to be. More importantly, he wasn’t where she needed him to be. Eventually the little girl stopped trying … but she kept looking up at him with hopeful expectation that he was going to respond. But, you guessed it, he never did.
I, of course, have no way of knowing his circumstances or his thoughts. And I know that there were times as a young father that I was just as guilty of not engaging with my girls when they needed me. Oh, how I long for the opportunity to go back and do it differently, do many things differently. I certainly am not judging that father, but it brought to mind how easily the distractions of the day and of the world can take our focus off the attention needed by our children, or other people who are important in our lives.
Isn’t this the same way we respond to God’s voice and prompting, focusing instead on more trivial and transient distractions, thinking the guidance of these distractions is more important than God’s guidance? Distracted and tuned into harmful substitutions is a dangerous road to wander down. This is exactly where Satan wants you. Warning buzzers should be going off in your heart when your focus turns from God’s soothing and peace-bringing voice and guidance.
Today, and every day, really make an effort to connect with your children or loved ones. After Jesus, these people in your life are the greatest gifts God gives. They are also the most important mission field most of us are ever called to. The easiest way to start showing your love, respect, and honor for them is by giving them your full attention when they are talking to you. But more importantly, when God is talking to you, stop and listen to Him! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Almighty God, I know that being faithful parents and guiding our children toward You is very important to You. Help me and all parents truly listen to our children, giving them the security, dignity, and love they need. Through us, they get to know the ultimate security and love You are excited to give them. Give all parents the wisdom and strength for this most important task of parenting. But please allow us to extend this attitude to all the precious people You put in our lives as our way of thanking You for these gifts. Most importantly, help me realize the dangerous game I play when I get distracted from hearing You. I pray in the name of the One who always listened to You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Mark 10:14
But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen,” says the LORD of hosts;
Zechariah 7:11-13
Friday, December 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: We All Worship Something. What About You?
Transformational Thought
Worship? What is worship really? Let’s start with a definition from the New Oxford American Dictionary: Noun - the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. But, let’s focus not on the "feeling" but the "expression" of reverence and adoration for a deity, and not just any deity, but the one true God. Feelings come and go but expression is a decision. How do we express our reverence and adoration toward God?
Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
It's interesting that when we speak of worship in the church, we often mean the musical portion of the Sunday service. "Wow, worship was great today. I loved that song by Third Day." Worship can happen during "praise" or during the delivery of the message, but it's also possible that worship of God doesn't occur at either time. Worship doesn’t magically happen. You see, worship is a product of the decisions pouring from out of our heart. That’s why we focus so much on the importance of Decision-Making.
The direction of worship is also important. It's up, from us to HIM. It's not about how songs made us feel, which instruments were played, in fact, it’s not about music at all. It's about pouring out our love, appreciation, adoration, and hearts to God, really perceiving Him accurately.
Let me give an example. Imagine that your spouse, or child, or best friend has been shipped overseas and you haven't seen or heard from him (or her) in years. Out of the blue, a call comes in telling you to head to the airport because there is a surprise waiting. When you get to the airport, in the distance, an unmistakable smile reaches your eyes. Your heart pounds, and when the person is within your reach, you run and wrap your arms around him. You cry tears of joy and squeeze him, not wanting to let go ever again. You pour out words of love. "I love you so much! I missed you! You have no idea how much you mean to me!" You lavish them with your love.
We worship God when we pour our hearts out to him. The difference between pouring out to God and pouring out to a best friend is in the recognition of position, that God is high and lifted up. He is holy and awesome. With your friend or relative the position is theoretically equal. But worship acknowledges that our position is not equal with God. He is God and we are not. He does indeed love us but He will not bow down to us.
Worship is also about posture, not our physical posture (although it can certainly lead us to fall to our knees in prayer). It’s more of a reflection of our heart's posture. It comes out of a humble heart. It's impossible to be prideful and boastful before God and truly worship.
Today, you will worship something. Now, pay close attention to what the object of your worship is. Most of the time, our object is our self in some form or another … trying to meet our own needs or get the comfort we desire. Shift your focus of worship to God. He is the only one worthy of anyone’s worship. Your life will dramatically change if you can make this directional shift. Edging Forward is a great resource to examine and orient your worship. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the only One worthy of my praise. Thank You for the privilege of worshipping You. Please help me to see You high and lifted up, but also accessible whenever and wherever I need You. Remind me daily that worship isn’t about how I feel but instead a decision and choice I make. I love You because You first loved me, and proved it by sending Your only son to die for me. Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to offer myself as a living sacrifice to You – holy and pleasing. I pray in the name of the One who is worthy of my praise, Jesus Christ; and all God's children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
Luke 4:8
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1
Worship? What is worship really? Let’s start with a definition from the New Oxford American Dictionary: Noun - the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. But, let’s focus not on the "feeling" but the "expression" of reverence and adoration for a deity, and not just any deity, but the one true God. Feelings come and go but expression is a decision. How do we express our reverence and adoration toward God?
Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
It's interesting that when we speak of worship in the church, we often mean the musical portion of the Sunday service. "Wow, worship was great today. I loved that song by Third Day." Worship can happen during "praise" or during the delivery of the message, but it's also possible that worship of God doesn't occur at either time. Worship doesn’t magically happen. You see, worship is a product of the decisions pouring from out of our heart. That’s why we focus so much on the importance of Decision-Making.
The direction of worship is also important. It's up, from us to HIM. It's not about how songs made us feel, which instruments were played, in fact, it’s not about music at all. It's about pouring out our love, appreciation, adoration, and hearts to God, really perceiving Him accurately.
