Transformational Tip
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don’t make that connection. Do you think He really isn’t watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn’t looking….or He doesn’t care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing hurts others, but it really does hurt us...a lot.
Our wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry…adversely impact us psychologically in many ways…and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart…command central for decision-making. (See “Spiritual Basics” link and click Confession) Then we have our flesh in command, that’s when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most!
God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, and angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today’s scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes full of grace and forgiveness….but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for His glory and your fulfillment.
Today, be mindful of God’s ever-present awareness of your life. Let Him be your advisor. He really wants the best for you, so why would you listen to a different advisor. Your choice.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community. I trust You, my Lord. I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You, Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me. I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people. I pray this in the name of the revealer of my heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Stepping Stones: Hearing Test Lately?
Transformational Tip
When kids are little, it seems like they have selective hearing. By their teens, they have perfected this skill, and as seniors, they masterfully role model and teach it to their grandchildren and the cycle repeats. Reality tip: we all have selective hearing.
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that “He who has ears, let him hear.” Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear?
Many times, the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: “What shall I do?” The question you should be asking yourself is; “How shall I be?”, “Am I fertile?”,”Do I have ears that hear?”. If I am not responding well in life and “doing”, then I am not really hearing His call correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God’s invitation; some do not…may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
Today, ask yourself the question; What is interfering with me being fertile soil to God’s calling today?...fear, pride, busyness….hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt…lack of contentment with what you have….entitlement for more…your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you? Your choice…be fertile soil or resistant soil.
Prayer
Dear Father, I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible. How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds. I pray this in the name of the One who came to clean my eyes and ears, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
When kids are little, it seems like they have selective hearing. By their teens, they have perfected this skill, and as seniors, they masterfully role model and teach it to their grandchildren and the cycle repeats. Reality tip: we all have selective hearing.
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that “He who has ears, let him hear.” Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear?
Many times, the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: “What shall I do?” The question you should be asking yourself is; “How shall I be?”, “Am I fertile?”,”Do I have ears that hear?”. If I am not responding well in life and “doing”, then I am not really hearing His call correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God’s invitation; some do not…may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
Today, ask yourself the question; What is interfering with me being fertile soil to God’s calling today?...fear, pride, busyness….hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt…lack of contentment with what you have….entitlement for more…your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you? Your choice…be fertile soil or resistant soil.
Prayer
Dear Father, I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible. How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds. I pray this in the name of the One who came to clean my eyes and ears, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: What Part of Your Timeline Do You Live in?
Transformational Tip
Music is so powerful. When I hear a song, I remember experiences, people and activities associated with when I heard it in the past. The lyrics can also take me to past experiences. When I listen to praise music, my past sins and mistakes often play in my head.
It’s very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all, we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving past scenarios over and over. Here’s the sad part….the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger…in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies…and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have the greatest effect on our reality: the present.
How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old wounds or scars from the past. I am not saying we don’t remember and study the past, or don’t plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
Today, when your mind drifts forward or backward on your personal timeline, examine the motivation and fruitfulness of this endeavor. Usually, you need to find a way to get back to the present. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; “I AM.” This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present. One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I’m guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal, Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in the name of my reality foundation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Music is so powerful. When I hear a song, I remember experiences, people and activities associated with when I heard it in the past. The lyrics can also take me to past experiences. When I listen to praise music, my past sins and mistakes often play in my head.
It’s very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all, we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving past scenarios over and over. Here’s the sad part….the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger…in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies…and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have the greatest effect on our reality: the present.
How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old wounds or scars from the past. I am not saying we don’t remember and study the past, or don’t plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
Today, when your mind drifts forward or backward on your personal timeline, examine the motivation and fruitfulness of this endeavor. Usually, you need to find a way to get back to the present. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; “I AM.” This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present. One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I’m guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal, Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in the name of my reality foundation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: Which Category Are You?
Transformational Tip
I love sports and realized athletes fall into 2 categories. Every athlete makes mistakes regularly, so the categories are, 1. Make a mistake, get down on yourself, follow it up with another mistake, and then don’t learn from either mistake, or 2. Make a mistake, follow it with corrective or atoning action, and then learn from your mistake to improve and grow yourself.
Even the most mature Christian’s faith falters at times…we all make mistakes. But this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect…we don’t have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times…not always believing and acting on the truths we intellectually know are true.
Peter’s faith faltered when he was walking on water even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lord’s hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God…to use God’s lenses to examine his heart….to see what he was mistakenly putting his trust in instead of God’s teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God…like others’ opinions or approval…your finances or possessions….skills or intellect…looks or status…you will falter. Confess your sin…another false god.
Today, receive God’s forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence and faith in God instead of ourselves or the things of this world. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God’s power to transform your life. When your faith falters, don’t follow it up with another mistake. Instead, confess your mistake and learn why your faith was in yourself or this world. Your choice, so why choose more struggle.
Prayer
Father God, my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not totally failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to You, Lord, the only One who could save him. When I am afraid, I look to You, my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You, Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me, Lord, maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan’s masquerading idols. I pray this in the name of my safety net when I stumble, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt”
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
I love sports and realized athletes fall into 2 categories. Every athlete makes mistakes regularly, so the categories are, 1. Make a mistake, get down on yourself, follow it up with another mistake, and then don’t learn from either mistake, or 2. Make a mistake, follow it with corrective or atoning action, and then learn from your mistake to improve and grow yourself.
Even the most mature Christian’s faith falters at times…we all make mistakes. But this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect…we don’t have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times…not always believing and acting on the truths we intellectually know are true.
