February 4-5, 2012
Transformational Thought
I’m a Steelers’ fan … born in the Pittsburgh area … so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable events as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, commitment, intentionality, practice, heroes, legends, invincibility, power, role models. I learned so much through those fun Super Bowl Sundays.
For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made a lot of poor choices leading to many issues including a significant alcohol addiction. My worst memory ever: January 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday … middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions … consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a severe snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body … I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed, or worse, killed others, several times that evening.
Jail … it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world … it was the best place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and decided that life according to my instruction book … my kingdom come, my will be done mentality … wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life … transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord. I finally decided to make Him not just Savior, but also Lord of my life.
Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then … spiritual growth, a loving wife, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not wanting to test God, I always make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)
Today, realize that each decision, regardless of how big or small it is, has definite ripples. Are you measuring the ripple effect? Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not in your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Lastly, after accepting Christ as your personal Savior, make the defining decision of your life on Earth to let Him be the Lord of your life. That’s when life really comes alive and makes sense as it pushes you to connect fully with Him. Life is your decision, so choose well. And enjoy the game.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could block out all the distractions of life and meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service … it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:4
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Stepping Stones: Are You” Super Bowling” Everyday Life?
February 3, 2012
Super Bowl Sunday has almost become a national holiday. It’s the most-watched TV show with 111 million viewers, taking in $2.8 million for a 30 second commercial, and it’s the biggest betting day of the year. On this day more employees “call-out-sick”, 1 billion wings are eaten, the most pizzas are ordered, and unfortunately, it’s the worst day for domestic violence.
The Super Bowl is an unbelievable event … so much emotion, buildup, and expectations. The winner is remembered and worshipped forever, and the loser is branded a choker… forever, or until they get back again and win. The commercials, halftime mega-shows, plays, players, and personalities are seared in our minds or become societal icons.
One Super Bowl a year is enough, just ask my wife. Can you imagine 2 a year, or one per month, or heaven forbid, weekly Super Bowls? We would be overwhelmed, on edge, emotionally spent, fed up, bankrupt, hung-over, and paralyzed.
But you see, life is the same way. We have “Super Bowl” events … meeting God, getting married, birthing a child, losing a loved one, starting day-1 on the dream job, having an affair, taking grand vacations, learning a child has a disability, starting school, helping a child leave for college, experiencing divorce, getting fired, coping with a natural disaster, 9/11. You get the idea … they don’t happen every week. Then we have some “playoff game” events whose immediate and long term impact are important but smaller. And some other life events rank on the very-important-regular-season-game level.
The reality: 99% of life is either a regular season game or even a preseason game in level of importance and impact. The problem: we react to many of our daily events as if they had the importance and impact of a Super Bowl or playoff game. To prove it to you, we forget these same events within 1-15 days. We can’t handle the emotional rollercoaster of 6 Super Bowls a year, let alone 3 Super Bowls a day. While only few people are “drama queens”, most people fall into the Super Bowl mentality trap. We erroneously feel many things in life are all-important and life-changing.
Patients, both male and female, tell me they have been impacted by one question I’ve asked, namely, “Does that event really rate the ‘Super Bowl‘ level of importance you are giving it?” The question really helps people gain a more eternal, realistic, and Godly perspective about everyday events.
Today, remember Super Bowl-magnitude events usually occur once or twice a year. Look at how you react to minor disruptions and ask yourself, “Is this situation really a Super Bowl event in magnitude and long term impact, or am I having an exaggerated response?” If you are inappropriately “Super Bowling” it, ask yourself “Why?” and “How often do I do this?” Parents, you’ll probably be amazed as you contemplate your reactions to your kid’s behavior. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks for being sovereign over all things … this truth, and my faith in Your sovereignty gives me such peace in most situations. I confess though, that sometimes I over-react to the spiritual warfare and minutiae of the day and blow it into a Super Bowl level of importance. Give me discernment and the Mind of Christ to realize what really is important and what isn’t. I pray this in the name of the greatest ‘Super Bowl’ event of all time, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:25,26
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
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Stepping Stones: Are You Taking Inventory, or Just Winging It?
February 2, 2012
Transformational Thought
Business is often complicated and messy. Always in a rush … scurrying around … solving problems … putting out fires … personnel issues … contracts and deals. Good business owners slow life down, sort the pieces, and then count them. They take regular inventory of their stock. These inventories are a useful business-planning tool that can reveal growth, decline in productivity, or show possible obstacles to growth. Most importantly, inventories guide and assist business owners in making changes for a better future.
The merry-go-round of life is constantly accelerating, ‘til we hit the retirement home. Just as business owners do, taking a regular inventory of our lives is mandatory. It helps us answer questions about the direction our lives take. Are we growing or declining in character development … in spiritual maturity? Are we moving toward our goals, or do obstacles hinder our progress? Are we growing in our relationship with God? What changes do we need to make to move ahead more effectively? What strategies, if any, have we been using, and more importantly, are they working?
You see, when we look in the mirror and get honest with ourselves, we see that we are lazy and don’t want to look back at our mistakes. Our strategy for growth is to randomly “wing it today to get by, and deal with the ramifications tomorrow.” Satan obviously wants to distract you from applying any of God’s teaching into a strategy for growth. When I sat and took a serious and brutally honest inventory of my life, I realized the Instruction Book of Life according to Karl really wasn’t working. Worse yet, instead of being the biggest asset to my pursuit of happiness, I was my biggest obstacle. I then made a decision to follow God’s instruction book … and WOW!
Know that God loves you and wants to help you eliminate the things in your life that may be hurting you and others. But before He can help you, you must face up to the fact that these problems exist. Remember … Jesus is with you. He will not disappoint you in your time of personal searching. Open your heart and challenge Him; He will reveal and give you the desires of your heart.
Today, decide to take inventory of your life. Consider your relationships with God, self, family, church, and friends. Be honest. Ask God to help you see things as they really are … not as you intellectually think they are. Face any obstacles, either within you or outside of you … without making excuses. In WITHIN REACH, we call this step Summary Thought. It is a powerful step in transformation.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess I make mistakes. Instead of trying to sweep them under the carpet, help me take a good, honest look at myself. Help me see what is pleasing to You … and what is disappointing to You. Help me understand a concrete plan to begin moving forward in areas of my life in which I am struggling. Help me to reorder my life under You and according to Your will. I want to develop a disciplined strategy and not just wing it everyday. I pray this in the name of Your Son who always searched Himself well, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD
Lamentations 3:40
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 12:3
Transformational Thought
Business is often complicated and messy. Always in a rush … scurrying around … solving problems … putting out fires … personnel issues … contracts and deals. Good business owners slow life down, sort the pieces, and then count them. They take regular inventory of their stock. These inventories are a useful business-planning tool that can reveal growth, decline in productivity, or show possible obstacles to growth. Most importantly, inventories guide and assist business owners in making changes for a better future.
The merry-go-round of life is constantly accelerating, ‘til we hit the retirement home. Just as business owners do, taking a regular inventory of our lives is mandatory. It helps us answer questions about the direction our lives take. Are we growing or declining in character development … in spiritual maturity? Are we moving toward our goals, or do obstacles hinder our progress? Are we growing in our relationship with God? What changes do we need to make to move ahead more effectively? What strategies, if any, have we been using, and more importantly, are they working?
You see, when we look in the mirror and get honest with ourselves, we see that we are lazy and don’t want to look back at our mistakes. Our strategy for growth is to randomly “wing it today to get by, and deal with the ramifications tomorrow.” Satan obviously wants to distract you from applying any of God’s teaching into a strategy for growth. When I sat and took a serious and brutally honest inventory of my life, I realized the Instruction Book of Life according to Karl really wasn’t working. Worse yet, instead of being the biggest asset to my pursuit of happiness, I was my biggest obstacle. I then made a decision to follow God’s instruction book … and WOW!
Know that God loves you and wants to help you eliminate the things in your life that may be hurting you and others. But before He can help you, you must face up to the fact that these problems exist. Remember … Jesus is with you. He will not disappoint you in your time of personal searching. Open your heart and challenge Him; He will reveal and give you the desires of your heart.
Today, decide to take inventory of your life. Consider your relationships with God, self, family, church, and friends. Be honest. Ask God to help you see things as they really are … not as you intellectually think they are. Face any obstacles, either within you or outside of you … without making excuses. In WITHIN REACH, we call this step Summary Thought. It is a powerful step in transformation.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess I make mistakes. Instead of trying to sweep them under the carpet, help me take a good, honest look at myself. Help me see what is pleasing to You … and what is disappointing to You. Help me understand a concrete plan to begin moving forward in areas of my life in which I am struggling. Help me to reorder my life under You and according to Your will. I want to develop a disciplined strategy and not just wing it everyday. I pray this in the name of Your Son who always searched Himself well, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD
Lamentations 3:40
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 12:3
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Stepping Stones: Enabling: Good Intentions Gone Wrong
February 1, 2012
Transformational Thought
We have all seen a loved one make some destructive decisions. When someone we love is in the grip of a harmful pattern, we naturally want to help. In spite of our best intentions though, our efforts are sometimes actually more harmful than helpful. The psychobabble term for this is “enabling,” otherwise known as “good intentions gone wrong.”
Enabling means providing someone with the power or means to continue the very dysfunctional behavior that your action is actually trying to stop or prevent. In essence, enabling makes it a lot easier for those who are struggling to continue in their self-destructive behaviors.
A major component of our enabling behaviors is that they keep our struggling loved one from feeling the painful consequences that are important and could significantly influence them to stop their dysfunctional decisions before their problems spiral out of control. Today's Scripture cautions us that if we rescue people from the consequences of their choices, we'll just have to do it again … and again. We are then called a “nag” or a “martyr” when we try to “undo” the enabling and hound intrude on them about the behavior.
Here are common examples of enabling. Do you find yourself covering up or “living with” the behavior of a friend, child, or loved one, or bailing them out of trouble? You might make excuses for them or even blame yourself for their problem. Are you reminding them to do certain chores or tasks so that they don’t get the consequences they deserve? Do you find yourself giving them "one more chance"… over and over again? Do you care more than they do about the consequences they might get? Do you feel you are being held hostage by their behaviors?
A big component of our enabling behavior is our inability to tolerate negative feelings in others or ourselves. These feelings are generated when someone struggles and faces potential consequences. We feel very uncomfortable when they feel sad, hurt, or have to endure a consequence, or when we anticipate their sadness or enduring consequences. So we keep nagging, threatening, or pushing them to accomplish their task, and sometimes we even do the task for them. Perhaps we do their homework or project, drive them to school after missing the bus, give them one last chance – for the third time.
Today, be mindful that your responsibility to your troubled loved one is to be supportive and to facilitate their growth, not to inhibit it in their particular area of struggle. You need to empathize and pray for, but not fix it, because they need to learn how to fix it. You aren’t going to be around all the time. You need to encourage them when they have made an error, but not protect them from the necessary consequences. You must allow them to learn from the natural consequences of their actions and not rescue them. All of us need to look at whether we are helping or harming the struggling people in our lives. And then we can begin the process of being a supporter instead of an enabler. Let God, not you, determine the consequences that will open their eyes, change their behavior, and hopefully, transform their heart. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, not trying to fix my loved one’s problems is so hard. My urge is to come to the rescue instead of letting her suffer the consequences. I realize now, that when I rescue her, I am actually crippling her from learning skills to rescue herself. Then I have to come to the rescue again and again … and nothing really gets fixed. Teach me to be a supporter instead of an enabler. Help me guide them to You … help me to trust You more. Give me the peace to tolerate my uneasiness and the discomfort of others. Help me to allow Your consequences and lessons for them to play out. I pray this in the name of the One who gives me strength in all circumstances, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15:16-18
Transformational Thought
We have all seen a loved one make some destructive decisions. When someone we love is in the grip of a harmful pattern, we naturally want to help. In spite of our best intentions though, our efforts are sometimes actually more harmful than helpful. The psychobabble term for this is “enabling,” otherwise known as “good intentions gone wrong.”