Let me give an example. Imagine that your spouse, or child, or best friend has been shipped overseas and you haven't seen or heard from him (or her) in years. Out of the blue, a call comes in telling you to head to the airport because there is a surprise waiting. When you get to the airport, in the distance, an unmistakable smile reaches your eyes. Your heart pounds, and when the person is within your reach, you run and wrap your arms around him. You cry tears of joy and squeeze him, not wanting to let go ever again. You pour out words of love. "I love you so much! I missed you! You have no idea how much you mean to me!" You lavish them with your love.
We worship God when we pour our hearts out to him. The difference between pouring out to God and pouring out to a best friend is in the recognition of position, that God is high and lifted up. He is holy and awesome. With your friend or relative the position is theoretically equal. But worship acknowledges that our position is not equal with God. He is God and we are not. He does indeed love us but He will not bow down to us.
Worship is also about posture, not our physical posture (although it can certainly lead us to fall to our knees in prayer). It’s more of a reflection of our heart's posture. It comes out of a humble heart. It's impossible to be prideful and boastful before God and truly worship.
Today, you will worship something. Now, pay close attention to what the object of your worship is. Most of the time, our object is our self in some form or another … trying to meet our own needs or get the comfort we desire. Shift your focus of worship to God. He is the only one worthy of anyone’s worship. Your life will dramatically change if you can make this directional shift. Edging Forward is a great resource to examine and orient your worship. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the only One worthy of my praise. Thank You for the privilege of worshipping You. Please help me to see You high and lifted up, but also accessible whenever and wherever I need You. Remind me daily that worship isn’t about how I feel but instead a decision and choice I make. I love You because You first loved me, and proved it by sending Your only son to die for me. Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to offer myself as a living sacrifice to You – holy and pleasing. I pray in the name of the One who is worthy of my praise, Jesus Christ; and all God's children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
Luke 4:8
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: What is Your Instrument Panel?
Transformational Thought
During the summer, we went on an exciting adventure in Scotland. Martine’s father emigrated from Scotland and many of her relatives still live there, spread around the country. On our transatlantic travel, we flew through a pretty rocky storm. Thankfully, it only lasted about an hour, although some people were getting a bit unnerved. The pilot told us passengers the storm was so large that there was no way to go around it. We would need to continue to fly through it. He encouraged us to hang in there and assured us we were in no danger.
I have a friend who is a pilot and I’ve flown with him on several occasions. I asked him if he felt flying through storms was dangerous. He said, “No, but as any pilot will tell you, the danger comes in giving into the temptation to fly by your instincts instead of using the instrument panel.” He went on to explain how easy it is to become disoriented if you rely on instincts - thinking the plane is going up when it’s actually going down. Thankfully, the instrument panel is set to magnetic north and can be trusted every time, no matter how bad the conditions might be. He said that letting the instruments guide you … even when it feels wrong … ensures safety in the storm.
We all face storms that not just threaten, but actually confuse and disorient us. Experiencing an ominous call from the doctor’s office, a significant conflict with a loved one or friend, a financial setback, an unexpected obstacle in your day, a shattered dream, or seeing a child struggle are times to be especially careful. When you are blinded by life’s disappointments, don’t trust your instincts. Flying by the seat of your pants during life’s storms can lead to despair, confusion, and vengeful responses that make matters worse … and this is exactly where Satan wants you to be.
God wants to guide you, and His Word is packed with wisdom and insights for living. No matter what, you have to trust in something to guide you. So, what will be your instrument panel? Go to your Bible and trust God. Trust His promises and character. Let His instructions guide you through the storms of life.
Storms are inevitable, but today, in your next storm, make the decision to use God as your instrument panel. If you are experiencing a conflict, examine what you are leaning on, what instrument panel are you reading to guide and interpret the situation. Then compare it to the power and track record of God and His word. You definitely want to follow where His instrument panel guides you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I seem to spend most of my life in storms … worse yet, I get disoriented easily. Help me trust in Your sovereignty as these storms come my way. I turn now to You God, to help me know what is up and what is down. I want to rely on You as my instrument panel and my lighthouse … teach me how to develop antennae for Your signals, and how to follow Your tracking signal. I pray in the name of the ultimate instrument panel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
During the summer, we went on an exciting adventure in Scotland. Martine’s father emigrated from Scotland and many of her relatives still live there, spread around the country. On our transatlantic travel, we flew through a pretty rocky storm. Thankfully, it only lasted about an hour, although some people were getting a bit unnerved. The pilot told us passengers the storm was so large that there was no way to go around it. We would need to continue to fly through it. He encouraged us to hang in there and assured us we were in no danger.
I have a friend who is a pilot and I’ve flown with him on several occasions. I asked him if he felt flying through storms was dangerous. He said, “No, but as any pilot will tell you, the danger comes in giving into the temptation to fly by your instincts instead of using the instrument panel.” He went on to explain how easy it is to become disoriented if you rely on instincts - thinking the plane is going up when it’s actually going down. Thankfully, the instrument panel is set to magnetic north and can be trusted every time, no matter how bad the conditions might be. He said that letting the instruments guide you … even when it feels wrong … ensures safety in the storm.
We all face storms that not just threaten, but actually confuse and disorient us. Experiencing an ominous call from the doctor’s office, a significant conflict with a loved one or friend, a financial setback, an unexpected obstacle in your day, a shattered dream, or seeing a child struggle are times to be especially careful. When you are blinded by life’s disappointments, don’t trust your instincts. Flying by the seat of your pants during life’s storms can lead to despair, confusion, and vengeful responses that make matters worse … and this is exactly where Satan wants you to be.
God wants to guide you, and His Word is packed with wisdom and insights for living. No matter what, you have to trust in something to guide you. So, what will be your instrument panel? Go to your Bible and trust God. Trust His promises and character. Let His instructions guide you through the storms of life.