Peter’s faith faltered when he was walking on water even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lord’s hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God…to use God’s lenses to examine his heart….to see what he was mistakenly putting his trust in instead of God’s teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God…like others’ opinions or approval…your finances or possessions….skills or intellect…looks or status…you will falter. Confess your sin…another false god.
Today, receive God’s forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence and faith in God instead of ourselves or the things of this world. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God’s power to transform your life. When your faith falters, don’t follow it up with another mistake. Instead, confess your mistake and learn why your faith was in yourself or this world. Your choice, so why choose more struggle.
Prayer
Father God, my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not totally failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to You, Lord, the only One who could save him. When I am afraid, I look to You, my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You, Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me, Lord, maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan’s masquerading idols. I pray this in the name of my safety net when I stumble, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt”
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Stepping Stones: Run Less, Go Farther
Transformational Tip
When I first started Lighthouse Network, so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities existed and pursued a lot of them not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially. Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, I’m on fire. Then a month later, I’d look back and realize some of that activity was wasted as nothing really resulted from some of those startup efforts.
Getting the most out of what we do…being efficient…makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into today.
So the big question is, How do we know the future… the secret to high efficiency….so we won’t waste effort… and we will maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul…and the path before you will be clearer and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God…rest in His power. Knowing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off those conforming lenses of this world, step outside of you, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? …what future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in your way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization really was a major turning point in my life, I think it will affect yours as well.
Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You… to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
When I first started Lighthouse Network, so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities existed and pursued a lot of them not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially. Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, I’m on fire. Then a month later, I’d look back and realize some of that activity was wasted as nothing really resulted from some of those startup efforts.
Getting the most out of what we do…being efficient…makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into today.
So the big question is, How do we know the future… the secret to high efficiency….so we won’t waste effort… and we will maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul…and the path before you will be clearer and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God…rest in His power. Knowing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off those conforming lenses of this world, step outside of you, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? …what future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in your way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization really was a major turning point in my life, I think it will affect yours as well.
Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You… to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Monday, July 19, 2010
Stepping Stones: How Do You Define Safe?
Transformational Tip
In 2006, a good friend, Todd Hendricks, asked me to lead a team into Iraq, at the request of the Kurdistan Minister of Health, to teach psychiatry and counseling skills to their health systems personnel. No other American(or even international) team had been permitted to go in to Iraq for this purpose. Regular bombings…turmoil…America uncertain about whether to keep forces in or withdraw…Shiite and Sunni hatred and violence daily towards each other...everybody suspicious of each other.
After a time of prayer, I told Todd, “I’m in!” As I excitedly told people, they asked, “why are you putting yourself in such danger,” and “aren’t you afraid. “ I had no fear as I had been praying for God to use our unique Lighthouse Network ministry in unique ways.
David was out on the battlefield…mono et mono….face to face against a world champion giant….no armor…just a slingshot and several pebbles. Seems like a dangerous place to most. Actually, it was the best place for him because that is where God wanted him….and David knew it…had perfect peace freeing him to channel God’s preparation and power in his life.
Be willing to go out on a limb if that is where God leads you. If He is leading you there, it is by far the safest place to be. Overly familiar surroundings may feel safe, but they can also lull you into a sleepy, yet dangerous, self-reliance. When out on a limb with your Lord, you will stay alert, communicating with Him continually, holding onto His hand in trusting dependence. Follow God wherever He may lead you…and let the shelter of His presence keep you safe. Remember, He knows what the future holds, not you.
Today, ask yourself, “where is God pushing me?” “I am resisting?” and “What am I afraid of?” Follow it with, “how is that working for me?”. Does He want me to…forgive someone…reach out to someone…give up something or someone…be content with something I already have…say something I am afraid to. Usually it is not a geographical place He pushes us to, but rather a spiritual or psychological place we are afraid to allow God to take us.
Go where He leads, it is the safest place…try it…TODAY! My 2007 trip to Iraq…We had a bodyguard, felt very safe, and it was one of the greatest and most unique experiences of my life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know Lord that I really am not a risk taker…I like to play it safe. However, it is my heartfelt desire to stay close to You…even if that means going out on a limb with and for You. When I feel more self reliant, I confess that these are the times when I tend to forget about You. I pray Lord, that You will help me follow You with confidence. I pray this in the name of the author of my faith and courage, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
In 2006, a good friend, Todd Hendricks, asked me to lead a team into Iraq, at the request of the Kurdistan Minister of Health, to teach psychiatry and counseling skills to their health systems personnel. No other American(or even international) team had been permitted to go in to Iraq for this purpose. Regular bombings…turmoil…America uncertain about whether to keep forces in or withdraw…Shiite and Sunni hatred and violence daily towards each other...everybody suspicious of each other.
After a time of prayer, I told Todd, “I’m in!” As I excitedly told people, they asked, “why are you putting yourself in such danger,” and “aren’t you afraid. “ I had no fear as I had been praying for God to use our unique Lighthouse Network ministry in unique ways.
David was out on the battlefield…mono et mono….face to face against a world champion giant….no armor…just a slingshot and several pebbles. Seems like a dangerous place to most. Actually, it was the best place for him because that is where God wanted him….and David knew it…had perfect peace freeing him to channel God’s preparation and power in his life.