Enabling means providing someone with the power or means to continue the very dysfunctional behavior that your action is actually trying to stop or prevent. In essence, enabling makes it a lot easier for those who are struggling to continue in their self-destructive behaviors.
A major component of our enabling behaviors is that they keep our struggling loved one from feeling the painful consequences that are important and could significantly influence them to stop their dysfunctional decisions before their problems spiral out of control. Today's Scripture cautions us that if we rescue people from the consequences of their choices, we'll just have to do it again … and again. We are then called a “nag” or a “martyr” when we try to “undo” the enabling and hound intrude on them about the behavior.
Here are common examples of enabling. Do you find yourself covering up or “living with” the behavior of a friend, child, or loved one, or bailing them out of trouble? You might make excuses for them or even blame yourself for their problem. Are you reminding them to do certain chores or tasks so that they don’t get the consequences they deserve? Do you find yourself giving them "one more chance"… over and over again? Do you care more than they do about the consequences they might get? Do you feel you are being held hostage by their behaviors?
A big component of our enabling behavior is our inability to tolerate negative feelings in others or ourselves. These feelings are generated when someone struggles and faces potential consequences. We feel very uncomfortable when they feel sad, hurt, or have to endure a consequence, or when we anticipate their sadness or enduring consequences. So we keep nagging, threatening, or pushing them to accomplish their task, and sometimes we even do the task for them. Perhaps we do their homework or project, drive them to school after missing the bus, give them one last chance – for the third time.
Today, be mindful that your responsibility to your troubled loved one is to be supportive and to facilitate their growth, not to inhibit it in their particular area of struggle. You need to empathize and pray for, but not fix it, because they need to learn how to fix it. You aren’t going to be around all the time. You need to encourage them when they have made an error, but not protect them from the necessary consequences. You must allow them to learn from the natural consequences of their actions and not rescue them. All of us need to look at whether we are helping or harming the struggling people in our lives. And then we can begin the process of being a supporter instead of an enabler. Let God, not you, determine the consequences that will open their eyes, change their behavior, and hopefully, transform their heart. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, not trying to fix my loved one’s problems is so hard. My urge is to come to the rescue instead of letting her suffer the consequences. I realize now, that when I rescue her, I am actually crippling her from learning skills to rescue herself. Then I have to come to the rescue again and again … and nothing really gets fixed. Teach me to be a supporter instead of an enabler. Help me guide them to You … help me to trust You more. Give me the peace to tolerate my uneasiness and the discomfort of others. Help me to allow Your consequences and lessons for them to play out. I pray this in the name of the One who gives me strength in all circumstances, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 19:19
And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luke 15:16-18
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Stepping Stones: When Life “Just Ain’t Fair”
January 31, 2012
Transformational Thought
Life isn’t fair. You aren’t being fair. I just want what’s fair. That is such a double standard. If you have lived with a teenager, you’ve definitely heard these battle cries. If we haven’t yelled these ourselves, we have at least thought these statements at various times, right?
There are two primary perspectives regarding fairness. First, on a human level, we are often out for “number one.” One mindset says, “Don’t get mad, get even.” But this approach never really leads to peace or contentment. In fact, the outcome is that we become covetous, cynical, bitter, and even hostile. The second perspective is the divine level. God misses absolutely nothing (1 Peter 3: 12). He is completely aware of what we think, say, and do before it ever takes place. “But,” we ask, “what about all the evil in the world?” Interestingly, God doesn’t operate in time as we do, but we can be assured that justice will be served (Rom. 8:28).
1 Peter 3:13 tells us that honest people usually don’t suffer harm. For example, we pay our debts, and usually we don’t suffer financial trouble. If we lead a healthy lifestyle we usually live longer, and even better. This verse shows us that when we seek to do good, no one can effectively harm us. Basically, you live the right way and the odds are in your favor.
There are times when we do suffer and life is not fair even though our conduct is good and our decisions are right. The very next verse (14) promises that we can consider ourselves “blessed” if we suffer for righteous reasons. Obviously, we can experience unpleasant consequences when we make decisions that violate God’s principles. But the Phillips translation of James 1:2 gives us comfort: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your life, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!”
Today, several insightful techniques can help us as we deal with suffering and life’s unfairness. First, we are called to patiently endure unfairness, so that we can know we are fulfilling God’s plan for us. Second, one day we’ll be rewarded for enduring these undeserved trials (James 1:12). Third, don’t panic and don’t worry (1 Peter 3:14). Fear comes from the Greek word “phobos” which means being seized with terror and running to take flight. But God wants to give us calmness in our spirit. Fourth, acknowledge Christ as Lord over this event. In the book of Acts Stephen forgives his attackers, giving us an example of not reflecting back hatred and bitterness. Fifth, be ready to give a good witness (v. 15). We must know what we believe, and be able to be reasonable, intelligent, and gentle in giving our defense. And, sixth, keep a good conscience (v. 16). Integrity will silence and shame your slanderers. Job’s example shows that unjust suffering is always better than deserved punishment. These are all decision-making skills you can learn, practice, and excel in. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Father God, thank You that You are full of compassion and are fully in control of all that You created. When we are allowed to suffer, let us not feel agitated and worried, but count it all joy, knowing that endurance will result in a crown of life. When we are slandered, let us not be crushed by others’ opinions, but help us live in such a way that no one would believe it! Help us to remember who we are and Whose we are. We ask this in the soothing name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to live at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:7
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
James 5:11
Transformational Thought
Life isn’t fair. You aren’t being fair. I just want what’s fair. That is such a double standard. If you have lived with a teenager, you’ve definitely heard these battle cries. If we haven’t yelled these ourselves, we have at least thought these statements at various times, right?
There are two primary perspectives regarding fairness. First, on a human level, we are often out for “number one.” One mindset says, “Don’t get mad, get even.” But this approach never really leads to peace or contentment. In fact, the outcome is that we become covetous, cynical, bitter, and even hostile. The second perspective is the divine level. God misses absolutely nothing (1 Peter 3: 12). He is completely aware of what we think, say, and do before it ever takes place. “But,” we ask, “what about all the evil in the world?” Interestingly, God doesn’t operate in time as we do, but we can be assured that justice will be served (Rom. 8:28).
1 Peter 3:13 tells us that honest people usually don’t suffer harm. For example, we pay our debts, and usually we don’t suffer financial trouble. If we lead a healthy lifestyle we usually live longer, and even better. This verse shows us that when we seek to do good, no one can effectively harm us. Basically, you live the right way and the odds are in your favor.
There are times when we do suffer and life is not fair even though our conduct is good and our decisions are right. The very next verse (14) promises that we can consider ourselves “blessed” if we suffer for righteous reasons. Obviously, we can experience unpleasant consequences when we make decisions that violate God’s principles. But the Phillips translation of James 1:2 gives us comfort: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your life, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!”
Today, several insightful techniques can help us as we deal with suffering and life’s unfairness. First, we are called to patiently endure unfairness, so that we can know we are fulfilling God’s plan for us. Second, one day we’ll be rewarded for enduring these undeserved trials (James 1:12). Third, don’t panic and don’t worry (1 Peter 3:14). Fear comes from the Greek word “phobos” which means being seized with terror and running to take flight. But God wants to give us calmness in our spirit. Fourth, acknowledge Christ as Lord over this event. In the book of Acts Stephen forgives his attackers, giving us an example of not reflecting back hatred and bitterness. Fifth, be ready to give a good witness (v. 15). We must know what we believe, and be able to be reasonable, intelligent, and gentle in giving our defense. And, sixth, keep a good conscience (v. 16). Integrity will silence and shame your slanderers. Job’s example shows that unjust suffering is always better than deserved punishment. These are all decision-making skills you can learn, practice, and excel in. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Father God, thank You that You are full of compassion and are fully in control of all that You created. When we are allowed to suffer, let us not feel agitated and worried, but count it all joy, knowing that endurance will result in a crown of life. When we are slandered, let us not be crushed by others’ opinions, but help us live in such a way that no one would believe it! Help us to remember who we are and Whose we are. We ask this in the soothing name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to live at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:7
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
James 5:11
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Stepping Stones: Untie from Your Addiction, Be Tied Together to God
January 30, 2012
Transformational Thought
According to the latest statistics, tens of millions of people in the U.S. are tormented by compulsive addictions. An addict’s primary relationship is with a drug or a behavior, not with himself or anyone else. That drug or behavior is their path to the supposed relief they so desire. Our society, in large part, denies the addiction problem as treatment centers and state hospitals close, program funding is cut, and insurance reimbursement for treatment decreases. The walking wounded are therefore usually on their own to get help for themselves and their families.
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.”
Galatians 5:16-17
Transformational Thought
According to the latest statistics, tens of millions of people in the U.S. are tormented by compulsive addictions. An addict’s primary relationship is with a drug or a behavior, not with himself or anyone else. That drug or behavior is their path to the supposed relief they so desire. Our society, in large part, denies the addiction problem as treatment centers and state hospitals close, program funding is cut, and insurance reimbursement for treatment decreases. The walking wounded are therefore usually on their own to get help for themselves and their families.
Physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological disabilities brought on by addictions are rampant. The drug environment and the impurities associated with it, namely secondary infections, also cause major damage - especially with illegal drugs. Regardless of the type of addiction, this lifestyle causes a person to be only a shadow of what God intended.
There. That’s the bad news. Now the good news. Have you ever noticed what a bad rap the word ”religion” has gotten? It’s no longer regarded as the original word suggests. The Latin root of the word is “ligio,” meaning to tie or bind together. An example is a woman having her tubes tied, or a tubal ligation. To “re-ligio” means that something that was once tied became untied, and it is now re-tied or bound together again. There is no better example than the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, causing the tie of perfect fellowship with God to become untied. God’s plan of salvation, through Christ’s sacrifice once and for all, re-tied us back together into relationship with God for eternity, by His grace alone. He does the work. We just need to accept His payment for our debt.
Addiction is synonymous with idolatry. When we strongly desire something as much as or more than we desire God, we have given ourselves to a false god, a weak imitation. We have become unbound from God because of our addiction. What we give our time, money, and energy to does become our god. We then become like our object of worship, a cheap imitation of what we were really meant to be. I am always amazed at what I used to pursue, and sometimes even now pursue, to soothe my discomfort. I have endured dire spiritual consequences for the sake of momentary thrills or escapes.
Today, God stands ready and willing to forgive and restore those who have been carried away by addictions. If you have an overt addiction let Him in and trust His ways, not yours. Becoming untied causes us to disintegrate, but receiving God’s gift of healing allows us to re-integrate, restoring us to what God intended us to be in the first place! If you don’t have an overt addiction, examine what you go to when you are uncomfortable. If it is God’s word and prayer, awesome. If it is anything else, then you have an addiction and need to wrestle with that. Start to look at why you turn to those other items before God. Don’t be embarrassed, just be honest. Your journey closer to God and the Mind of Christ depends on it. Life is your decision, so choose well!
There. That’s the bad news. Now the good news. Have you ever noticed what a bad rap the word ”religion” has gotten? It’s no longer regarded as the original word suggests. The Latin root of the word is “ligio,” meaning to tie or bind together. An example is a woman having her tubes tied, or a tubal ligation. To “re-ligio” means that something that was once tied became untied, and it is now re-tied or bound together again. There is no better example than the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, causing the tie of perfect fellowship with God to become untied. God’s plan of salvation, through Christ’s sacrifice once and for all, re-tied us back together into relationship with God for eternity, by His grace alone. He does the work. We just need to accept His payment for our debt.