Storms are inevitable, but today, in your next storm, make the decision to use God as your instrument panel. If you are experiencing a conflict, examine what you are leaning on, what instrument panel are you reading to guide and interpret the situation. Then compare it to the power and track record of God and His word. You definitely want to follow where His instrument panel guides you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I seem to spend most of my life in storms … worse yet, I get disoriented easily. Help me trust in Your sovereignty as these storms come my way. I turn now to You God, to help me know what is up and what is down. I want to rely on You as my instrument panel and my lighthouse … teach me how to develop antennae for Your signals, and how to follow Your tracking signal. I pray in the name of the ultimate instrument panel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: Put God on Speed Dial…The World on Hold
Transformational Thought
I remember a couple months ago, life got a bit ahead of me. Some situations came up and my actions were wrong. I needed to really take some time with God to reflect and figure out what happened, how to fix it, and how to avoid that trap again. But unfortunately, I actually made the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other trivial things. I knew I needed to “get right with God” … but it seemed like such a big task that needed lots of time. Since I wanted to do it right not just rush through it, (or maybe those were excuses to avoid facing it), I decided to put it off for a bit and not get to it right away. I thought I had too many items on my “To Do” list that I was tricked into believing were more urgent.
Because of my incredible shortsightedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand how to complete those “to do’s” with joy and efficiency. Furthermore, I didn’t realize I risked more damage to myself and those around me as I bumbled forward, trying to manage alone. Unbeknownst to me, I was much more vulnerable … and actually naked and defenseless. Most of us live among people who glorify busyness … who have made time a tyrant that controls life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior, seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world, putting God on hold … putting Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives. He is a leftover, not the main entrée.
The real distortion is our belief that we can conquer life on our own … that we are the king of our kingdom and don’t need to humble ourselves to any other authority. We believe we can generate all the power we need to overcome the struggles of this world. It’s easy to see how blatantly wrong these beliefs are. But when you actually break down some of your decisions, you will be amazed to see how often these beliefs insidiously creep in and determine your responses to what life brings your way.
Today, instead of making the choice (yes, it is always your decision and choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes. Spend some time with God. Have a conversation with Him. Bring Him your greatest concerns. Read a few pages of scripture. Pray prayers of simple thanksgiving. Then dig into a couple of your wrong decisions and be honest. See if some of the distortions we discussed are part of your lenses. You will be amazed at how the daily practice of taking all your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, will change your life. You will develop the Mind of Christ and maximally engage in the greatest spiritual discipline: Decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that You are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the best directions for this journey, stepping stone by stepping stone … for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ who put everything on hold to serve You; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:6
I remember a couple months ago, life got a bit ahead of me. Some situations came up and my actions were wrong. I needed to really take some time with God to reflect and figure out what happened, how to fix it, and how to avoid that trap again. But unfortunately, I actually made the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other trivial things. I knew I needed to “get right with God” … but it seemed like such a big task that needed lots of time. Since I wanted to do it right not just rush through it, (or maybe those were excuses to avoid facing it), I decided to put it off for a bit and not get to it right away. I thought I had too many items on my “To Do” list that I was tricked into believing were more urgent.
Because of my incredible shortsightedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand how to complete those “to do’s” with joy and efficiency. Furthermore, I didn’t realize I risked more damage to myself and those around me as I bumbled forward, trying to manage alone. Unbeknownst to me, I was much more vulnerable … and actually naked and defenseless. Most of us live among people who glorify busyness … who have made time a tyrant that controls life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior, seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world, putting God on hold … putting Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives. He is a leftover, not the main entrée.
The real distortion is our belief that we can conquer life on our own … that we are the king of our kingdom and don’t need to humble ourselves to any other authority. We believe we can generate all the power we need to overcome the struggles of this world. It’s easy to see how blatantly wrong these beliefs are. But when you actually break down some of your decisions, you will be amazed to see how often these beliefs insidiously creep in and determine your responses to what life brings your way.
Today, instead of making the choice (yes, it is always your decision and choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes. Spend some time with God. Have a conversation with Him. Bring Him your greatest concerns. Read a few pages of scripture. Pray prayers of simple thanksgiving. Then dig into a couple of your wrong decisions and be honest. See if some of the distortions we discussed are part of your lenses. You will be amazed at how the daily practice of taking all your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, will change your life. You will develop the Mind of Christ and maximally engage in the greatest spiritual discipline: Decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that You are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the best directions for this journey, stepping stone by stepping stone … for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ who put everything on hold to serve You; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:6
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: Think Twice – Speak Once
Transformational Thought
I am a pretty physical guy who likes working outside (when I have to), especially when the weather is really hot and I can work up a good sweat. But even though I am an engineer by training, unfortunately, and to my wife’s dismay, I am a terrible handyman. I can use the basic tools, but anything more than a hammer or screwdriver vaults me way out of my comfort zone.
Now compound that with the fact that I am an obsessive perfectionist, and each minor job turns into a major project because all the details have to be just right. Pictures exactly centered and level, mulch spread exactly even, every edge in painting has to be a straight line … you get my drift. So few things irritate me more than when I make a measurement or assessment, then cut the wood, or hammer in the nail, and then realize it was a mistake. I did that a few times as a kid and learned my lesson.
Once you cut the wood you can never take the cut back, so always make sure you’re cutting in the right spot. Thus, the all-important adage “measure twice, cut once” or “measure twice, hammer once.” As you can imagine, I have found many applications for this particular proverb throughout my life.