Be willing to go out on a limb if that is where God leads you. If He is leading you there, it is by far the safest place to be. Overly familiar surroundings may feel safe, but they can also lull you into a sleepy, yet dangerous, self-reliance. When out on a limb with your Lord, you will stay alert, communicating with Him continually, holding onto His hand in trusting dependence. Follow God wherever He may lead you…and let the shelter of His presence keep you safe. Remember, He knows what the future holds, not you.
Today, ask yourself, “where is God pushing me?” “I am resisting?” and “What am I afraid of?” Follow it with, “how is that working for me?”. Does He want me to…forgive someone…reach out to someone…give up something or someone…be content with something I already have…say something I am afraid to. Usually it is not a geographical place He pushes us to, but rather a spiritual or psychological place we are afraid to allow God to take us.
Go where He leads, it is the safest place…try it…TODAY! My 2007 trip to Iraq…We had a bodyguard, felt very safe, and it was one of the greatest and most unique experiences of my life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know Lord that I really am not a risk taker…I like to play it safe. However, it is my heartfelt desire to stay close to You…even if that means going out on a limb with and for You. When I feel more self reliant, I confess that these are the times when I tend to forget about You. I pray Lord, that You will help me follow You with confidence. I pray this in the name of the author of my faith and courage, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Stepping Stones: Opportunity In Every Adversity
Transformational Tip
Going out of Business Sale…Clearance Sale…Half Off Sale…Buy One Get One Free…Outlets! These are all items that grab our attention because opportunity exists. Here’s another even richer opportunity. In the middle of a pretty good day, something happens and my day gets messy…a deviation from my agenda…an unplanned adversity…something a bit painful occurs.
Anyone can have peace when everything is going OK around them. The inner calm offered by your relationship with God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. What God offers to His children is radically different…peace when life gets messy or difficult…a peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances.
The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a “time-out” and ask for God’s assistance. Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you…not from the outside, Usually it is a pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you do not understand how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to grow the mind of Christ.
Today, try slowly whispering “Jesus.” Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security. So take a time-out when adversity strikes, and perform some self-examination. If you are having trouble applying the armor of God, trusting God’s promises and character, and believing Jesus’ work for you, the great opportunity in your lap is to find what false belief you are believing in more than God, Jesus, and The Holy Bible. With practice, in prayerful digging will reveal where you really put your trust during adversity.
See the “Spiritual Basics” link at left, then the “Armor of God” link on that page.
Prayer
Dear Father, This day feels very “messy” to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain, and when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things…to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand, Lord, that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You and really learn what I am trusting more than You when I face adversity. I pray this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Going out of Business Sale…Clearance Sale…Half Off Sale…Buy One Get One Free…Outlets! These are all items that grab our attention because opportunity exists. Here’s another even richer opportunity. In the middle of a pretty good day, something happens and my day gets messy…a deviation from my agenda…an unplanned adversity…something a bit painful occurs.
Anyone can have peace when everything is going OK around them. The inner calm offered by your relationship with God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. What God offers to His children is radically different…peace when life gets messy or difficult…a peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances.
The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a “time-out” and ask for God’s assistance. Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you…not from the outside, Usually it is a pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you do not understand how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to grow the mind of Christ.
Today, try slowly whispering “Jesus.” Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security. So take a time-out when adversity strikes, and perform some self-examination. If you are having trouble applying the armor of God, trusting God’s promises and character, and believing Jesus’ work for you, the great opportunity in your lap is to find what false belief you are believing in more than God, Jesus, and The Holy Bible. With practice, in prayerful digging will reveal where you really put your trust during adversity.
See the “Spiritual Basics” link at left, then the “Armor of God” link on that page.
Prayer
Dear Father, This day feels very “messy” to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain, and when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things…to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand, Lord, that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You and really learn what I am trusting more than You when I face adversity. I pray this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything!
Transformational Tip
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to “earn” God’s love.
In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend true unconditional and perfect love, because it doesn’t exist. As parents, we love almost unconditionally (especially if we have good kids), but never even close to perfectly…because the condition is they are our kids.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling…brings actual tears to my eyes(not much does)…knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His Father for the first time ever. All for me…and I didn’t do anything to “earn” it. Actually, I sinned a lot to “unearn” it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate.
Today, and always, when you are feeling unloved, devalued, unappreciated, forgotten, lonely, or isolated…remember there is nothing you can do or not do that would separate God’s love from you. So don’t be afraid you will screw up and lose it…live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness and love…and show your gratitude…today and everyday. notice how these truths, when repeated over and over, will start to alter the lenses you use in everyday life.
Prayer
Dear Loving Father, At times, actually all the time, I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that You revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may, step by step, achieve the “mind of Christ.” This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us….there is nothing we can do or not do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day Lord remember the simple path to everlasting life; Believe>Receive>Become.
I pray this in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to “earn” God’s love.
In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend true unconditional and perfect love, because it doesn’t exist. As parents, we love almost unconditionally (especially if we have good kids), but never even close to perfectly…because the condition is they are our kids.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling…brings actual tears to my eyes(not much does)…knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His Father for the first time ever. All for me…and I didn’t do anything to “earn” it. Actually, I sinned a lot to “unearn” it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate.
Today, and always, when you are feeling unloved, devalued, unappreciated, forgotten, lonely, or isolated…remember there is nothing you can do or not do that would separate God’s love from you. So don’t be afraid you will screw up and lose it…live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness and love…and show your gratitude…today and everyday. notice how these truths, when repeated over and over, will start to alter the lenses you use in everyday life.
Prayer
Dear Loving Father, At times, actually all the time, I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that You revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may, step by step, achieve the “mind of Christ.” This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us….there is nothing we can do or not do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day Lord remember the simple path to everlasting life; Believe>Receive>Become.