Addiction is synonymous with idolatry. When we strongly desire something as much as or more than we desire God, we have given ourselves to a false god, a weak imitation. We have become unbound from God because of our addiction. What we give our time, money, and energy to does become our god. We then become like our object of worship, a cheap imitation of what we were really meant to be. I am always amazed at what I used to pursue, and sometimes even now pursue, to soothe my discomfort. I have endured dire spiritual consequences for the sake of momentary thrills or escapes.
Today, God stands ready and willing to forgive and restore those who have been carried away by addictions. If you have an overt addiction let Him in and trust His ways, not yours. Becoming untied causes us to disintegrate, but receiving God’s gift of healing allows us to re-integrate, restoring us to what God intended us to be in the first place! If you don’t have an overt addiction, examine what you go to when you are uncomfortable. If it is God’s word and prayer, awesome. If it is anything else, then you have an addiction and need to wrestle with that. Start to look at why you turn to those other items before God. Don’t be embarrassed, just be honest. Your journey closer to God and the Mind of Christ depends on it. Life is your decision, so choose well!
Prayer
Father God, You are our source and our strength, and a very present help in time of trouble. Deliver us out of the claws of addictions and addictive behaviors. We need Your supernatural strength to overcome the self-destructive effects of mood-altering chemicals and mind injuring behaviors. Heal and restore us in body, mind, and spirit to what You intended us to be. We ask this in the powerful, comforting, and re-tying name of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
The Truth
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.”
Galatians 5:16-17
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Stepping Stones: Check Up from the Neck Up. Do You Have Spiritual Schizophrenia?
January 28-29, 2012
Transformational Thought
What’s the one major problem that gives believers in Christ the most trouble, today, in the twenty-first century? Probably the same problem that dates back thousands of years: being double-minded. James 1:8 tells us that a “double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” But what does it really mean to be double-minded? At times I know what I should do, but later that day, I may find myself doing the exact opposite, making a poor decision. Does that ever happen to you? Do you suffer from Spiritual Schizophrenia?
The Bible is filled with many examples of Biblical studs being double-minded. Adam and Eve when they ate the apple. Abraham when he lied that Sarah was his sister and when he slept with Hagar. David, when he took Bathsheba, then killed off Uriah. Jonah when he went the opposite direction of Nineveh. Peter when he denied Christ even after being forewarned!
As believers, we are instructed by Paul, in Philippians, to have the mind of Christ. Our love, affection, and devotion are to be for our Lord first and foremost. Whenever we are Christ-centered in our beliefs, thoughts, and actions, living for Him is our single purpose. James 1:14 tells us that we are tempted when we are drawn away, or carried away by our own lust. The word lust is the strongest word we have for desire, and James warns this desire blinds us to be enticed to pursue the object of our lust to relieve or fill an emotional, psychological, and ultimately, a spiritual, need. Our minds and hearts become divided in directions other than Christ, creating a schism or split within us. Thinking we are serving God, but really serving ourselves.
Often, we find ourselves immersed in behaviors we really know are wrong. Some refer to this as cognitive dissonance, or a disharmony within that feels like a splitting or tearing inside. We develop physical or emotional symptoms of agitation, anxiety, panic, and depression. We can become derailed in our thinking and motivation. Ultimately, as James reminds us, when sin is finished, it brings forth death and separation … from God, others, and ourselves. So much for the advantages of being double-minded.
You see, double-mindedness comes from the brainwashing and deception of Satan. He wants to distort your lenses, as perception is the most important of the 6 components in every decision you make, everyday. We have to be diligent in all our decisions, slowing our mind down, taking every thought captive, and maintaining focus on reality and the truth. Then single-mindedness becomes rather simple, I am serious.
Today, submit to a checkup. Examine whether you are trying to serve 2 masters, God and yourself. Thankfully, God has provided the remedy through his Son, Jesus. As Oswald Chambers frequently taught, God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He saves, justifies, sanctifies, and empowers us with His Spirit to live for Him. But God will never do for us what we can do for ourselves, namely, build our character by making our choices for us. In choosing to live Godly, we must have Christ’s mind and purpose. Life is your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH is a workshop to help you apply the power of the Holy Spirit as you exercise your free will in making these daily decisions.
Prayer
Father God, thank You that you voluntarily assumed human nature and took on the limitations as a man; yet, You remained one hundred percent Divine. You lived a sinless life knowing that we could not, but counted us as righteous if we would trust and believe You died and rose again for us. Help us to live today for You, so we prevent the condition of being double-minded. We ask this in the strong name of Jesus. And all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
I Peter 1:3
Transformational Thought
What’s the one major problem that gives believers in Christ the most trouble, today, in the twenty-first century? Probably the same problem that dates back thousands of years: being double-minded. James 1:8 tells us that a “double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” But what does it really mean to be double-minded? At times I know what I should do, but later that day, I may find myself doing the exact opposite, making a poor decision. Does that ever happen to you? Do you suffer from Spiritual Schizophrenia?
The Bible is filled with many examples of Biblical studs being double-minded. Adam and Eve when they ate the apple. Abraham when he lied that Sarah was his sister and when he slept with Hagar. David, when he took Bathsheba, then killed off Uriah. Jonah when he went the opposite direction of Nineveh. Peter when he denied Christ even after being forewarned!
As believers, we are instructed by Paul, in Philippians, to have the mind of Christ. Our love, affection, and devotion are to be for our Lord first and foremost. Whenever we are Christ-centered in our beliefs, thoughts, and actions, living for Him is our single purpose. James 1:14 tells us that we are tempted when we are drawn away, or carried away by our own lust. The word lust is the strongest word we have for desire, and James warns this desire blinds us to be enticed to pursue the object of our lust to relieve or fill an emotional, psychological, and ultimately, a spiritual, need. Our minds and hearts become divided in directions other than Christ, creating a schism or split within us. Thinking we are serving God, but really serving ourselves.
Often, we find ourselves immersed in behaviors we really know are wrong. Some refer to this as cognitive dissonance, or a disharmony within that feels like a splitting or tearing inside. We develop physical or emotional symptoms of agitation, anxiety, panic, and depression. We can become derailed in our thinking and motivation. Ultimately, as James reminds us, when sin is finished, it brings forth death and separation … from God, others, and ourselves. So much for the advantages of being double-minded.
You see, double-mindedness comes from the brainwashing and deception of Satan. He wants to distort your lenses, as perception is the most important of the 6 components in every decision you make, everyday. We have to be diligent in all our decisions, slowing our mind down, taking every thought captive, and maintaining focus on reality and the truth. Then single-mindedness becomes rather simple, I am serious.
Today, submit to a checkup. Examine whether you are trying to serve 2 masters, God and yourself. Thankfully, God has provided the remedy through his Son, Jesus. As Oswald Chambers frequently taught, God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He saves, justifies, sanctifies, and empowers us with His Spirit to live for Him. But God will never do for us what we can do for ourselves, namely, build our character by making our choices for us. In choosing to live Godly, we must have Christ’s mind and purpose. Life is your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH is a workshop to help you apply the power of the Holy Spirit as you exercise your free will in making these daily decisions.
Prayer
Father God, thank You that you voluntarily assumed human nature and took on the limitations as a man; yet, You remained one hundred percent Divine. You lived a sinless life knowing that we could not, but counted us as righteous if we would trust and believe You died and rose again for us. Help us to live today for You, so we prevent the condition of being double-minded. We ask this in the strong name of Jesus. And all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
I Peter 1:3
Friday, January 27, 2012
Stepping Stones: Oh How Long, Lord?
January 27, 2012
Oh How Long, Lord?
Transformational Thought
I am so impatient when I watch TV. Can’t stand to watch commercials, not even Super Bowl commercials. How long ‘til the game starts again? Have you ever said those words, “How long?,” as in, “How long, Lord, until my prayer is answered? How long until life gets better? How long do You want me to do this without seeing results? How long do You want me to suffer? How long do I have to “just hang in there?” How long ‘til my kids get along? How long ‘til my loved one stops drinking?”
When Joseph was sold into slavery and later spent years in prison, he must have asked, "How long, Lord?" When Moses led the Israelites around and around in the wilderness, he surely thought, "How long, Lord?" When Noah was ridiculed for 100 years while he built an ark on dry land, he must have wondered, "How long, Lord?" Simeon and Anna had been waiting for decades, “How long until the Messiah comes?” But each one of these trusted God. They respected Him enough to continue obeying Him even when hope was almost snuffed out from a worldly perspective.
Perhaps you are involved in a ministry that seems to go nowhere. Yet, you know the Lord wants you there. Maybe you have been praying for an unsaved loved one for many years. Or perhaps you have a business that just isn't coming together, but the Lord has led you to continue. Be encouraged to revere God by continuing to obey him, even though you wonder, "How long, Lord?"
Our nature is to want our own agenda to be in place now. No waiting. We don’t want others calling the shots. To avoid discomfort, we demand what we want when we want it. My kingdom come, my will be done. But waiting and patience are powerful teachers of many truths. This is how character and many psychological skills are developed. God knows the right timing. Bend to His timeline and your peace and growth will be unbelievable.
Today, be confident that God loves you. Examine your life to see what situation or area makes you impatient … frustrated … irritable. Make sure you are doing a good job with your part of the issue. Then accept that God has a different timeline. Learn the lesson He is teaching. The timing glitch is in your life to grow you … and often to protect you. That is God’s purpose for all that comes into your life. He has a perfect plan for you. We all just keep messing it up. His timing is always perfect because it is His timing. Follow Noah’s example and keep on "doing all that God commands." Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Oh Father, Lord, help me honor You by trusting You and waiting on You. Even though I get discouraged at times, help me remember that You are in control and that Your way is the best way. Your timing is the best timing. Help me be patient so I can show the world I am willing to wait on You, Lord. Thy kingdom come, not my kingdom come. I really don’t want to take over responsibility for the whole world, even though sometimes I act like it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who demonstrated perfect timing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God.
Psalm 40:1-3
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Oh How Long, Lord?
Transformational Thought
I am so impatient when I watch TV. Can’t stand to watch commercials, not even Super Bowl commercials. How long ‘til the game starts again? Have you ever said those words, “How long?,” as in, “How long, Lord, until my prayer is answered? How long until life gets better? How long do You want me to do this without seeing results? How long do You want me to suffer? How long do I have to “just hang in there?” How long ‘til my kids get along? How long ‘til my loved one stops drinking?”
When Joseph was sold into slavery and later spent years in prison, he must have asked, "How long, Lord?" When Moses led the Israelites around and around in the wilderness, he surely thought, "How long, Lord?" When Noah was ridiculed for 100 years while he built an ark on dry land, he must have wondered, "How long, Lord?" Simeon and Anna had been waiting for decades, “How long until the Messiah comes?” But each one of these trusted God. They respected Him enough to continue obeying Him even when hope was almost snuffed out from a worldly perspective.
Perhaps you are involved in a ministry that seems to go nowhere. Yet, you know the Lord wants you there. Maybe you have been praying for an unsaved loved one for many years. Or perhaps you have a business that just isn't coming together, but the Lord has led you to continue. Be encouraged to revere God by continuing to obey him, even though you wonder, "How long, Lord?"
Our nature is to want our own agenda to be in place now. No waiting. We don’t want others calling the shots. To avoid discomfort, we demand what we want when we want it. My kingdom come, my will be done. But waiting and patience are powerful teachers of many truths. This is how character and many psychological skills are developed. God knows the right timing. Bend to His timeline and your peace and growth will be unbelievable.