The basic premise is “Think before you act.” One frequent application the Bible teaches is how we talk with each other … especially with those we love. How many times have you said something hurtful that you wish you hadn’t said? How many times do you even think about what you say before you say it? Once something is said, the words can never be taken back. Yes, we can apologize and ask forgiveness, then try and make up for it, but taking words back is like un-cutting wood, un-hammering a nail, or un-ringing a bell … you just can’t undo the damage.
We all have trouble reacting without think, especially when we feel hurt, sad, anxious, rejected, or have other uncomfortable emotions we are trying to avoid, soothe, or defend against. The ability to tolerate discomfort and identify a better way to respond or react to a situation is not naturally built into us. Nor does society teach us how to handle these uncomfortable but inevitable events of life. Yet thinking before we speak, examining our hearts and motives, are the Biblical principles James and Solomon exhort us to practice and perfect.
Today, develop the discipline of decision-making, in which thinking is a vital component. We all make comments we regret. We wish we could just rewind life … have a do-over. Try to “think twice and speak once.” A few moments invested in thought will save many hours of guilt, shame, and hustling to remedy the damage. Then dig deeper, try to identify the needs, fears, or emotions that push you to speak before you think. This is actually a great spiritual exercise in heart examination that will reap much treasure. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH guides this examination and helps you use your findings for lasting life change.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been guilty of using wrong, harsh words with others. I have misused the gift of a quick mind that You have given me. I pray, Lord, that You will fill me with your Holy Spirit … and that I give Your Spirit time to respond as I speak and write. Help me be quick to listen, disciplined to think, and slow to speak … and let me see Your message in everything. I pray in the name of the one You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6
…be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
I am a pretty physical guy who likes working outside (when I have to), especially when the weather is really hot and I can work up a good sweat. But even though I am an engineer by training, unfortunately, and to my wife’s dismay, I am a terrible handyman. I can use the basic tools, but anything more than a hammer or screwdriver vaults me way out of my comfort zone.
Now compound that with the fact that I am an obsessive perfectionist, and each minor job turns into a major project because all the details have to be just right. Pictures exactly centered and level, mulch spread exactly even, every edge in painting has to be a straight line … you get my drift. So few things irritate me more than when I make a measurement or assessment, then cut the wood, or hammer in the nail, and then realize it was a mistake. I did that a few times as a kid and learned my lesson.
Once you cut the wood you can never take the cut back, so always make sure you’re cutting in the right spot. Thus, the all-important adage “measure twice, cut once” or “measure twice, hammer once.” As you can imagine, I have found many applications for this particular proverb throughout my life.
The basic premise is “Think before you act.” One frequent application the Bible teaches is how we talk with each other … especially with those we love. How many times have you said something hurtful that you wish you hadn’t said? How many times do you even think about what you say before you say it? Once something is said, the words can never be taken back. Yes, we can apologize and ask forgiveness, then try and make up for it, but taking words back is like un-cutting wood, un-hammering a nail, or un-ringing a bell … you just can’t undo the damage.
We all have trouble reacting without think, especially when we feel hurt, sad, anxious, rejected, or have other uncomfortable emotions we are trying to avoid, soothe, or defend against. The ability to tolerate discomfort and identify a better way to respond or react to a situation is not naturally built into us. Nor does society teach us how to handle these uncomfortable but inevitable events of life. Yet thinking before we speak, examining our hearts and motives, are the Biblical principles James and Solomon exhort us to practice and perfect.
Today, develop the discipline of decision-making, in which thinking is a vital component. We all make comments we regret. We wish we could just rewind life … have a do-over. Try to “think twice and speak once.” A few moments invested in thought will save many hours of guilt, shame, and hustling to remedy the damage. Then dig deeper, try to identify the needs, fears, or emotions that push you to speak before you think. This is actually a great spiritual exercise in heart examination that will reap much treasure. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH guides this examination and helps you use your findings for lasting life change.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess, Father, that I have been guilty of using wrong, harsh words with others. I have misused the gift of a quick mind that You have given me. I pray, Lord, that You will fill me with your Holy Spirit … and that I give Your Spirit time to respond as I speak and write. Help me be quick to listen, disciplined to think, and slow to speak … and let me see Your message in everything. I pray in the name of the one You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6
…be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
Monday, November 28, 2011
Stepping Stones: Trusting Moment to Moment
Transformational Thought
A church bell in my neighborhood rings throughout the day, and if you’re attentive, you realize it rings not just on the hour, but every 15 minutes. Often, I’m not aware of the bells because they’ve become part of the on-going background noise of my life … a symphony of birds, jet engines, lawn equipment, road traffic, cell phone, television, and chatter in my head. It’s usually early morning or late evening, when my distractions are at their lowest, that I am able to tune in and hear those bells. This particular church tower crisply and beautifully sounds the Westminster chime, made famous by the Big Ben Tower in London. Words to accompany the melody were written by Handel: "Lord through this hour, be Thou our guide. So, by Thy power no foot shall slide."
When I was in parochial elementary school, we students were allowed to interrupt the teacher every hour, on the hour, in order to pray and “bless the hour”. To be totally frank, at the time, I didn’t “get it”. I didn’t see any value in asking God to be part of my day, let alone each hour. Instead, I welcomed it as a longed-for distraction from the daily grind. My spiritual default status was to operate like a solo pilot, relying on my own self-sufficiency and my can-do attitude. But, looking back at some of my choices, I can say there wasn’t much to be proud of.
So what has changed? As I said, I really had no sense of my need for God. But I also had no idea He actually and deeply cared about the details of my life. At a particularly low point, I cried out to God asking Him to show me who He is. When I finally understood He was always showing me who He is and I paid attention to how and what He was showing, my life changed and has never been the same. So now those chimes and that melody are a beautiful reminder of how much I need God throughout every day, and how faithfully God helps me.