I pray this in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Want the Promised Land
Transformational Tip
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be great, mature, independent(able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally) Godly decision-makers. We would all admit this to be a great goal for our kids. Our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for themselves as well.
However, when they were smaller kids(and sometimes last week)…and they want too stay up late…have ice cream for dinner every night…sleep in all day in the summer…leave their chores to their mom to do…not do their homework, or just rush through it…really any short cut in life…having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind or agenda.
There is no question that it is God’s will to sanctify you. His word tells us that “This is the will of God, your sanctification…” The real question; is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments…enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or many frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, had faith that they willed something good for us, and their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent….ever. His will is more than you could imagine for you, so make it yours.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered “Yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Align your will with the One who created you and knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice…don’t act like a child who will sell out their chance for life’s great rewards to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, Father, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You…for Jesus making us pure and holy…and freeing us from the death grip of sin. How freeing it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love… to see how much you really care for me…and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way in how You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers,
when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be great, mature, independent(able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally) Godly decision-makers. We would all admit this to be a great goal for our kids. Our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for themselves as well.
However, when they were smaller kids(and sometimes last week)…and they want too stay up late…have ice cream for dinner every night…sleep in all day in the summer…leave their chores to their mom to do…not do their homework, or just rush through it…really any short cut in life…having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind or agenda.
There is no question that it is God’s will to sanctify you. His word tells us that “This is the will of God, your sanctification…” The real question; is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments…enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or many frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, had faith that they willed something good for us, and their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent….ever. His will is more than you could imagine for you, so make it yours.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered “Yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Align your will with the One who created you and knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice…don’t act like a child who will sell out their chance for life’s great rewards to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, Father, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You…for Jesus making us pure and holy…and freeing us from the death grip of sin. How freeing it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love… to see how much you really care for me…and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way in how You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers,
when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Stepping Stones: Prayer Life: Exciting Adventure or Sleepwalking
Transformational Tip
The other day, in between tasks, I unexpectedly bumped into a friend, who was also in between tasks. We did our superficial and obligatory greeting and banter, then went our respective ways. Not the ideal interaction, but one we both accepted based on the rushed timeline and other items preoccupying our mind.
In most relationships, a dangerous tendency to fall into patterns and routines that then lead to staleness or ruts can dangerously sabotage our growth and relational depth.
Your routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger; you can sleepwalk through your prayers. Just like our earthly relationships get put on autopilot sometimes, so does our relationship with God.
We start to take the other person for granted and become “me” focused…not process oriented for what is actually happening in the relationship. Prayer then is only to fulfill an obligation or tradition….saying “grace” before meals or bedtime. Then God Himself seems like an extra, obligation, something to break out for special occasions, and not a daily enrichment to our life.
Like we always say - You have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you – the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God…think specifically of your words…why are you praying…what is your attitude…your expectation. Ultimately, really see God for who He is and you will be excited and intentional, just like if you had the chance to meet your favorite person, celebrity, or athlete.
Today, spend 5 minutes at the end of your prayer just listening. If you drift (like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God’s frequency. This will awaken your soul and enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to You.
I love living close to You, it satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess Lord that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers…and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You, Lord, with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and able to see Your infinite newness everyday. I pray this in the name the one who never sleepwalked through any relationship, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The other day, in between tasks, I unexpectedly bumped into a friend, who was also in between tasks. We did our superficial and obligatory greeting and banter, then went our respective ways. Not the ideal interaction, but one we both accepted based on the rushed timeline and other items preoccupying our mind.
In most relationships, a dangerous tendency to fall into patterns and routines that then lead to staleness or ruts can dangerously sabotage our growth and relational depth.
Your routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger; you can sleepwalk through your prayers. Just like our earthly relationships get put on autopilot sometimes, so does our relationship with God.
We start to take the other person for granted and become “me” focused…not process oriented for what is actually happening in the relationship. Prayer then is only to fulfill an obligation or tradition….saying “grace” before meals or bedtime. Then God Himself seems like an extra, obligation, something to break out for special occasions, and not a daily enrichment to our life.
Like we always say - You have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you – the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God…think specifically of your words…why are you praying…what is your attitude…your expectation. Ultimately, really see God for who He is and you will be excited and intentional, just like if you had the chance to meet your favorite person, celebrity, or athlete.
Today, spend 5 minutes at the end of your prayer just listening. If you drift (like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God’s frequency. This will awaken your soul and enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to You.
I love living close to You, it satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess Lord that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers…and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You, Lord, with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and able to see Your infinite newness everyday. I pray this in the name the one who never sleepwalked through any relationship, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stepping Stones: Prayer is Breathing
Transformational Tip
I was at the beach recently and got to see a bunch of people swimming. Some can stay underwater for just a few seconds, and others can stay under for a long time…up to 90 seconds. But in the end, they all desperately need air and gasp for it when they take that first breath after being underwater.
In life, so many people are slowly asphyxiating…they are suffocating. Why? Because they are not spiritually “breathing.”
To pray is to breathe, and people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying…or maybe they have never really lived. Just like the body can’t do without oxygen, our spirit, our essence can’t do without prayer…without breathing in God.
Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God, who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of the spiritual world….then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God’s settings.
We then receive His communications without so much clutter and interference…life becomes easier and more fulfilling…we become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Today, hold your breath as long as you can. The urgency and powerful way you need air, that is how much you need God. Pray deeply, breathe easily…or pray shallow, choke fearfully. As usual, it’s your choice. What will you do?