Today, be confident that God loves you. Examine your life to see what situation or area makes you impatient … frustrated … irritable. Make sure you are doing a good job with your part of the issue. Then accept that God has a different timeline. Learn the lesson He is teaching. The timing glitch is in your life to grow you … and often to protect you. That is God’s purpose for all that comes into your life. He has a perfect plan for you. We all just keep messing it up. His timing is always perfect because it is His timing. Follow Noah’s example and keep on "doing all that God commands." Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Oh Father, Lord, help me honor You by trusting You and waiting on You. Even though I get discouraged at times, help me remember that You are in control and that Your way is the best way. Your timing is the best timing. Help me be patient so I can show the world I am willing to wait on You, Lord. Thy kingdom come, not my kingdom come. I really don’t want to take over responsibility for the whole world, even though sometimes I act like it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who demonstrated perfect timing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God.
Psalm 40:1-3
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Stepping Stones: How Much Will You Take For God?
January 26, 2012
Transformational Thought
Respect and reverence have become negative and, at times, distasteful words in today's world, especially regarding Christianity. In some places around the world, Christians receive disgust, animosity, and on occasion, hate and disdain while undergoing significant persecution. In the United States Christians are increasingly viewed as opinionated bigots and narrow-minded people and about the only group in our society that isn’t tolerated.
Thousands of years ago, God told Noah to build an ark to save his family because He was sending a flood to destroy all the people on earth. Up to this time, people had not experienced rain … only a light mist that watered the earth. And here was Noah, building a humongous ship on dry land.
Nobody understood what crazy, wacky, God-freak Noah was doing or why … and actually they never did until the rain started to fall. Noah, sadly, had zero converts. Noah took their questions, laughter, abuse and ridicule … day after day, year after year, decade after decade … for 100 years. Can you believe it … abuse for 100 years! How long would you have lasted?
Did they have respect for him and his faith? Not at all. In fact, the people were so evil that God was going to destroy all of them. We can only imagine how evil their ridicule was. or what physical persecution they carried out on Noah, his family, and his ark as Satan undoubtedly tried to sabotage God’s plan. Hiding Noah’s hammer, vandalizing the ark, stealing supplies for their own use, throwing rocks at him while he worked. Think of violent labor disputes and picket lines.
But did Noah continue to respect and reverence God by obeying him? Absolutely. Day after day Noah plugged and chugged … yes, for 100 years of building. Sometimes we get “vindication” and get to see the rain fall, and sometimes we don’t. But we shouldn’t need to, so let’s get over it. Knowing that we are honoring and glorifying God in the face of adversity is an incredible reward if our relationship with Him is healthy.
Today, think about how people view you. Do you reverence God enough to honor Him even in the face of ridicule? Are you willing to do what is right … instead of falling into the trap of doing what is popular or politically correct, just to be accepted or to avoid rejection? Do you love God enough to share your faith when God gives you an opportunity? Some Christians even risk their lives by obeying God. How far are you willing to go to maintain your stand and to honor God? What will you do today to prove it? Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you follow through in practical ways and be a modern day (before the flood) Noah.
Prayer
O Heavenly Father, forgive me for my decisions that dishonor You … not speaking up when I knew I should … or joining in conversations and actions that were displeasing to You. Help me to always honor You by making obedient decisions to follow You … no matter what the circumstances or consequences. Thanks for the examples of Noah, Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, and ultimately, Jesus. Give me not only the ability to love those who dishonor You, but also the courage to stand up for You, and the discernment to know how, so I honor You and respect others. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who showed us the definition of obedience and respect by embodying it, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Genesis 6:22
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75
Transformational Thought
Respect and reverence have become negative and, at times, distasteful words in today's world, especially regarding Christianity. In some places around the world, Christians receive disgust, animosity, and on occasion, hate and disdain while undergoing significant persecution. In the United States Christians are increasingly viewed as opinionated bigots and narrow-minded people and about the only group in our society that isn’t tolerated.
Thousands of years ago, God told Noah to build an ark to save his family because He was sending a flood to destroy all the people on earth. Up to this time, people had not experienced rain … only a light mist that watered the earth. And here was Noah, building a humongous ship on dry land.
Nobody understood what crazy, wacky, God-freak Noah was doing or why … and actually they never did until the rain started to fall. Noah, sadly, had zero converts. Noah took their questions, laughter, abuse and ridicule … day after day, year after year, decade after decade … for 100 years. Can you believe it … abuse for 100 years! How long would you have lasted?
Did they have respect for him and his faith? Not at all. In fact, the people were so evil that God was going to destroy all of them. We can only imagine how evil their ridicule was. or what physical persecution they carried out on Noah, his family, and his ark as Satan undoubtedly tried to sabotage God’s plan. Hiding Noah’s hammer, vandalizing the ark, stealing supplies for their own use, throwing rocks at him while he worked. Think of violent labor disputes and picket lines.
But did Noah continue to respect and reverence God by obeying him? Absolutely. Day after day Noah plugged and chugged … yes, for 100 years of building. Sometimes we get “vindication” and get to see the rain fall, and sometimes we don’t. But we shouldn’t need to, so let’s get over it. Knowing that we are honoring and glorifying God in the face of adversity is an incredible reward if our relationship with Him is healthy.
Today, think about how people view you. Do you reverence God enough to honor Him even in the face of ridicule? Are you willing to do what is right … instead of falling into the trap of doing what is popular or politically correct, just to be accepted or to avoid rejection? Do you love God enough to share your faith when God gives you an opportunity? Some Christians even risk their lives by obeying God. How far are you willing to go to maintain your stand and to honor God? What will you do today to prove it? Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you follow through in practical ways and be a modern day (before the flood) Noah.
Prayer
O Heavenly Father, forgive me for my decisions that dishonor You … not speaking up when I knew I should … or joining in conversations and actions that were displeasing to You. Help me to always honor You by making obedient decisions to follow You … no matter what the circumstances or consequences. Thanks for the examples of Noah, Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, and ultimately, Jesus. Give me not only the ability to love those who dishonor You, but also the courage to stand up for You, and the discernment to know how, so I honor You and respect others. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who showed us the definition of obedience and respect by embodying it, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Genesis 6:22
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Stepping Stones: We Say…, But He Says…
January 25, 2011
Transformational Thought
What words come to mind when asked to describe yourself? Funny, cute, talkative, hardworking? Sometimes we define ourselves by listing our failures and our negative traits. Shy, can’t catch a break, short, bald, never have enough money, not so smart, average. But God has a different perspective! If we are followers of Christ, here is the contrast between our view and God’s.
We say: I'm a failure. I can't do anything right.
God says: You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
We say: I still feel guilty about things I've done in the past, even though I've confessed it all as sin and don't do those things anymore.
God says: If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
We say: Sometimes I feel so unlovable. How can God possibly keep on loving me?
God says: Nothing can separate you from My love.
We say: I seem to always be worrying or fearful of losing my health, money, security, control.
God says: The righteous are as bold as a lion.
Satan prowls like a lion, and his aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. No, it’s not physical danger. It’s much worse … a psychological assault to brainwash you so he can win the spiritual war. And you will lose, be devoured. Don’t let him in. Don’t take part in his activities; you know what is sinful most of the time. And don’t buy into his lies. Only God’s truth will set you free.
God sees us as righteous and forgiven. He sees us as His treasures, His children, the heirs to His kingdom. We have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit in us, but we have to learn to submit to and use them, not squander them and use cheap, ineffective imitations. Christ bought all this for you through his death and resurrection.
Today, stop a couple times, especially when you are struggling during the day (little struggles or big ones – makes no difference), and assess how you are viewing yourself, what steps you would have taken next on that old path to self-destruction, and why. Now contrast that with God’s bigger picture of you and the actual reality of your circumstances. Often there’s a big difference. Search the scriptures to learn more about how God sees you … ask Him to help you see yourself through His eyes. Only then will you understand your true identity. Then you can really be all you are made to be. We want to help you live the abundant life. But, Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for clothing me in the righteousness of Christ. Help me not to think too lowly … or too highly of myself, but to see myself as You do ... and for the reasons You do … and to be grateful everyday for all the blessings of amazing grace You extend to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who teaches me how to see myself, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:19
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3
Transformational Thought
What words come to mind when asked to describe yourself? Funny, cute, talkative, hardworking? Sometimes we define ourselves by listing our failures and our negative traits. Shy, can’t catch a break, short, bald, never have enough money, not so smart, average. But God has a different perspective! If we are followers of Christ, here is the contrast between our view and God’s.
We say: I'm a failure. I can't do anything right.
God says: You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
We say: I still feel guilty about things I've done in the past, even though I've confessed it all as sin and don't do those things anymore.
God says: If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
We say: Sometimes I feel so unlovable. How can God possibly keep on loving me?
God says: Nothing can separate you from My love.
We say: I seem to always be worrying or fearful of losing my health, money, security, control.
God says: The righteous are as bold as a lion.
Satan prowls like a lion, and his aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. No, it’s not physical danger. It’s much worse … a psychological assault to brainwash you so he can win the spiritual war. And you will lose, be devoured. Don’t let him in. Don’t take part in his activities; you know what is sinful most of the time. And don’t buy into his lies. Only God’s truth will set you free.
God sees us as righteous and forgiven. He sees us as His treasures, His children, the heirs to His kingdom. We have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit in us, but we have to learn to submit to and use them, not squander them and use cheap, ineffective imitations. Christ bought all this for you through his death and resurrection.
Today, stop a couple times, especially when you are struggling during the day (little struggles or big ones – makes no difference), and assess how you are viewing yourself, what steps you would have taken next on that old path to self-destruction, and why. Now contrast that with God’s bigger picture of you and the actual reality of your circumstances. Often there’s a big difference. Search the scriptures to learn more about how God sees you … ask Him to help you see yourself through His eyes. Only then will you understand your true identity. Then you can really be all you are made to be. We want to help you live the abundant life. But, Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for clothing me in the righteousness of Christ. Help me not to think too lowly … or too highly of myself, but to see myself as You do ... and for the reasons You do … and to be grateful everyday for all the blessings of amazing grace You extend to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who teaches me how to see myself, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:19
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Stepping Stones: Who Are You?
January 24, 2012
Transformational Thought
When someone asks, “Who are you?,” what do you reply? Most say things like, I am a housewife … a psychiatrist (fill in your profession) … a father, soccer mom, or volunteer. Sometimes a role we play in life can become our main identity. Our world then actually revolves around that part of our life ... and it can make us feel pretty good about ourselves. Super mom ... world's best dad ... successful career person ... accomplished musician ... popular pastor ... well-known writer ... politician ... beloved teacher ... computer whiz ... helper of others - like doctor, nurse, volunteer for a non-profit, feeder of the homeless. These can all be good roles to play. But, if we aren’t careful, they can hinder our growth and even lead to our downfall.
When we start thinking the role we play is our main identity in life, our focus on Jesus and His plan for us will certainly diminish. Then pride can set in as we think this great accomplishment is our own doing. On the opposite end, fear can set in. We have so much invested in that persona, and now others’ expectations are so high, we have to keep up that persona so people will know us and care about us … otherwise we wouldn’t know what else to do.
Watching the Super Bowl and its amazing athletes, you see that some of them get defined by their skill and then even develop a persona around that. Unfortunately, this posing leads them down some terrible paths. Mike Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, Tiger Woods, OJ Simpson, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Clinton, Charlie Sheen, and Lindsay Lohan are examples of what happens when what we do (and excel at) becomes our identity and it spirals out of control.
As Christians, we all have the same innate identity … we are children of God and followers of Christ. He will give us a different combination of gifts, have us grow through diverse experiences and situations, lead us into distinct roles, and give us opportunities to represent Him wherever we are and whatever we do. But the bottom line is this: We are his children. That's our main identity. It's who we are … and nothing could be better.