How about you? Are you in tune with your need for God? Do you allow His Holy Spirit to direct your words as you interact with family, coworkers, cellmates, drivers, sales clerks, and pedestrians? Do you realize his holy word, the Bible, offers you great advice as you make decisions about your job, finances, relationships, emotions, and other details of daily life? Have you read any of His messages today? Have you shared your concerns about today’s problems with Him?
Today, in fact, right now, ask Him to be your guide for the next 60 minutes. You have a choice: You could go with the flow and not acknowledge His right to be sovereign in your life. Or you could admit that your own decisions leave something to be desired. Let the Lord of the universe take control for even a fraction of your day and see if He doesn’t prove Himself worthy of your trust. As you see God answering your prayer, your trust in Him and your relationship with Him will grow exponentially. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Loving God, For so long I have relied on my own thoughts and judgments, but life did not go as I planned and didn’t get any easier. I want so much to have joy and peace throughout every day. I’ve forgotten about You but I have a desire to turn that around. For these next 60 minutes, I am asking You to be my guide, to show me the way to handle the people and situations You put around me. This is a big step but I’m trusting You to guide me each step of the way. I trust You so much that I’m saying “Thank You” right now for what You are about to do for, through, and in me. I pray in the name of the One who trusted You to the very end, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Luke 22:42
A church bell in my neighborhood rings throughout the day, and if you’re attentive, you realize it rings not just on the hour, but every 15 minutes. Often, I’m not aware of the bells because they’ve become part of the on-going background noise of my life … a symphony of birds, jet engines, lawn equipment, road traffic, cell phone, television, and chatter in my head. It’s usually early morning or late evening, when my distractions are at their lowest, that I am able to tune in and hear those bells. This particular church tower crisply and beautifully sounds the Westminster chime, made famous by the Big Ben Tower in London. Words to accompany the melody were written by Handel: "Lord through this hour, be Thou our guide. So, by Thy power no foot shall slide."
When I was in parochial elementary school, we students were allowed to interrupt the teacher every hour, on the hour, in order to pray and “bless the hour”. To be totally frank, at the time, I didn’t “get it”. I didn’t see any value in asking God to be part of my day, let alone each hour. Instead, I welcomed it as a longed-for distraction from the daily grind. My spiritual default status was to operate like a solo pilot, relying on my own self-sufficiency and my can-do attitude. But, looking back at some of my choices, I can say there wasn’t much to be proud of.
So what has changed? As I said, I really had no sense of my need for God. But I also had no idea He actually and deeply cared about the details of my life. At a particularly low point, I cried out to God asking Him to show me who He is. When I finally understood He was always showing me who He is and I paid attention to how and what He was showing, my life changed and has never been the same. So now those chimes and that melody are a beautiful reminder of how much I need God throughout every day, and how faithfully God helps me.
How about you? Are you in tune with your need for God? Do you allow His Holy Spirit to direct your words as you interact with family, coworkers, cellmates, drivers, sales clerks, and pedestrians? Do you realize his holy word, the Bible, offers you great advice as you make decisions about your job, finances, relationships, emotions, and other details of daily life? Have you read any of His messages today? Have you shared your concerns about today’s problems with Him?
Today, in fact, right now, ask Him to be your guide for the next 60 minutes. You have a choice: You could go with the flow and not acknowledge His right to be sovereign in your life. Or you could admit that your own decisions leave something to be desired. Let the Lord of the universe take control for even a fraction of your day and see if He doesn’t prove Himself worthy of your trust. As you see God answering your prayer, your trust in Him and your relationship with Him will grow exponentially. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Loving God, For so long I have relied on my own thoughts and judgments, but life did not go as I planned and didn’t get any easier. I want so much to have joy and peace throughout every day. I’ve forgotten about You but I have a desire to turn that around. For these next 60 minutes, I am asking You to be my guide, to show me the way to handle the people and situations You put around me. This is a big step but I’m trusting You to guide me each step of the way. I trust You so much that I’m saying “Thank You” right now for what You are about to do for, through, and in me. I pray in the name of the One who trusted You to the very end, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
Luke 22:42
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Just Say No! – But Why?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday’s devotional discussed what happens when someone approaches us and wants something. They have a request or a reasonable opportunity for us to be helpful. Instead of saying “yes” to avoid a conflict or the uneasiness of their disappointment, we sometimes need to say “no” for the right reason. One of the major obstacles we have to saying “no” rests in a major distortion embedded in our psyche. Drum roll please. The distortion: saying yes = the loving response; saying no = the mean response.
Someone asks for something, humbly admits they need your help. Agreeing with them by saying “yes” … being like-minded and avoiding conflict ... are considered to be the nice response. Answering in a way that allows the requester to leave feeling “good” is what most would stamp as the loving response. As a kid, we never picture a loving mom as the one who says “no”. We always picture the loving mom as affirming, positive, nurturing, saying “yes” to requests for more attention, hugs, kisses, toys, food, or one more story before bed.
NEWS FLASH: saying “yes” is not always a loving response. Example: Say your 12 y.o. son convinces you he has great driving skills, is responsible, awesome with bumper cars and go-carts, and now wants the keys to the car to go hang out with his friends. Your loving response, regardless of how hurt, angry, sad, or belittled he feels, needs to be “NO.” Same if my 9 y.o. wants to stay up ‘til midnight on a school night. My incredibly loving response is “NO.”
We know kids make dysfunctional, shortsighted, and potentially harmful requests as they seek immediate gratification, and that they are unable to foresee long-term consequences. Realizing “no” is in their best interest and is the most loving response (even when our kids cry) is pretty easy for most parents. The problem comes when adults make requests. We assume adults know what is good for them, have thought it through, and make only healthy responsible requests. We think saying “no” to a healthy, functional adult request would be unloving, or withholding love.