Prayer
Dear Father, I praise and honor You, my Lord. I know You have created and are creating everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today ,I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air…of “life.” Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. I pray this in the name the one who fully breathed you in constantly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
I was at the beach recently and got to see a bunch of people swimming. Some can stay underwater for just a few seconds, and others can stay under for a long time…up to 90 seconds. But in the end, they all desperately need air and gasp for it when they take that first breath after being underwater.
In life, so many people are slowly asphyxiating…they are suffocating. Why? Because they are not spiritually “breathing.”
To pray is to breathe, and people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying…or maybe they have never really lived. Just like the body can’t do without oxygen, our spirit, our essence can’t do without prayer…without breathing in God.
Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God, who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of the spiritual world….then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God’s settings.
We then receive His communications without so much clutter and interference…life becomes easier and more fulfilling…we become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Today, hold your breath as long as you can. The urgency and powerful way you need air, that is how much you need God. Pray deeply, breathe easily…or pray shallow, choke fearfully. As usual, it’s your choice. What will you do?
Prayer
Dear Father, I praise and honor You, my Lord. I know You have created and are creating everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today ,I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air…of “life.” Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. I pray this in the name the one who fully breathed you in constantly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Stepping Stones: “Future Gazing” on Your Personal Red Carpet
Transformational Tip
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she excitedly walks forward with her head held high with pride and jubilant expectation. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path… only for her…. to honor her….and designed for her maximum benefit and enjoyment.
Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan…your own personal red carpet specifically and specially designed for YOU. The catch…you don’t get to see more than just one step ahead as He only reveals it, your life, moment by moment. Armed with this understanding pushes and allows me to enjoy each moment to it’s fullest instead of getting ahead and anticipating or wishing for future moments and neglecting the special “now” moments He designed specially for me.
God’s wonder and joy of is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn’t make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn’t easy, because my mind wonders to “Future Gazing” at will.
Today, when you find yourself engaging in “Future Gazing”, remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is filled with potholes of self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you…rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior, What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me, Lord, how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I “Future Gaze”, all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the my future on Earth will hold for me. Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence. I pray this in the name the one who died for the perfect ending point of my red carpet, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she excitedly walks forward with her head held high with pride and jubilant expectation. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path… only for her…. to honor her….and designed for her maximum benefit and enjoyment.
Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan…your own personal red carpet specifically and specially designed for YOU. The catch…you don’t get to see more than just one step ahead as He only reveals it, your life, moment by moment. Armed with this understanding pushes and allows me to enjoy each moment to it’s fullest instead of getting ahead and anticipating or wishing for future moments and neglecting the special “now” moments He designed specially for me.
God’s wonder and joy of is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn’t make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn’t easy, because my mind wonders to “Future Gazing” at will.
Today, when you find yourself engaging in “Future Gazing”, remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is filled with potholes of self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you…rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior, What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me, Lord, how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I “Future Gaze”, all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the my future on Earth will hold for me. Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence. I pray this in the name the one who died for the perfect ending point of my red carpet, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Monday, July 12, 2010
Stepping Stones: “Thank You” Therapy
Transformational Tip
Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet powerful words, but for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life… implies you need them or now owe them and they are one up on you.
In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns…our “healing” reaction is to develop defenses making sure we don’t get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control…making sure we have a plan and are not dependent on other’s plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else can. How dare God have a different plan than ours.
When our plan or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices…1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, , or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself.
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.
Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! and thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want…frustration and angst or thankfulness. As always, your choice. It’s easier than you think…try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow…I can say them without feeling thankful at all…especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything…even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord. I pray this in the name the one who always was thankful and accepting of His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet powerful words, but for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life… implies you need them or now owe them and they are one up on you.
In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns…our “healing” reaction is to develop defenses making sure we don’t get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control…making sure we have a plan and are not dependent on other’s plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else can. How dare God have a different plan than ours.
When our plan or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices…1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, , or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself.
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.
Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! and thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want…frustration and angst or thankfulness. As always, your choice. It’s easier than you think…try it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow…I can say them without feeling thankful at all…especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything…even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord. I pray this in the name the one who always was thankful and accepting of His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Stepping Stones: God Wants Your Heart, Not Just Your Obedience
Transformational Tip
I made a lot of mistakes growing up. Not trusting God or applying His instruction manual (The Holy Bible), giving into peer pressure, lying, cutting corners, getting my value from other’s opinions, sexual sins, alcohol and drug use, car accidents, financial blunders, listening to my emotions, even committing aggravated assault.
Wow, God’s grace is so amazing…protecting me from so many more consequences than I actually did get. And allowing me to grow and minister to others. If you didn’t believe in miracles before, hopefully you do now.
I really want to save my 3 girls from the misery and frustration I experienced, and in my zealous and dogged instruction of decision-making skills, I sometimes forget the most important aspect. My girls and I really need and desire a strong relationship with each other. All my critiquing, judging, correcting, pushing, and demanding more and a higher standard, although from good intentions, got in the way of me being loving, caring, and soothing to them.
You see, without the relationship, all the education and pushing I do to help them be the one God desires of them, will be wasted energy. That is why Jesus died for us first, and then having a relationship with God allows us to absorb and apply His instruction. God doesn’t make us be obedient first and then decide to have a relationship with us based on our obedience level.
Glorifying and enjoying God, spending time with and growing in our relationship with Him should be the highest priority in your life. Maintaining a tidy, structured obedient life should be a secondary priority, not the lead priority.