We need to keep that mindset and focus at all times, because this dramatically affects how we view the circumstances we experience and the people we interact with … every single day. This powerful identity should strongly influence our decision making, because this is where true peace, confidence, and self-control begins.
Today, think about how you view and identify yourself. How has this affected your course in life? If you answer the question, “follower of and ambassador for Christ”, ask if this is an intellectual answer only, or one that truly determines your daily thoughts, feelings, and actions. Make it your identity and attitude today! Journal about some of your wrong decisions, your mistakes. Who were you in that moment? The answer, if you are honest, will be very revealing and a great place for you to work. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You've given me. Help me to always remember that I am first and foremost Your child. Help me to use these gifts and opportunities to honor You. May I never become proud of myself for anything I do. Help me to always remember that all good and perfect gifts come from You. Encourage and equip me to see myself through Your lenses only. I pray this and all prayers through the One who gives us our identity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me.
Romans 15:17-18
Transformational Thought
When someone asks, “Who are you?,” what do you reply? Most say things like, I am a housewife … a psychiatrist (fill in your profession) … a father, soccer mom, or volunteer. Sometimes a role we play in life can become our main identity. Our world then actually revolves around that part of our life ... and it can make us feel pretty good about ourselves. Super mom ... world's best dad ... successful career person ... accomplished musician ... popular pastor ... well-known writer ... politician ... beloved teacher ... computer whiz ... helper of others - like doctor, nurse, volunteer for a non-profit, feeder of the homeless. These can all be good roles to play. But, if we aren’t careful, they can hinder our growth and even lead to our downfall.
When we start thinking the role we play is our main identity in life, our focus on Jesus and His plan for us will certainly diminish. Then pride can set in as we think this great accomplishment is our own doing. On the opposite end, fear can set in. We have so much invested in that persona, and now others’ expectations are so high, we have to keep up that persona so people will know us and care about us … otherwise we wouldn’t know what else to do.
Watching the Super Bowl and its amazing athletes, you see that some of them get defined by their skill and then even develop a persona around that. Unfortunately, this posing leads them down some terrible paths. Mike Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, Tiger Woods, OJ Simpson, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Clinton, Charlie Sheen, and Lindsay Lohan are examples of what happens when what we do (and excel at) becomes our identity and it spirals out of control.
As Christians, we all have the same innate identity … we are children of God and followers of Christ. He will give us a different combination of gifts, have us grow through diverse experiences and situations, lead us into distinct roles, and give us opportunities to represent Him wherever we are and whatever we do. But the bottom line is this: We are his children. That's our main identity. It's who we are … and nothing could be better.
We need to keep that mindset and focus at all times, because this dramatically affects how we view the circumstances we experience and the people we interact with … every single day. This powerful identity should strongly influence our decision making, because this is where true peace, confidence, and self-control begins.
Today, think about how you view and identify yourself. How has this affected your course in life? If you answer the question, “follower of and ambassador for Christ”, ask if this is an intellectual answer only, or one that truly determines your daily thoughts, feelings, and actions. Make it your identity and attitude today! Journal about some of your wrong decisions, your mistakes. Who were you in that moment? The answer, if you are honest, will be very revealing and a great place for you to work. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You've given me. Help me to always remember that I am first and foremost Your child. Help me to use these gifts and opportunities to honor You. May I never become proud of myself for anything I do. Help me to always remember that all good and perfect gifts come from You. Encourage and equip me to see myself through Your lenses only. I pray this and all prayers through the One who gives us our identity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me.
Romans 15:17-18
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Stepping Stones: Divorce: Despair or Trust?
January 21-22, 2012
Transformational Thought
Divorce is the ultimate relationship wound and loss. When marriage problems end in separation and then divorce, the loss is deeply experienced not only by the couple, but also by the entire family. It even impacts friends and often the coworkers of that family. Divorce can leave the family in suspended animation as battles usually rage for many years after.
Recovering from divorce involves working through a grieving process, much like when a spouse has died. It also involves making decisions. You might not have had a choice in getting a divorce, but you do have choices in your response. Will you hold on to bitterness and anger … or will you forgive? Will you give up and give in to despair …or will you trust Jesus to help you rebuild your life on Him and not on your marriage or your spouse? Will you walk in fear … or will you be courageous to face the future God has for you? Do you trust you, marriage, your ex-, or God?
Satan and your flesh, filled with insecurities and hurt, will try to influence your me-centered focus to give up, to feel like a failure, to feel no hope is possible, and that you’ve lost everything. You have to resist these lies and distortions. Remember, Satan is the Great Deceiver. This is the only character trait he has to present and relate to the truth.
Divorce can bring one of the most intense pains possible into a person's life. But you don't have to go through it alone. Jesus loves you and wants to help you. If you will commit your ways to Him, the Holy Spirit will guide you in making those hard decisions … He will give you the courage and peace you need to be clear-minded … and He will restore your hope. With God, all things are possible.
Today, if you are thinking about divorce, STOP! Get some wise counsel as this is not God’s plan, (but sometimes acceptable) and therefore will be a nightmare for you and a lot of loss for many. If you are divorced, dive into the Bible and get to a church based Divorce Recovery group so you can process and heal using Biblical truths and lenses. If you are a child from divorced parents, really examine the lies that divorce embeds in your mind about you, your parents, and relationships. If you know people in these situations, be there to help them genuinely heal and see God and life more clearly, because Satan really uses divorce to suck the soul out of people and make them his puppets. If you are married, commit to grow your marriage and express your love to your spouse. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for the poor decisions I have made in the past. I know divorce saddens You. My hurt and loss seem unbearable at times. Please help me access the strength, power, peace, and comfort You provide to overcome. I know that through You, I will not just overcome, but even thrive as a result of learning through these experiences to put all my eggs in Your basket alone. Right now I have to make so many decisions. I need your help. Help me to choose the right path … the one that is right for my family and for me, and most of all the path that pleases You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who shows us what step to take next, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
Psalm 25:12
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Matthew 19:6
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
Transformational Thought
Divorce is the ultimate relationship wound and loss. When marriage problems end in separation and then divorce, the loss is deeply experienced not only by the couple, but also by the entire family. It even impacts friends and often the coworkers of that family. Divorce can leave the family in suspended animation as battles usually rage for many years after.
Recovering from divorce involves working through a grieving process, much like when a spouse has died. It also involves making decisions. You might not have had a choice in getting a divorce, but you do have choices in your response. Will you hold on to bitterness and anger … or will you forgive? Will you give up and give in to despair …or will you trust Jesus to help you rebuild your life on Him and not on your marriage or your spouse? Will you walk in fear … or will you be courageous to face the future God has for you? Do you trust you, marriage, your ex-, or God?
Satan and your flesh, filled with insecurities and hurt, will try to influence your me-centered focus to give up, to feel like a failure, to feel no hope is possible, and that you’ve lost everything. You have to resist these lies and distortions. Remember, Satan is the Great Deceiver. This is the only character trait he has to present and relate to the truth.
Divorce can bring one of the most intense pains possible into a person's life. But you don't have to go through it alone. Jesus loves you and wants to help you. If you will commit your ways to Him, the Holy Spirit will guide you in making those hard decisions … He will give you the courage and peace you need to be clear-minded … and He will restore your hope. With God, all things are possible.
Today, if you are thinking about divorce, STOP! Get some wise counsel as this is not God’s plan, (but sometimes acceptable) and therefore will be a nightmare for you and a lot of loss for many. If you are divorced, dive into the Bible and get to a church based Divorce Recovery group so you can process and heal using Biblical truths and lenses. If you are a child from divorced parents, really examine the lies that divorce embeds in your mind about you, your parents, and relationships. If you know people in these situations, be there to help them genuinely heal and see God and life more clearly, because Satan really uses divorce to suck the soul out of people and make them his puppets. If you are married, commit to grow your marriage and express your love to your spouse. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for the poor decisions I have made in the past. I know divorce saddens You. My hurt and loss seem unbearable at times. Please help me access the strength, power, peace, and comfort You provide to overcome. I know that through You, I will not just overcome, but even thrive as a result of learning through these experiences to put all my eggs in Your basket alone. Right now I have to make so many decisions. I need your help. Help me to choose the right path … the one that is right for my family and for me, and most of all the path that pleases You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who shows us what step to take next, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
Psalm 25:12
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Matthew 19:6
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
Friday, January 20, 2012
Stepping Stones: Eat To Live or Live to Eat?
January 20, 2012
Transformational Thought
We need God. We won’t enjoy life, be fulfilled in life, or attain our God-given potential without closeness to Him. God desires it as well. Unfortunately, so many factors and forces keep us from this closeness to God. Eating disorders, unfortunately, are one of those forces. 30-35% of our society struggle with significant eating issues that disrupt their lives. Coming from a long line of Italian women, this really hits home with me.
“Eating Disorder” basically means unhealthy habits of restricting nutritional intake, overeating (yes, this is a large part of our American society), or being obsessed with or spending too much time focusing on or actually worshipping elements, rituals, or the results of eating. It really becomes an addiction. People tend to get so preoccupied with body image, and what others think, that they develop a distorted view of themselves. Their concerns, or lack of concerns, about food, diet, body, and weight even begin to affect their health, relationships, and their ability to function in day-to-day life.
Like almost everything in life, God gave us food to use in moderation. Too much isn’t good, but not enough isn’t good either. Our body is a temple for the Holy Spirit to reside in and God wants us to be good stewards of our body and health. But more importantly, we need to look at the psychological and spiritual aspects of our eating habits. If you are struggling with food or weight, determine not to let your focus on your body or food keeps you from closeness with God and with others. Decide how you wish to spend your energy: pursuing the "perfect" image or the comfort that food brings, or focusing on your spiritual growth and your real personal and interpersonal needs.
The outside, what man sees, or the inside, what God sees? Society changes its view of what is beautiful ... styles come and go. But God's view of beauty never changes. Identifying and challenging your distorted thoughts and feelings about your body and food, and keeping God's view in mind is essential to accepting yourself and your body. We all have feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Don’t let food or your body image be your soothing mechanism. Let God and His grace and love bring you the peace you really are hungry for and crave. He is one buffet where you may eat all you can without consequences! Indulge to your true heart’s content!
Today, as you approach food and eat meals, examine the importance you put on these elements. What do you get out of it? Are food and your eating habits a coping mechanism for you? Are you getting healthier, or are you harming your health? Remember, your value as a person is not based on how you look or what you do. Your value is based on the unchangeable fact that God loves you so much that He gave His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Eating issues are about believing lies. Seek the truth. Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you access soothing and value God’s way.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I've been pretty confused lately. I've been so concerned about food or used it to comfort me that I've ignored You … and relationships with others I care about have suffered as well. Please help me begin thinking more clearly ... to see things from Your point of view. I know I need to eat to live, but I don’t want to live to eat. Help me turn control over to you, and not be controlled by the next meal I think about. I pray this in the name of the One who loves me as I am, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
Transformational Thought
We need God. We won’t enjoy life, be fulfilled in life, or attain our God-given potential without closeness to Him. God desires it as well. Unfortunately, so many factors and forces keep us from this closeness to God. Eating disorders, unfortunately, are one of those forces. 30-35% of our society struggle with significant eating issues that disrupt their lives. Coming from a long line of Italian women, this really hits home with me.
“Eating Disorder” basically means unhealthy habits of restricting nutritional intake, overeating (yes, this is a large part of our American society), or being obsessed with or spending too much time focusing on or actually worshipping elements, rituals, or the results of eating. It really becomes an addiction. People tend to get so preoccupied with body image, and what others think, that they develop a distorted view of themselves. Their concerns, or lack of concerns, about food, diet, body, and weight even begin to affect their health, relationships, and their ability to function in day-to-day life.