BIGGER NEWS FLASH: Adults don’t always make functional requests. You must have awareness, discernment, and a view of the bigger picture to know whether it is a healthy or dysfunctional request. The cool part … after you put some thought into deciding if it is a healthy request, saying “no” to adults becomes as easy as saying “no” to the 12 y.o. requesting car keys.
So today, start developing the discipline of discerning healthy requests from others. Also, practice saying “no” to requests. Or at least say, “Maybe … let me think about it.” When someone says “no” to you, stop and think whether your request was healthy. Don’t assume you are the perfect one who makes healthy requests all the time. Most importantly, dig and find why you feel pressured to say “yes” or why you are afraid to say “no.” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear loving God, thank You for being an example to me as You answer “yes” to my requests at the right time and answer “no” to my other requests at the right time. I ask You to continue the work You started … growing in me the mind of Christ, so I can see others’ requests through Your lenses. Give me the courage to say “no” when that is the most loving thing, and not to fear sad or angry responses, or hurt feelings or negative opinions. I pray in the name of the One You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Colossians 18:18,22,23
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"
Luke 4:3,4
Yesterday’s devotional discussed what happens when someone approaches us and wants something. They have a request or a reasonable opportunity for us to be helpful. Instead of saying “yes” to avoid a conflict or the uneasiness of their disappointment, we sometimes need to say “no” for the right reason. One of the major obstacles we have to saying “no” rests in a major distortion embedded in our psyche. Drum roll please. The distortion: saying yes = the loving response; saying no = the mean response.
Someone asks for something, humbly admits they need your help. Agreeing with them by saying “yes” … being like-minded and avoiding conflict ... are considered to be the nice response. Answering in a way that allows the requester to leave feeling “good” is what most would stamp as the loving response. As a kid, we never picture a loving mom as the one who says “no”. We always picture the loving mom as affirming, positive, nurturing, saying “yes” to requests for more attention, hugs, kisses, toys, food, or one more story before bed.
NEWS FLASH: saying “yes” is not always a loving response. Example: Say your 12 y.o. son convinces you he has great driving skills, is responsible, awesome with bumper cars and go-carts, and now wants the keys to the car to go hang out with his friends. Your loving response, regardless of how hurt, angry, sad, or belittled he feels, needs to be “NO.” Same if my 9 y.o. wants to stay up ‘til midnight on a school night. My incredibly loving response is “NO.”
We know kids make dysfunctional, shortsighted, and potentially harmful requests as they seek immediate gratification, and that they are unable to foresee long-term consequences. Realizing “no” is in their best interest and is the most loving response (even when our kids cry) is pretty easy for most parents. The problem comes when adults make requests. We assume adults know what is good for them, have thought it through, and make only healthy responsible requests. We think saying “no” to a healthy, functional adult request would be unloving, or withholding love.
BIGGER NEWS FLASH: Adults don’t always make functional requests. You must have awareness, discernment, and a view of the bigger picture to know whether it is a healthy or dysfunctional request. The cool part … after you put some thought into deciding if it is a healthy request, saying “no” to adults becomes as easy as saying “no” to the 12 y.o. requesting car keys.
So today, start developing the discipline of discerning healthy requests from others. Also, practice saying “no” to requests. Or at least say, “Maybe … let me think about it.” When someone says “no” to you, stop and think whether your request was healthy. Don’t assume you are the perfect one who makes healthy requests all the time. Most importantly, dig and find why you feel pressured to say “yes” or why you are afraid to say “no.” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear loving God, thank You for being an example to me as You answer “yes” to my requests at the right time and answer “no” to my other requests at the right time. I ask You to continue the work You started … growing in me the mind of Christ, so I can see others’ requests through Your lenses. Give me the courage to say “no” when that is the most loving thing, and not to fear sad or angry responses, or hurt feelings or negative opinions. I pray in the name of the One You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Colossians 18:18,22,23
The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"
Luke 4:3,4
Friday, November 25, 2011
Stepping Stones: Turn the Other Cheek…or NOT?!
Transformational Thought
A couple weeks ago, I was asked to speak on very short notice to a Sunday School class at a neighboring church. Bubbling up in my lungs was the sound of my knee-jerk people-pleaser “yes.” But luckily, before it crossed my lips, I was able to edit it into “’Yes’ is what I want to say, but I need to look at another date a little further into the future.”
In the past, it was difficult for me to say “no”. Saying “no” to a request from somebody else rarely makes that person feel good; more often, they feel hurt or let down. Our natural tendency is to “go with the flow” or “don’t make waves.” So we become conflict avoiders … some of us a little, but some of us a lot. You see, one of the things that contributes to our feeling of discomfort is when other people feel bad as a result of our actions or behaviors.
As Christians, this usually gets amplified because we are called to be “peacekeepers” or “peacemakers.” Forgiveness is a fundamental concept and action of our faith. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and give our clothes to a thief. Saying “no” seems like a very un-Christian response to someone in need. However, Jesus also said “no” many times … to the Pharisees, to Satan, to the demon possessed man whom he healed, to the rich young ruler who wanted to follow him but wouldn’t give up his possessions, to the moneychangers in the temple, and to the thief on the cross.
As a psychiatrist and former church elder I have seen many burnt out Christians, both leaders and church members, who seem to think that more is better … who actually believe it is un-Christian to say “no.” Their efforts become scattered and they always seem to be out of steam. But, like that Energizer bunny, they just keep on doing.