Today, give up trying to keep everything under control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks and waste your precious energy. Focus on building relationships with God and others.
Prayer
Oh Father, I declare to You, my Lord, that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire I have in my heart; to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness. I pray this in the name the one who was able relate and obey to You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:40-42
I made a lot of mistakes growing up. Not trusting God or applying His instruction manual (The Holy Bible), giving into peer pressure, lying, cutting corners, getting my value from other’s opinions, sexual sins, alcohol and drug use, car accidents, financial blunders, listening to my emotions, even committing aggravated assault.
Wow, God’s grace is so amazing…protecting me from so many more consequences than I actually did get. And allowing me to grow and minister to others. If you didn’t believe in miracles before, hopefully you do now.
I really want to save my 3 girls from the misery and frustration I experienced, and in my zealous and dogged instruction of decision-making skills, I sometimes forget the most important aspect. My girls and I really need and desire a strong relationship with each other. All my critiquing, judging, correcting, pushing, and demanding more and a higher standard, although from good intentions, got in the way of me being loving, caring, and soothing to them.
You see, without the relationship, all the education and pushing I do to help them be the one God desires of them, will be wasted energy. That is why Jesus died for us first, and then having a relationship with God allows us to absorb and apply His instruction. God doesn’t make us be obedient first and then decide to have a relationship with us based on our obedience level.
Glorifying and enjoying God, spending time with and growing in our relationship with Him should be the highest priority in your life. Maintaining a tidy, structured obedient life should be a secondary priority, not the lead priority.
Today, give up trying to keep everything under control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks and waste your precious energy. Focus on building relationships with God and others.
Prayer
Oh Father, I declare to You, my Lord, that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire I have in my heart; to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness. I pray this in the name the one who was able relate and obey to You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:40-42
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Stepping Stones: Loneliness, Fact or Fiction?
Transformational Tip
My girls are such a blessing to me and are always surprising me with various remarks that slip out. Sometimes I don’t think the lessons I am trying to get across to them actually sink in…but that is where those surprising statements pop up.
Tidbits like, “Dad, it seemed like you were in the room with me,” or “I felt like you were watching me,” or “I know you were there to protect me,” and “I felt you were talking to me in my head.” The interesting and amazing part is, I wasn’t even with them when they “experienced” my presence in their situation. I don’t even have any divine power.
Could you imagine having a Father that was omnipresent (is everywhere), created you, gave you life, loves you, pursues you through the ages and into the depths of your heart, perseveres your repeated rejections of Him, promises to always be with you, and never leaves your side.
You are never alone. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe and know. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel…he is intimately close to you. Don’t let Satan’s lie get in your head and think God stranded you. Don’t let your feelings be your reality. Just because you feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.
Today, try and be mindful of the direct connection between loneliness and lack of awareness of how close God is to you. You’ll be surprised when you start to believe the promises He has made to be by your side. Better to believe His promises and instruction than your feelings. Remember how many times your feelings tricked you in the past.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of Your nearness I am not lonely…I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize You I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face…and to know that the only thing I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You, Lord, with my ever-so-human emptiness…fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. I pray this in the name the one who was always in Your presence, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
My girls are such a blessing to me and are always surprising me with various remarks that slip out. Sometimes I don’t think the lessons I am trying to get across to them actually sink in…but that is where those surprising statements pop up.
Tidbits like, “Dad, it seemed like you were in the room with me,” or “I felt like you were watching me,” or “I know you were there to protect me,” and “I felt you were talking to me in my head.” The interesting and amazing part is, I wasn’t even with them when they “experienced” my presence in their situation. I don’t even have any divine power.
Could you imagine having a Father that was omnipresent (is everywhere), created you, gave you life, loves you, pursues you through the ages and into the depths of your heart, perseveres your repeated rejections of Him, promises to always be with you, and never leaves your side.
You are never alone. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe and know. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel…he is intimately close to you. Don’t let Satan’s lie get in your head and think God stranded you. Don’t let your feelings be your reality. Just because you feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.
Today, try and be mindful of the direct connection between loneliness and lack of awareness of how close God is to you. You’ll be surprised when you start to believe the promises He has made to be by your side. Better to believe His promises and instruction than your feelings. Remember how many times your feelings tricked you in the past.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of Your nearness I am not lonely…I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize You I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face…and to know that the only thing I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You, Lord, with my ever-so-human emptiness…fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. I pray this in the name the one who was always in Your presence, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
Friday, July 9, 2010
Stepping Stones: Decisions Grow Relationships
Transformational Tip
Relationships are very difficult. So many variables, two different and complex people, often-competing agendas and diverse timelines. Multiply these by a zillion when we are talking about marriage or very serious relationships.
I do know one very simple principle about my marriage. My wife really covets my thoughts…meaning she wants me focusing my thoughts and attention on her and not on other women. I am really good about not being caught up with other women as a temptation…but I am guilty in having my attention focused on my work, or ESPN, or our kids.
Even though these aren’t evil distractions, I am on a slippery slope, sliding away from my wife and toward marital damage or destruction. Keeping my wife and her needs attached to or even at the center of these and all my activities and endeavors, will lead to an enjoyable and fulfilling marriage.