Like almost everything in life, God gave us food to use in moderation. Too much isn’t good, but not enough isn’t good either. Our body is a temple for the Holy Spirit to reside in and God wants us to be good stewards of our body and health. But more importantly, we need to look at the psychological and spiritual aspects of our eating habits. If you are struggling with food or weight, determine not to let your focus on your body or food keeps you from closeness with God and with others. Decide how you wish to spend your energy: pursuing the "perfect" image or the comfort that food brings, or focusing on your spiritual growth and your real personal and interpersonal needs.
The outside, what man sees, or the inside, what God sees? Society changes its view of what is beautiful ... styles come and go. But God's view of beauty never changes. Identifying and challenging your distorted thoughts and feelings about your body and food, and keeping God's view in mind is essential to accepting yourself and your body. We all have feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Don’t let food or your body image be your soothing mechanism. Let God and His grace and love bring you the peace you really are hungry for and crave. He is one buffet where you may eat all you can without consequences! Indulge to your true heart’s content!
Today, as you approach food and eat meals, examine the importance you put on these elements. What do you get out of it? Are food and your eating habits a coping mechanism for you? Are you getting healthier, or are you harming your health? Remember, your value as a person is not based on how you look or what you do. Your value is based on the unchangeable fact that God loves you so much that He gave His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Eating issues are about believing lies. Seek the truth. Your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you access soothing and value God’s way.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I've been pretty confused lately. I've been so concerned about food or used it to comfort me that I've ignored You … and relationships with others I care about have suffered as well. Please help me begin thinking more clearly ... to see things from Your point of view. I know I need to eat to live, but I don’t want to live to eat. Help me turn control over to you, and not be controlled by the next meal I think about. I pray this in the name of the One who loves me as I am, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Stepping Stones: The Depression Epidemic
January 19, 2012
Transformational Thought
25% of the US population … 75 million people … will suffer from clinical depression in their lifetime. Most of those who suffer from chronic depression feel so utterly unlovable, that they cannot bear the pain of even trying to experience love in a relationship with God, with themselves, or with others. They feel like a failure and think that those who disagree with that assessment just don't understand. Even if you are not suffering from chronic depression, you may experience feelings like this from time to time … almost every person does.
If you are feeling this way, think about this good news: God knows you better than you know yourself, and He still loves you. He knows you are not perfect, but He loves you anyway … unconditionally. He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins because He wanted to provide a way for you to be with Him … forever … no matter how sinful or worthless you think you are.
God loves you so much, He has even promised never to leave you. The Bible tells us that He is full of compassion for you … takes pleasure in you ... loves you and gives you honor … you are precious in his sight. He promises He will love you forever.
If you suffer from depression, seek professional help. Even though they don’t cure depression, medications are often incredibly helpful for the symptoms of depression. This will allow you to work on some of the underlying elements and issues that are fueling your depression.
If you aren’t depressed, then work on developing a solid spiritual and psychological foundation of understanding who God is, who you are, and how to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. This will renew your mind, the actual biology of your brain chemistry, and be the most preventative and protective strategy for warding off depression and other mental health and addiction struggles.
Today, help yourself by reading the short bible passages below. Let His message sink deeply into you. The Bible says Jesus loves you so much that He seeks after you. You are never alone. Right this very moment you may feel alone, but you are not. Jesus is there with you, seeking to help you. Say yes. Yes to his love. Yes to his help. Yes to Jesus. The Holy Bible is true. You can believe it. He is the Word and the great healer, so His word does heal. Pass this Stepping Stones onto someone you know who is struggling. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank You for promising to be with me … always … and for honoring that promise, even though I don’t sense it sometimes. Help my radar tune in strongly to know You are always there. Thank You for showing me daily reminders of Your presence, and help me not to overlook them. When I start to feel alone, help me rely on Your instruction book and not my own. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who bled every drop of His blood for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'
Hebrews 13:5-6
The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.
Psalm 145:8
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43:4
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
Transformational Thought
25% of the US population … 75 million people … will suffer from clinical depression in their lifetime. Most of those who suffer from chronic depression feel so utterly unlovable, that they cannot bear the pain of even trying to experience love in a relationship with God, with themselves, or with others. They feel like a failure and think that those who disagree with that assessment just don't understand. Even if you are not suffering from chronic depression, you may experience feelings like this from time to time … almost every person does.
If you are feeling this way, think about this good news: God knows you better than you know yourself, and He still loves you. He knows you are not perfect, but He loves you anyway … unconditionally. He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins because He wanted to provide a way for you to be with Him … forever … no matter how sinful or worthless you think you are.
God loves you so much, He has even promised never to leave you. The Bible tells us that He is full of compassion for you … takes pleasure in you ... loves you and gives you honor … you are precious in his sight. He promises He will love you forever.
If you suffer from depression, seek professional help. Even though they don’t cure depression, medications are often incredibly helpful for the symptoms of depression. This will allow you to work on some of the underlying elements and issues that are fueling your depression.
If you aren’t depressed, then work on developing a solid spiritual and psychological foundation of understanding who God is, who you are, and how to be a Godly decision-maker in all you do. This will renew your mind, the actual biology of your brain chemistry, and be the most preventative and protective strategy for warding off depression and other mental health and addiction struggles.
Today, help yourself by reading the short bible passages below. Let His message sink deeply into you. The Bible says Jesus loves you so much that He seeks after you. You are never alone. Right this very moment you may feel alone, but you are not. Jesus is there with you, seeking to help you. Say yes. Yes to his love. Yes to his help. Yes to Jesus. The Holy Bible is true. You can believe it. He is the Word and the great healer, so His word does heal. Pass this Stepping Stones onto someone you know who is struggling. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank You for promising to be with me … always … and for honoring that promise, even though I don’t sense it sometimes. Help my radar tune in strongly to know You are always there. Thank You for showing me daily reminders of Your presence, and help me not to overlook them. When I start to feel alone, help me rely on Your instruction book and not my own. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who bled every drop of His blood for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'
Hebrews 13:5-6
The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.
Psalm 145:8
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43:4
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Stepping Stones: What Do I Do? Try “Care-Fronting”
January 18, 2012
Transformational Thought
Every month, our incredibly compassionate and expert Care Guides take 600 calls on our National Addiction and Mental Health Helpline. We guide callers through the complex healthcare system and connect them to the best treatment options that will address all 3 spheres for their situations. Half of our calls are from the patients themselves, but the other half are from loved ones, mainly parents or spouses of the struggling individual. The loved ones need help knowing what to do. Do they walk on eggshells, try to make nicey-nice to minimize the stress and hopefully lessen dysfunction, or do they confront and risk a blow out and more dysfunction?
Issues that strongly impact life often turn into to life-taking addictions … to a substance, or a certain feeling or thinking pattern. Callers are trying to avoid the guilt they will feel from making the wrong choice if their loved one dies from suicide, overdose, or an accident from their disorder. Talking with a friend or loved one with a life-impacting problem can be like talking to a brick wall. But that wall can be broken down … brick by brick.
Does someone you love struggle with a life-interfering mindset, emotion, or behavior? When you try to talk to them about it, do your words seem to bounce back at you, as though they've hit a brick wall? Try this: picture a man behind a brick wall, becoming trapped as he continues to lay brick, building the wall higher and higher. In his mind, each brick is a way to defend himself … but in reality the wall is trapping him, not defending him. Denial has blinded this loved one to his real condition.
In his book Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsburger uses the term "care-fronting." This is a communication technique that combines love and caring with confrontation. Caring confrontation can chip away bit by bit at the wall of delusion that hides reality from your loved ones … the reality of the reason they are spiraling, and the reality that an answer does exist to turn the spiral in the other direction. When you are able to get rid of anger and replace it with caring, confronting your loved one with the truth can actually be the most loving thing you can do directly to them.
A dear friend, Connie, told me how she "care-fronted." Early in her marriage she was experiencing a marital situation that she knew could become volatile if she confronted her husband. She devised a technique that always worked. She would craft a loving letter, detailing the issue and its effect on her and the marriage, and leave it on the pillow. When he came home from the office, it was his custom to go upstairs to change his clothes. He would see it and read it in private and take it all in. He always thanked her "for the very good letter" and then worked on solutions for the situation.
The bridges through the wall are made of care and are really derived from a growing relationship with God first. From there we can shine His love and care onto our struggling loved one. As God grows in us, His forgiveness of us will melt the hurt we feel from our loved one and allow us to see that loved one through Godly lenses so that real care and real love can flow from us to them.
Today, make a commitment to confront your loved ones, to speak the truth in love … not in anger or condemnation … in order to help them tear down their walls of defense, brick by brick, until they are able to see themselves as they really are … someone made in God’s image, someone God loves and sent His son to die for. God wants to use us to deliver that message, first modeling it, and then saying it. God doesn’t give up on you … don’t give up on others. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Lord, help me be more honest with myself and with those I care about so much. Help me look beyond their faults to their needs … and then to express the reality of the situation to them … in love. Tune me into Your Holy Spirit’s guidance so that I may speak as Christ would speak. I pray that love for You and them will make me tell the truth. I pray this in the name of the One who crushed my wall so I could be freed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Proverbs 12:16
Transformational Thought
Every month, our incredibly compassionate and expert Care Guides take 600 calls on our National Addiction and Mental Health Helpline. We guide callers through the complex healthcare system and connect them to the best treatment options that will address all 3 spheres for their situations. Half of our calls are from the patients themselves, but the other half are from loved ones, mainly parents or spouses of the struggling individual. The loved ones need help knowing what to do. Do they walk on eggshells, try to make nicey-nice to minimize the stress and hopefully lessen dysfunction, or do they confront and risk a blow out and more dysfunction?
Issues that strongly impact life often turn into to life-taking addictions … to a substance, or a certain feeling or thinking pattern. Callers are trying to avoid the guilt they will feel from making the wrong choice if their loved one dies from suicide, overdose, or an accident from their disorder. Talking with a friend or loved one with a life-impacting problem can be like talking to a brick wall. But that wall can be broken down … brick by brick.
Does someone you love struggle with a life-interfering mindset, emotion, or behavior? When you try to talk to them about it, do your words seem to bounce back at you, as though they've hit a brick wall? Try this: picture a man behind a brick wall, becoming trapped as he continues to lay brick, building the wall higher and higher. In his mind, each brick is a way to defend himself … but in reality the wall is trapping him, not defending him. Denial has blinded this loved one to his real condition.
In his book Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsburger uses the term "care-fronting." This is a communication technique that combines love and caring with confrontation. Caring confrontation can chip away bit by bit at the wall of delusion that hides reality from your loved ones … the reality of the reason they are spiraling, and the reality that an answer does exist to turn the spiral in the other direction. When you are able to get rid of anger and replace it with caring, confronting your loved one with the truth can actually be the most loving thing you can do directly to them.
A dear friend, Connie, told me how she "care-fronted." Early in her marriage she was experiencing a marital situation that she knew could become volatile if she confronted her husband. She devised a technique that always worked. She would craft a loving letter, detailing the issue and its effect on her and the marriage, and leave it on the pillow. When he came home from the office, it was his custom to go upstairs to change his clothes. He would see it and read it in private and take it all in. He always thanked her "for the very good letter" and then worked on solutions for the situation.
The bridges through the wall are made of care and are really derived from a growing relationship with God first. From there we can shine His love and care onto our struggling loved one. As God grows in us, His forgiveness of us will melt the hurt we feel from our loved one and allow us to see that loved one through Godly lenses so that real care and real love can flow from us to them.