Today, before you jump into or continue “doing” the Christian thing … by blindly saying “yes” and adding more to your plate … spend time with God. Pray that you receive both direction and empowerment consistent with His will. In order to know His will … you gotta spend time in His presence. He has a specific plan and purpose for you. You need to be more purposeful in seeking it with Him and from Him. This is not a job or a task, but rather a beautiful and peaceful privilege. Also, dig and decipher why you say “yes” when you know you should be saying “no”. Why are you afraid to say “no”? Learning this answer and correcting it will bring an amazing freedom to your interactions and life! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Gracious and Holy God, I know that You designed a path for my life. I pray, Father, that You reveal this pathway to me … and that You give me the strength and courage to follow it. Help me seek Your approval, not the approval of those who make requests of me. Empower me, Father, and let me see that I am powered by You. Let me not focus my efforts on simply doing more, but let me focus on doing what You want and need of me. Help me today, Lord, to do what is within my ability to further Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of the One You sent to forgive, refresh, and empower me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31
A couple weeks ago, I was asked to speak on very short notice to a Sunday School class at a neighboring church. Bubbling up in my lungs was the sound of my knee-jerk people-pleaser “yes.” But luckily, before it crossed my lips, I was able to edit it into “’Yes’ is what I want to say, but I need to look at another date a little further into the future.”
In the past, it was difficult for me to say “no”. Saying “no” to a request from somebody else rarely makes that person feel good; more often, they feel hurt or let down. Our natural tendency is to “go with the flow” or “don’t make waves.” So we become conflict avoiders … some of us a little, but some of us a lot. You see, one of the things that contributes to our feeling of discomfort is when other people feel bad as a result of our actions or behaviors.
As Christians, this usually gets amplified because we are called to be “peacekeepers” or “peacemakers.” Forgiveness is a fundamental concept and action of our faith. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and give our clothes to a thief. Saying “no” seems like a very un-Christian response to someone in need. However, Jesus also said “no” many times … to the Pharisees, to Satan, to the demon possessed man whom he healed, to the rich young ruler who wanted to follow him but wouldn’t give up his possessions, to the moneychangers in the temple, and to the thief on the cross.
As a psychiatrist and former church elder I have seen many burnt out Christians, both leaders and church members, who seem to think that more is better … who actually believe it is un-Christian to say “no.” Their efforts become scattered and they always seem to be out of steam. But, like that Energizer bunny, they just keep on doing.
Today, before you jump into or continue “doing” the Christian thing … by blindly saying “yes” and adding more to your plate … spend time with God. Pray that you receive both direction and empowerment consistent with His will. In order to know His will … you gotta spend time in His presence. He has a specific plan and purpose for you. You need to be more purposeful in seeking it with Him and from Him. This is not a job or a task, but rather a beautiful and peaceful privilege. Also, dig and decipher why you say “yes” when you know you should be saying “no”. Why are you afraid to say “no”? Learning this answer and correcting it will bring an amazing freedom to your interactions and life! Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Gracious and Holy God, I know that You designed a path for my life. I pray, Father, that You reveal this pathway to me … and that You give me the strength and courage to follow it. Help me seek Your approval, not the approval of those who make requests of me. Empower me, Father, and let me see that I am powered by You. Let me not focus my efforts on simply doing more, but let me focus on doing what You want and need of me. Help me today, Lord, to do what is within my ability to further Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of the One You sent to forgive, refresh, and empower me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Dark Dungeon of Ungratefulness
Transformational Thought
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and the four-day weekend ushers in a break we all appreciate. Thanksgiving seems like the eye of the storm, the calm nestled between the crazy pace of autumn, when work and school are in high gear, and the impending mad rush of the Christmas and New Year season.
It’s great to have our family all together again for the first time in over 3 months as our oldest just got home from college, like many others who journey home to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else … and even if none of these other things existed in our lives … Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be simply thankful, a time to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
You see, we live in an age of entitlement … and it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to so many things. We often focus on what we want or don’t have instead of all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash … the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve … very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have been granted and blessed with … every single day.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much, instead of giving you what you deserve. Your decision, choose well.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future. We are thankful for you and your encouragement to us.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the One who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday and the four-day weekend ushers in a break we all appreciate. Thanksgiving seems like the eye of the storm, the calm nestled between the crazy pace of autumn, when work and school are in high gear, and the impending mad rush of the Christmas and New Year season.
It’s great to have our family all together again for the first time in over 3 months as our oldest just got home from college, like many others who journey home to be with those they love. Thanksgiving Day is filled with parades, football, family traditions, memories, and great food. Above all else … and even if none of these other things existed in our lives … Thanksgiving is a time that provides the opportunity for us to be simply thankful, a time to lift ourselves and others out of the dark dungeon of ungratefulness.
You see, we live in an age of entitlement … and it’s often difficult to be thankful when we feel “entitled” to so many things. We often focus on what we want or don’t have instead of all the blessings we do have and should be so thankful for. We need to work hard to counteract the glut of propaganda proclaiming the mantra, “We deserve more.”
Every Christmas commercial, ad, self-help book, well-meaning friend, and small voice from your flesh will scream that you deserve everything that is good or valuable. Really, we are all sinners and, news flash … the wages for sin is death. Everything we have is a tremendous gift of powerful grace that is granted to us by the one we offend, disappoint, reject, deny, and grieve … very regularly.
I hate to be a holiday downer, but you see, unless you know what you really and truly deserve, it is impossible to see how many gifts and how much unbelievable grace you actually have been granted and blessed with … every single day.
Today, when you aren’t full of thanks, ask God to open your eyes and release you from the dark dungeon of ungratefulness. Before you eat, go around the table, holding hands, and tell each other what you are thankful for. Remember, the secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Then you will truly thank Him for loving, pursuing, and giving you so much, instead of giving you what you deserve. Your decision, choose well.