Our relationship with God works on the same principle. Guard your thoughts closely. There is a fierce battle waging for your mind. Nothing angers the enemy more than your closeness to Your Lord. Missiles of deception are constantly being launched at your mind to get you on that slippery slope to spiritual destruction
Today, although it will be a struggle, fix your mind on God and make good thought choices. Include God in your activities and thoughts as this will keep Him in the center of your lenses…and heart.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior, Although I try, many times my thoughts seem totally disconnected with my will. I try to focus my thoughts on You but there are so many distractions. I want, I desperately want to focus my thoughts on You, but it’s a contact struggle…I feel like I am always swimming against a strong current. I know there are many things that impact my ability to think clearly; poor sleep, bad eating habits…my health and the health of others that I love…just the worries of the world. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enter my mind and help me with this challenge. I know that making good thought-choices will allow me to enjoy Your refreshing presence more and more. I pray this in the name the one who always kept God at the center, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN! – Amen
The Truth
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8
Relationships are very difficult. So many variables, two different and complex people, often-competing agendas and diverse timelines. Multiply these by a zillion when we are talking about marriage or very serious relationships.
I do know one very simple principle about my marriage. My wife really covets my thoughts…meaning she wants me focusing my thoughts and attention on her and not on other women. I am really good about not being caught up with other women as a temptation…but I am guilty in having my attention focused on my work, or ESPN, or our kids.
Even though these aren’t evil distractions, I am on a slippery slope, sliding away from my wife and toward marital damage or destruction. Keeping my wife and her needs attached to or even at the center of these and all my activities and endeavors, will lead to an enjoyable and fulfilling marriage.
Our relationship with God works on the same principle. Guard your thoughts closely. There is a fierce battle waging for your mind. Nothing angers the enemy more than your closeness to Your Lord. Missiles of deception are constantly being launched at your mind to get you on that slippery slope to spiritual destruction
Today, although it will be a struggle, fix your mind on God and make good thought choices. Include God in your activities and thoughts as this will keep Him in the center of your lenses…and heart.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior, Although I try, many times my thoughts seem totally disconnected with my will. I try to focus my thoughts on You but there are so many distractions. I want, I desperately want to focus my thoughts on You, but it’s a contact struggle…I feel like I am always swimming against a strong current. I know there are many things that impact my ability to think clearly; poor sleep, bad eating habits…my health and the health of others that I love…just the worries of the world. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enter my mind and help me with this challenge. I know that making good thought-choices will allow me to enjoy Your refreshing presence more and more. I pray this in the name the one who always kept God at the center, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN! – Amen
The Truth
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Stepping Stones: Prayer Reveals Your Heart
Transformational Tip
As a psychiatrist, I see patients who often struggle with fears, issues, wounds, hurts, distortions, misinterpretations, which interfere with their opportunity and ability to achieve their God-given potential and live the abundant life Christ died for us to live.
As I work with them, these struggles are very vague and are difficult to describe. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these issues as they seem endless and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful and almost essential for most, at least at the start of their personal transformation process is journaling. You see, when I ask patients to journal about the struggle issue, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I don’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to become very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, and how much simpler the issue really is. Journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about us and our heart.
Prayer accomplishes the same results(and more) through the same process. As you really think about what to pray for and why, you are verbally journaling with God. God wants you to come to Him, and one reason is it makes us analyze ourself and our situations in a meaningful and deep way.
God’s word tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise; His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. Pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer we whip out. Really do some mental, even pen and pencil, journaling about what and why you pray for and about. Your eyes will be opened to see more of your heart and desires. Do they align with God’s.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And while I bring my requests and petitions to You, I know that You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that not getting my request answered as I desire does not mean no, rather that You will say yes to something better. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinders my intimacy with You. Help me understand more of what is in my heart and really put you in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
As I work with them, these struggles are very vague and are difficult to describe. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these issues as they seem endless and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful and almost essential for most, at least at the start of their personal transformation process is journaling. You see, when I ask patients to journal about the struggle issue, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I don’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to become very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, and how much simpler the issue really is. Journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about us and our heart.
Prayer accomplishes the same results(and more) through the same process. As you really think about what to pray for and why, you are verbally journaling with God. God wants you to come to Him, and one reason is it makes us analyze ourself and our situations in a meaningful and deep way.
God’s word tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise; His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. Pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer we whip out. Really do some mental, even pen and pencil, journaling about what and why you pray for and about. Your eyes will be opened to see more of your heart and desires. Do they align with God’s.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And while I bring my requests and petitions to You, I know that You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that not getting my request answered as I desire does not mean no, rather that You will say yes to something better. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinders my intimacy with You. Help me understand more of what is in my heart and really put you in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Stepping Stones: From Turtle to God
Transformational Tip
I was at the beach last week and observed one of the coolest and most hilarious sights. We were at a Myrtle Beach high-rise with a “lazy river” you could leisurely ride around on an inner tube. Well, my 10 yo, GiGi, decorated a little turtle and entered Kevin in the turtle race in the lazy river. Twelve noon was post time and the activities director dumped about 50 decorated plastic turtles into the river…and the race was on!
The excitement of kids and parents energized everyone on this muggy 93 degree day. People were hootin’ and cheerin’, running around the river to see where their turtle was…it was hilarious. I actually shouted to another excited father, “Competition, you gotta love it!”
I’ve always loved sports, ever since I was a kid. Clear goals, structure, expectations, excitement, winning, a second chance when you lose, attention, escape from reality. I was blessed to have many successful experiences in athletics.
But you see, even though sports were a positive activity in many ways for me, I also developed a dependency on them, turning to them when I was low, insecure, lonely, felt inadequate in another area, or was confused. This really stunted my spiritual growth, as I should have been turning to God and His Holy Bible instead.