Today, make a commitment to confront your loved ones, to speak the truth in love … not in anger or condemnation … in order to help them tear down their walls of defense, brick by brick, until they are able to see themselves as they really are … someone made in God’s image, someone God loves and sent His son to die for. God wants to use us to deliver that message, first modeling it, and then saying it. God doesn’t give up on you … don’t give up on others. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Lord, help me be more honest with myself and with those I care about so much. Help me look beyond their faults to their needs … and then to express the reality of the situation to them … in love. Tune me into Your Holy Spirit’s guidance so that I may speak as Christ would speak. I pray that love for You and them will make me tell the truth. I pray this in the name of the One who crushed my wall so I could be freed, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Proverbs 12:16
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Stepping Stones: The Antidote for Deceit: The Ultimate Instruction Book
January 17, 2012
Transformational Thought
We have talked many times about PAIN and discomfort. Whether physical or especially spiritual, emotional, psychological, or relational, pain and discomfort really motivate and determine many of our decisions in life. Unfortunately, this is where most of our knee-jerk, “help me now and I’ll deal with the consequences later” decisions and actions originate from.
The last 2 days we looked at the first 2 desert temptations of Christ, so today we will look at the third temptation: Satan using Scripture to tempt Jesus to leap from the top of the temple and land safely. Remember, Jesus is fully human and would have been seriously injured by such a fall.
Jesus could have jumped, and it would have been the job of the angels to protect him. It was not a temptation to commit an overt sin, but it was putting His Father's care to the test ... asking Father God to prove his care for Jesus. Jesus responded to Satan by quoting more Scriptures, the truth, and putting into context what Satan, the master of deceit, had quoted out of context.
We learn from Jesus' response that we should trust God and His promises, and not test His reliability for the wrong reasons. He promises to take care of us, but we shouldn't step in front of a speeding car to see what He will do. He has promised to meet our needs, but we shouldn't spend money recklessly.
In all three temptations, Jesus relied on the Scriptures for a proper understanding of what He was to do, and He quoted it in times of temptation. He did not take isolated verses out of context but balanced Scripture with an understanding of the true meaning of the verses and God’s overall plan and character. We find this to be part of the Armor of God that Paul exhorts us to use in the spiritual war we are in. Having experienced temptation, Jesus understands our condition. He is sympathetic, and He is also the perfect standard and role model.
Today, yield to the will of God. Memorize Scripture. And get a good study Bible that explains the context of these verses. Live it. Make a specific plan of how to do this more consistently as the Lord enables and pushes you. Life according to your flawed instruction book is limited and will lead you astray; so choose to use the perfect instruction book. WITHIN REACH will help you wring out all the power of God’s word to apply practically in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know I am so weak. Please help me to prepare to resist temptation by spending more time in Your Word. Teach me not just to read, but rather to live the Scripture. Please bring the right Scripture to my mind when I am facing a temptation … and also teach me to understand the whole story of Your word. I pray this in the name of the One who would never deceive me and who is the living word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.' Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, You must not test the Lord your God.”
Luke 4:9-12
Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything. . .”
Ecclesiastes 8:5, 6a
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Transformational Thought
We have talked many times about PAIN and discomfort. Whether physical or especially spiritual, emotional, psychological, or relational, pain and discomfort really motivate and determine many of our decisions in life. Unfortunately, this is where most of our knee-jerk, “help me now and I’ll deal with the consequences later” decisions and actions originate from.
The last 2 days we looked at the first 2 desert temptations of Christ, so today we will look at the third temptation: Satan using Scripture to tempt Jesus to leap from the top of the temple and land safely. Remember, Jesus is fully human and would have been seriously injured by such a fall.
Jesus could have jumped, and it would have been the job of the angels to protect him. It was not a temptation to commit an overt sin, but it was putting His Father's care to the test ... asking Father God to prove his care for Jesus. Jesus responded to Satan by quoting more Scriptures, the truth, and putting into context what Satan, the master of deceit, had quoted out of context.
We learn from Jesus' response that we should trust God and His promises, and not test His reliability for the wrong reasons. He promises to take care of us, but we shouldn't step in front of a speeding car to see what He will do. He has promised to meet our needs, but we shouldn't spend money recklessly.
In all three temptations, Jesus relied on the Scriptures for a proper understanding of what He was to do, and He quoted it in times of temptation. He did not take isolated verses out of context but balanced Scripture with an understanding of the true meaning of the verses and God’s overall plan and character. We find this to be part of the Armor of God that Paul exhorts us to use in the spiritual war we are in. Having experienced temptation, Jesus understands our condition. He is sympathetic, and He is also the perfect standard and role model.
Today, yield to the will of God. Memorize Scripture. And get a good study Bible that explains the context of these verses. Live it. Make a specific plan of how to do this more consistently as the Lord enables and pushes you. Life according to your flawed instruction book is limited and will lead you astray; so choose to use the perfect instruction book. WITHIN REACH will help you wring out all the power of God’s word to apply practically in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know I am so weak. Please help me to prepare to resist temptation by spending more time in Your Word. Teach me not just to read, but rather to live the Scripture. Please bring the right Scripture to my mind when I am facing a temptation … and also teach me to understand the whole story of Your word. I pray this in the name of the One who would never deceive me and who is the living word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.' Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, You must not test the Lord your God.”
Luke 4:9-12
Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything. . .”
Ecclesiastes 8:5, 6a
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Monday, January 16, 2012
Stepping Stones: Who Do You Bow To? Check Again!
January 16, 2012
Transformational Thought
How often have you wished for just a little more power at some time in your life … a little more authority or control in a situation … or relationship? Isn’t this what childhood, and especially teenagerdom, is all about? The “I can’t wait till I’m in charge” mentality. We all have great ideas and plans for a world in which we would have the final say. What we wouldn’t give for that gift, to be the ruler and final authority of our world.
Well, yesterday we looked at Jesus being tempted during His time of fasting in the desert. The second temptation He faced consisted of Satan promising Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Just what we all wish for, right? Well, to receive this kingship, Jesus would have to momentarily worship Satan.
Both Jesus and his tempter knew that Jesus would eventually gain these kingdoms anyway. So Satan was tempting Jesus to take hold of something that was rightfully His, but by the wrong means … taking it sooner … avoiding imminent pain and suffering … avoiding the cross. And in the process, Jesus would have to bow down and worship the devil … to call Satan lord of His life … blow off God’s timeline, authority, and plan in favor of Satan’s plan. Do you really believe Satan would, or even could have honored his part of the agreement anyway? Well, that’s another devotional.
Once more, Jesus refused to give in to the temptation. Again, he quoted the truth of the Scriptures, revealing the root of the temptation by showing the right form of worship. His Father has the perfect agenda and timeline, and is the only One worthy of His and our worship.
We live in a time of instant gratification. Our fast-paced world and never-ending flow of instant responses via cell phones, internet, texting, and QVC have molded us to want and expect instant gratification. We want it NOW, if not sooner.
Sometimes, we may know in our hearts that God has a plan to take care of a situation, but we don't want to wait. We want the solution now. So, instead of waiting for God's plan to unfold, we manipulate things to make our plan happen now. My will vs. Thy will. Satan tempts us with so many shortcuts. And be very clear about this: in rejecting God's plan, we are bowing down to Satan. So whom do you want to bow to?
Today, let us learn from the example Jesus has set for us. Let us choose God's way, God's timing—always the best way and the best timing. Learn patience and perseverance. They come from trusting God’s love and provision for you. That’s better than what your feeble mind can come up with or what Satan will flash to grab and distract you from God’s will. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I bow to You, Father. All glory to You, my Lord. Forgive me for the times I have not been willing to wait and do things the right way … Your way, the best way for me, but have taken a shortcut. Help me to be willing to wait. Teach me to trust You more and to choose Your way and Your timing, I know Your timing is perfect. I pray this in the name of the One who teaches us how to worship You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to Him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be Yours.' Jesus answered, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
Luke 4:5-8
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.
Daniel 3:17,18,25,28
Transformational Thought
How often have you wished for just a little more power at some time in your life … a little more authority or control in a situation … or relationship? Isn’t this what childhood, and especially teenagerdom, is all about? The “I can’t wait till I’m in charge” mentality. We all have great ideas and plans for a world in which we would have the final say. What we wouldn’t give for that gift, to be the ruler and final authority of our world.
Well, yesterday we looked at Jesus being tempted during His time of fasting in the desert. The second temptation He faced consisted of Satan promising Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Just what we all wish for, right? Well, to receive this kingship, Jesus would have to momentarily worship Satan.
Both Jesus and his tempter knew that Jesus would eventually gain these kingdoms anyway. So Satan was tempting Jesus to take hold of something that was rightfully His, but by the wrong means … taking it sooner … avoiding imminent pain and suffering … avoiding the cross. And in the process, Jesus would have to bow down and worship the devil … to call Satan lord of His life … blow off God’s timeline, authority, and plan in favor of Satan’s plan. Do you really believe Satan would, or even could have honored his part of the agreement anyway? Well, that’s another devotional.
Once more, Jesus refused to give in to the temptation. Again, he quoted the truth of the Scriptures, revealing the root of the temptation by showing the right form of worship. His Father has the perfect agenda and timeline, and is the only One worthy of His and our worship.
We live in a time of instant gratification. Our fast-paced world and never-ending flow of instant responses via cell phones, internet, texting, and QVC have molded us to want and expect instant gratification. We want it NOW, if not sooner.
Sometimes, we may know in our hearts that God has a plan to take care of a situation, but we don't want to wait. We want the solution now. So, instead of waiting for God's plan to unfold, we manipulate things to make our plan happen now. My will vs. Thy will. Satan tempts us with so many shortcuts. And be very clear about this: in rejecting God's plan, we are bowing down to Satan. So whom do you want to bow to?
Today, let us learn from the example Jesus has set for us. Let us choose God's way, God's timing—always the best way and the best timing. Learn patience and perseverance. They come from trusting God’s love and provision for you. That’s better than what your feeble mind can come up with or what Satan will flash to grab and distract you from God’s will. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I bow to You, Father. All glory to You, my Lord. Forgive me for the times I have not been willing to wait and do things the right way … Your way, the best way for me, but have taken a shortcut. Help me to be willing to wait. Teach me to trust You more and to choose Your way and Your timing, I know Your timing is perfect. I pray this in the name of the One who teaches us how to worship You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to Him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be Yours.' Jesus answered, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
Luke 4:5-8
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"
Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.
Daniel 3:17,18,25,28
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Stepping Stones: Do You Have a Strategy to Resist Satan’s Sweets?
January 14-15, 2012
Transformational Thought
Wow, the holiday season and my birthday are over and I’m finally at the end of the delectable, but deadly, gauntlet of tasty sweets and special holiday food. I won’t tell you how much weight I gained, but I am on my annual diet to get back to a reasonable weight.
The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert, where he fasted for 40 days and the Bible says Satan tempted Him for the duration of that time. But towards the end, Jesus faced a significant temptation of hunger, a very realistic human physical need.
Is eating to satisfy our hunger wrong? Of course not. But Jesus had been led by the Spirit and had made a commitment to God to fast during this time period. Breaking the fast by putting His desire for food above His commitment to the Father would have been sin.
There are many desires we experience throughout each day that are normal and good: to succeed in a job, to dress nicely, to make or listen to music, to prosper financially and provide for our family, to enjoy shopping, to commit to a relationship, to participate in a ministry, to see someone we miss, to enjoy a skill or hobby we have. And the list could go on. These things are not wrong in themselves, but they are wrong if they take priority over our relationship with the Lord. God's plan and God's leading must always come first.
Jesus responded to the temptation by quoting Scripture. "Man shall not live and be sustained by bread alone, but by every word and expression of God." In other words, spiritual matters and faithfulness to God are life-sustaining and more important than physical resources could ever be, especially when it comes to meeting our basic needs.