The staff at Lighthouse Network wishes the Stepping Stones community a blessed Thanksgiving Day and future. We are thankful for you and your encouragement to us.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You, Father, in prayer. I ask, Father, that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude. Release me, Lord, to enjoy the pleasures of having a thankful heart. It’s easy for me, Father, to be grateful when I wake up on the right side of the bed and encounter no major problems. At other times, thankfulness feels totally unreachable. I need a perspective-lift Father; help me see things from Your viewpoint. I pray in the name of the One who is the source and reason for my thankfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Isaiah 42:7
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thessalonians 5:18
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Have All You Need For the Afterlife?
Transformational Thought
Last month, I visited a museum whose premier exhibit featured mummies from around the world. I wasn’t surprised to see teeth, but didn’t expect to see that some still had eyelashes, braided hair and fingernails. I learned about the mummification process and its effects on skin. There were even some natural mummies, people whose bodies were preserved due to the climate at the burial site. Each specimen had a story to tell, but we, the observers, could only know a fraction of the tale.
It was fascinating to see those ancient people who had been preserved for “eternity.” Some bore imprints from the weaves and dyes of fabrics that had been part of the wrapping process. Many bodies were buried along with other objects. There were amulets (small good luck charms) to help protect them from danger. Copies of The Book of the Dead were tucked in to give the person spells, hymns, and instructions to reach the ‘afterlife.’ Mummified fish, cats, and dogs had been placed alongside the bodies to be used by the dead as offerings to the gods.
What struck me as I wound my way through the displays was that there was a universal concern for what comes after this life. But the time to consider that part of our future is right now. Sure, we can live to the fullest, enjoying all the world has to offer but that is no guarantee of happiness now and it certainly doesn’t ensure happiness after death. People turn to all kinds of “truth” only to find that nothing offers lasting satisfaction. King Solomon knew this oh so well and wrote a book about it called Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament.
Only the God of the Bible offers lasting truth. Only He loves us so much that He provides a way for our sin to be forgiven and forgotten. Only the Lord God sends His Son to take the punishment we deserve, and offers it to us as a free gift so that we can live forever with Him in heaven when this life is over. No good luck charms, no more sacrifices in the afterlife to woo the gods. No need to wonder if you’ll find heaven. Just accepting God’s gift of eternal life. Just believing that God will be true to his word. This promise and glorious assurance brings so much peace.
Today, ask God to show Himself to you. Then, open up his instruction book, the Bible, and read for a few minutes. (It will be easier if you read from one book of the Bible instead of jumping around.) Start in Ecclesiastes as Solomon, who had everything, tells us it is all worthless if we don’t have God. If you don’t have one at home, look for one on the web. You may think this is an exercise with no benefit. But I believe you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear King of Kings, You are the God who forgives me and who loves me. You’ve been waiting for me to turn my attention towards You and now You have it. Lord, thank You for loving me and making a way for me to be with You in heaven forever. Please help me to read and understand Your word each day. I can be forgetful and easily distracted, but I want to do this, and with Your help, I can do it. I long to know You better and I am thankful that I am learning more about You every day. I pray in the name of Your son, Jesus, who took my punishment, so I could be with You forever. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!
Psalm 111:10
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11
Last month, I visited a museum whose premier exhibit featured mummies from around the world. I wasn’t surprised to see teeth, but didn’t expect to see that some still had eyelashes, braided hair and fingernails. I learned about the mummification process and its effects on skin. There were even some natural mummies, people whose bodies were preserved due to the climate at the burial site. Each specimen had a story to tell, but we, the observers, could only know a fraction of the tale.
It was fascinating to see those ancient people who had been preserved for “eternity.” Some bore imprints from the weaves and dyes of fabrics that had been part of the wrapping process. Many bodies were buried along with other objects. There were amulets (small good luck charms) to help protect them from danger. Copies of The Book of the Dead were tucked in to give the person spells, hymns, and instructions to reach the ‘afterlife.’ Mummified fish, cats, and dogs had been placed alongside the bodies to be used by the dead as offerings to the gods.
What struck me as I wound my way through the displays was that there was a universal concern for what comes after this life. But the time to consider that part of our future is right now. Sure, we can live to the fullest, enjoying all the world has to offer but that is no guarantee of happiness now and it certainly doesn’t ensure happiness after death. People turn to all kinds of “truth” only to find that nothing offers lasting satisfaction. King Solomon knew this oh so well and wrote a book about it called Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament.
Only the God of the Bible offers lasting truth. Only He loves us so much that He provides a way for our sin to be forgiven and forgotten. Only the Lord God sends His Son to take the punishment we deserve, and offers it to us as a free gift so that we can live forever with Him in heaven when this life is over. No good luck charms, no more sacrifices in the afterlife to woo the gods. No need to wonder if you’ll find heaven. Just accepting God’s gift of eternal life. Just believing that God will be true to his word. This promise and glorious assurance brings so much peace.
Today, ask God to show Himself to you. Then, open up his instruction book, the Bible, and read for a few minutes. (It will be easier if you read from one book of the Bible instead of jumping around.) Start in Ecclesiastes as Solomon, who had everything, tells us it is all worthless if we don’t have God. If you don’t have one at home, look for one on the web. You may think this is an exercise with no benefit. But I believe you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear King of Kings, You are the God who forgives me and who loves me. You’ve been waiting for me to turn my attention towards You and now You have it. Lord, thank You for loving me and making a way for me to be with You in heaven forever. Please help me to read and understand Your word each day. I can be forgetful and easily distracted, but I want to do this, and with Your help, I can do it. I long to know You better and I am thankful that I am learning more about You every day. I pray in the name of Your son, Jesus, who took my punishment, so I could be with You forever. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!
Psalm 111:10
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11
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