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe and then Receive, God, through His Holy Spirit, He is constantly working to wean you off all other dependencies. A big part of Becoming is letting your security rest in Him alone; not in other things, people or circumstances.
Today, reflect on what positive activities in your life have you started to rely too much on, or you turn to before you turn to God. Work, food, spouse, kids, intellect, problem-solving skills, the list is endless. Turn to Him first today, then these other areas will fit in with more satisfaction and fulfillment when He forms the foundation of our happiness.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for all that I have and I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day now this physical world is becoming a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my savior, but I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You. I pray this in the name the one who depended solely on You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
I was at the beach last week and observed one of the coolest and most hilarious sights. We were at a Myrtle Beach high-rise with a “lazy river” you could leisurely ride around on an inner tube. Well, my 10 yo, GiGi, decorated a little turtle and entered Kevin in the turtle race in the lazy river. Twelve noon was post time and the activities director dumped about 50 decorated plastic turtles into the river…and the race was on!
The excitement of kids and parents energized everyone on this muggy 93 degree day. People were hootin’ and cheerin’, running around the river to see where their turtle was…it was hilarious. I actually shouted to another excited father, “Competition, you gotta love it!”
I’ve always loved sports, ever since I was a kid. Clear goals, structure, expectations, excitement, winning, a second chance when you lose, attention, escape from reality. I was blessed to have many successful experiences in athletics.
But you see, even though sports were a positive activity in many ways for me, I also developed a dependency on them, turning to them when I was low, insecure, lonely, felt inadequate in another area, or was confused. This really stunted my spiritual growth, as I should have been turning to God and His Holy Bible instead.
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe and then Receive, God, through His Holy Spirit, He is constantly working to wean you off all other dependencies. A big part of Becoming is letting your security rest in Him alone; not in other things, people or circumstances.
Today, reflect on what positive activities in your life have you started to rely too much on, or you turn to before you turn to God. Work, food, spouse, kids, intellect, problem-solving skills, the list is endless. Turn to Him first today, then these other areas will fit in with more satisfaction and fulfillment when He forms the foundation of our happiness.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for all that I have and I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day now this physical world is becoming a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my savior, but I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You. I pray this in the name the one who depended solely on You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
Monday, July 5, 2010
Stepping Stones: Are You the Sour Apple on Your Family Tree?
Transformational Tip
Everybody has those couple of sour apples on their family tree…you know, the ones that are grumpy no matter what the circumstances. Sure, they are cranky and negative when facing adversity or stressful situations. But some people are grumpy even when the situation is neutral or positive.
Why do we get grumpy? Usually because situations, people, things, life, aren’t going the way we planned. We feel hurt…have to accept a different plan or agenda…are disrupted, get uncomfortable. Amazing how we subliminally develop such a sense of entitlement…that events or our day should always go our way…that all our wishes and demands, get granted. How dare God not grant all our wishes?
So why then do we respond with negativity, nastiness, and grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? That will just push people away and increase their negativity toward you. We often get so enamored with our need to immediately feel better, and in some odd, weird way, being grumpy gives us a sense of control, power, and attention. In reality, what we think is self-protective, is actually self-destructive.
Today, if you feel nastiness coming on, when you are tempted to grumble, try this; Try going to God and talking it out. Ask Him to reveal to you why He gave you something different than what you expected or wanted. Get in His word and seek Him. As you open up to Him, He will put His thoughts in Your mind and His song in your heart. The key…open up to Him!
Prayer
Dear Father, I grumble and complain more than I like to admit. There are so many things that tick me off…so many things I want to be different in me, in others, and in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take it out on others that are close to me. I see now that the longer I focus on these things the more likely I am to grumble. Even when I get control of my spoken words, my thoughts are full of complaints. Help me talk with You about these matters. I thank You, Lord, for listening and caring. Even if You choose not to change my circumstance, my communion with you alone will but Your song in my heart. I pray this in the name the one who graciously accepted all you brought into His life, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
Everybody has those couple of sour apples on their family tree…you know, the ones that are grumpy no matter what the circumstances. Sure, they are cranky and negative when facing adversity or stressful situations. But some people are grumpy even when the situation is neutral or positive.
Why do we get grumpy? Usually because situations, people, things, life, aren’t going the way we planned. We feel hurt…have to accept a different plan or agenda…are disrupted, get uncomfortable. Amazing how we subliminally develop such a sense of entitlement…that events or our day should always go our way…that all our wishes and demands, get granted. How dare God not grant all our wishes?
So why then do we respond with negativity, nastiness, and grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? That will just push people away and increase their negativity toward you. We often get so enamored with our need to immediately feel better, and in some odd, weird way, being grumpy gives us a sense of control, power, and attention. In reality, what we think is self-protective, is actually self-destructive.
Today, if you feel nastiness coming on, when you are tempted to grumble, try this; Try going to God and talking it out. Ask Him to reveal to you why He gave you something different than what you expected or wanted. Get in His word and seek Him. As you open up to Him, He will put His thoughts in Your mind and His song in your heart. The key…open up to Him!
Prayer
Dear Father, I grumble and complain more than I like to admit. There are so many things that tick me off…so many things I want to be different in me, in others, and in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take it out on others that are close to me. I see now that the longer I focus on these things the more likely I am to grumble. Even when I get control of my spoken words, my thoughts are full of complaints. Help me talk with You about these matters. I thank You, Lord, for listening and caring. Even if You choose not to change my circumstance, my communion with you alone will but Your song in my heart. I pray this in the name the one who graciously accepted all you brought into His life, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
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