Today, take a moment to think about your life. Is there an area that is taking priority that should not be … that takes up mind space or emotional energy and is pushing God and other important Earthly responsibilities out? Is it causing you to slide backwards in your relationship with God? Is it tempting you to make wrong choices? If so, now is the time to get back on track. As Jesus taught us, turn to God's Word. Say “no” to the temptation. That choice honors God and is the best thing for you anyway. Develop a concrete strategy to break that hold on your heart. WITHIN REACH and Edging Forward are designed to equip you to successfully resist Satan’s temptations. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I confess there are areas in my life that are causing me to slide in my relationship with You. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I seek and better understand your Holy Bible and allow it to guide me as it guided Jesus. Please help me put your word into action for practical living, and not just a part of my rarely visited spiritual-intellectual library. I pray this in the name of the One who always honored His ultimate priority, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf of bread. And Jesus replied to him, “It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God."
Luke 4:3-4
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:13,14
Transformational Thought
Wow, the holiday season and my birthday are over and I’m finally at the end of the delectable, but deadly, gauntlet of tasty sweets and special holiday food. I won’t tell you how much weight I gained, but I am on my annual diet to get back to a reasonable weight.
The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert, where he fasted for 40 days and the Bible says Satan tempted Him for the duration of that time. But towards the end, Jesus faced a significant temptation of hunger, a very realistic human physical need.
Is eating to satisfy our hunger wrong? Of course not. But Jesus had been led by the Spirit and had made a commitment to God to fast during this time period. Breaking the fast by putting His desire for food above His commitment to the Father would have been sin.
There are many desires we experience throughout each day that are normal and good: to succeed in a job, to dress nicely, to make or listen to music, to prosper financially and provide for our family, to enjoy shopping, to commit to a relationship, to participate in a ministry, to see someone we miss, to enjoy a skill or hobby we have. And the list could go on. These things are not wrong in themselves, but they are wrong if they take priority over our relationship with the Lord. God's plan and God's leading must always come first.
Jesus responded to the temptation by quoting Scripture. "Man shall not live and be sustained by bread alone, but by every word and expression of God." In other words, spiritual matters and faithfulness to God are life-sustaining and more important than physical resources could ever be, especially when it comes to meeting our basic needs.
Today, take a moment to think about your life. Is there an area that is taking priority that should not be … that takes up mind space or emotional energy and is pushing God and other important Earthly responsibilities out? Is it causing you to slide backwards in your relationship with God? Is it tempting you to make wrong choices? If so, now is the time to get back on track. As Jesus taught us, turn to God's Word. Say “no” to the temptation. That choice honors God and is the best thing for you anyway. Develop a concrete strategy to break that hold on your heart. WITHIN REACH and Edging Forward are designed to equip you to successfully resist Satan’s temptations. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I confess there are areas in my life that are causing me to slide in my relationship with You. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I seek and better understand your Holy Bible and allow it to guide me as it guided Jesus. Please help me put your word into action for practical living, and not just a part of my rarely visited spiritual-intellectual library. I pray this in the name of the One who always honored His ultimate priority, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf of bread. And Jesus replied to him, “It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God."
Luke 4:3-4
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:13,14
Friday, January 13, 2012
Stepping Stones: Single: Joy or Rejection?
January 13, 2012
Transformational Thought
According to the 2010 census, more than 96 million people in the United States are single. That’s 43% of adults. 59 million never married, 23 million are divorced, and another 14 million are widowed.
Many singles feel that singleness equals rejection. Even if they don't feel that way themselves, if they are over 23 and not in a serious relationship, society often looks on them as rejects. “I am single because nobody wants me,” or “Even that person has someone, why don’t I?” are tapes that play over and over.
If you are single, sometimes the natural tendency is to choose to make excuses: “I don’t care because I don’t need anyone anyway,” or to blame someone else: “He isn’t smart enough to know what he is missing.” These choices view singleness as a problem and attempt to blame something or someone for it. A more realistic, positive, and productive approach is to accept your singleness and make choices that will point you toward the goals God has for your life right now. With this attitude, you will be able to move forward with your life by embracing God and your present circumstance of singleness.
Being single is not last place in God’s eyes. Actually, He sees it as having more time and mind space available to pursue Him. Some people find great fulfillment in being married, but others can find the same fulfillment and sense of purpose being single. But your singleness must be managed based on God’s will and plan for moral and healthy relational conduct, especially relationship with yourself. When we are in a rejection pattern, others rejecting us or others being rejected by us, it is hard not to reject ourselves … and sometimes we even reject God.
Today, if you know some singles, examine how you view them. Are you judging them or are you helping them manage some of the stressors and temptations of their singleness? Forward this to them. If you are single, focus on the fact of how very special you are to God. You are His workmanship, and His workmanship is marvelous! God has a plan for your life, and it is best to focus on seeking His will and becoming all that He has designed you to be. Growing in Him will allow you to become more Christ-like in all areas of life, whether you are meant to be single or married. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for where I am. Help me always remember that success in my life's journey does not depend on whether I am married or single. My success in life can be measured only by how well I understand and steward Your plan and purpose for me. I know I have made many mistakes in past relationships and dishonored You and others when I was single. Help me focus on You and accomplish Your purpose for my journey, whether You intend singleness or marriage. I pray this in the name of Your Son, the groom to the church, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:13-17
But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34a
Transformational Thought
According to the 2010 census, more than 96 million people in the United States are single. That’s 43% of adults. 59 million never married, 23 million are divorced, and another 14 million are widowed.
Many singles feel that singleness equals rejection. Even if they don't feel that way themselves, if they are over 23 and not in a serious relationship, society often looks on them as rejects. “I am single because nobody wants me,” or “Even that person has someone, why don’t I?” are tapes that play over and over.
If you are single, sometimes the natural tendency is to choose to make excuses: “I don’t care because I don’t need anyone anyway,” or to blame someone else: “He isn’t smart enough to know what he is missing.” These choices view singleness as a problem and attempt to blame something or someone for it. A more realistic, positive, and productive approach is to accept your singleness and make choices that will point you toward the goals God has for your life right now. With this attitude, you will be able to move forward with your life by embracing God and your present circumstance of singleness.
Being single is not last place in God’s eyes. Actually, He sees it as having more time and mind space available to pursue Him. Some people find great fulfillment in being married, but others can find the same fulfillment and sense of purpose being single. But your singleness must be managed based on God’s will and plan for moral and healthy relational conduct, especially relationship with yourself. When we are in a rejection pattern, others rejecting us or others being rejected by us, it is hard not to reject ourselves … and sometimes we even reject God.
Today, if you know some singles, examine how you view them. Are you judging them or are you helping them manage some of the stressors and temptations of their singleness? Forward this to them. If you are single, focus on the fact of how very special you are to God. You are His workmanship, and His workmanship is marvelous! God has a plan for your life, and it is best to focus on seeking His will and becoming all that He has designed you to be. Growing in Him will allow you to become more Christ-like in all areas of life, whether you are meant to be single or married. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for where I am. Help me always remember that success in my life's journey does not depend on whether I am married or single. My success in life can be measured only by how well I understand and steward Your plan and purpose for me. I know I have made many mistakes in past relationships and dishonored You and others when I was single. Help me focus on You and accomplish Your purpose for my journey, whether You intend singleness or marriage. I pray this in the name of Your Son, the groom to the church, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:13-17
But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34a
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Stepping Stones: Bad News/Good News
January 12, 2012
Transformational Thought
Do you sometimes find it difficult to manage your thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, or emotions? Do you persist in a destructive habit even though you know you are hurting yourself or those you love? Do you have patterns or defects you want to correct, but find it too difficult? On New Year’s or your birthday, did you think of some areas of your life that you want to improve or remove over the next year?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are not alone. In fact, if you answered no to all of them, you are lying or in denial, as none of us are perfect in any, let alone all areas of life. Whether we know it or not, we all have operated in a self-destruct mode at some time in our lives … for some of us it’s been this way most of our adult lives. Perhaps you have tried to do right … to change. For a while, things might get better, and then you find yourself pretty close to where you started.
Well, what do you want first, the bad news orthe good news?Myself, I like the bad news first, so … The bad news: you can't make these kinds of changes by yourself. The good news: that's OK because you don't have to do it by yourself. God is standing by to help you. He is inviting you to turn your problem over to Him. He wants you to know these are not person-sized problems … they are God-sized problems. He loves you, wants to save and sanctify you. He has the power to overcome anything you are or can imagine struggling with. And he has the ultimate strategy and power to make it all happen.
Satan wants to trick us into thinking we don’t need God, that the world can do it for us. Our own natural nature, our selfish me-centered nature, leans toward trusting only myself and doing it all under my own power. Both of these strategies leave out God and only lead to a slow and tortuous inner death.
Today, take the beginning steps to overcoming any destructive pattern in your life: admit you have the problem; admit you cannot correct the problem by yourself; tell God you are sorry for what you have been doing and that you truly want to change. Then trust Him to help you. Seek guidance about how to incorporate Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Bible into your everyday decision-making. WITHIN REACH has accomplished this miracle for me, and it can for you too. You didn’t get this way overnight, so things may not change overnight. But you will be developing the skills and disciplines to start moving in the right direction. God will be with you throughout the process. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father and Ultimate Healer, Sometimes I feel so alone and helpless. Please bring Your Holy Word to my mind at those times. Help me remember that You are always with me, and that with You, all things are possible. Your instruction in the Holy Bible is so powerful … it can actually renew my mind and set me free. Help me to apply Your teachings and trust Your promises, instead of trusting my understanding and self-made instruction book. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who is the Good News, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:8
With Him, all things are possible
Philippians 4:13
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
Transformational Thought
Do you sometimes find it difficult to manage your thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, or emotions? Do you persist in a destructive habit even though you know you are hurting yourself or those you love? Do you have patterns or defects you want to correct, but find it too difficult? On New Year’s or your birthday, did you think of some areas of your life that you want to improve or remove over the next year?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are not alone. In fact, if you answered no to all of them, you are lying or in denial, as none of us are perfect in any, let alone all areas of life. Whether we know it or not, we all have operated in a self-destruct mode at some time in our lives … for some of us it’s been this way most of our adult lives. Perhaps you have tried to do right … to change. For a while, things might get better, and then you find yourself pretty close to where you started.
Well, what do you want first, the bad news orthe good news?Myself, I like the bad news first, so … The bad news: you can't make these kinds of changes by yourself. The good news: that's OK because you don't have to do it by yourself. God is standing by to help you. He is inviting you to turn your problem over to Him. He wants you to know these are not person-sized problems … they are God-sized problems. He loves you, wants to save and sanctify you. He has the power to overcome anything you are or can imagine struggling with. And he has the ultimate strategy and power to make it all happen.
Satan wants to trick us into thinking we don’t need God, that the world can do it for us. Our own natural nature, our selfish me-centered nature, leans toward trusting only myself and doing it all under my own power. Both of these strategies leave out God and only lead to a slow and tortuous inner death.
Today, take the beginning steps to overcoming any destructive pattern in your life: admit you have the problem; admit you cannot correct the problem by yourself; tell God you are sorry for what you have been doing and that you truly want to change. Then trust Him to help you. Seek guidance about how to incorporate Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Bible into your everyday decision-making. WITHIN REACH has accomplished this miracle for me, and it can for you too. You didn’t get this way overnight, so things may not change overnight. But you will be developing the skills and disciplines to start moving in the right direction. God will be with you throughout the process. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father and Ultimate Healer, Sometimes I feel so alone and helpless. Please bring Your Holy Word to my mind at those times. Help me remember that You are always with me, and that with You, all things are possible. Your instruction in the Holy Bible is so powerful … it can actually renew my mind and set me free. Help me to apply Your teachings and trust Your promises, instead of trusting my understanding and self-made instruction book. I pray this in the name of the One You sent who is the Good News, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:8
With Him, all things are possible
Philippians 4:13
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
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