Transformational Tip
How many times have I tried to satisfy myself with food, drink, or another substance when my hunger or thirst isn't actually physical at all but rather a spiritual need in my life for God Himself? Let us be sure to take our spiritual needs to God and not mistake them for our physical needs. Take time to reflect on the difference between physical longings and spiritual longings. We can be sure that He will fill our spiritual needs when we bring them to His loving care.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
You said that all who hunger and thirst should come to You, that You have the real food and drink we need for abundant life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and then guide me to the greener pastures that are healthier for me. Enable me to make wise and balanced choices in what I consume because you have already filled me with Your Presence. I am spiritually fed and empowered from having been with You first.
The Truth
O, God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.
Psalm 63:1-2
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
John 7:37-38
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: Growing Faith
Transformational Tip
The book of Proverbs says that life and death are in the power of the tongue...what you talk about and think ...you bring to pass. When we begin to say the same thing God promises in the scripture...when we attempt to have the mind of Christ, our faith builds in our hearts and our lives begin to change forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may Your name be holy in me. May Your kingdom come to me this day, And may I do Your will on earth as it is done in Heaven. Strengthen me this day in mind and body that we may have your mind and carry out Your will more completely. Forgive my offenses for it is not my desire to cause You pain or any other person as well. Give me a forgiving heart to those who would harm me and help me follow in the example Jesus has given me. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from Satan and all his works and give me perseverance and strength in the face of temptation. For Your kingdom is everlasting.
The Truth
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:1-7
The book of Proverbs says that life and death are in the power of the tongue...what you talk about and think ...you bring to pass. When we begin to say the same thing God promises in the scripture...when we attempt to have the mind of Christ, our faith builds in our hearts and our lives begin to change forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may Your name be holy in me. May Your kingdom come to me this day, And may I do Your will on earth as it is done in Heaven. Strengthen me this day in mind and body that we may have your mind and carry out Your will more completely. Forgive my offenses for it is not my desire to cause You pain or any other person as well. Give me a forgiving heart to those who would harm me and help me follow in the example Jesus has given me. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from Satan and all his works and give me perseverance and strength in the face of temptation. For Your kingdom is everlasting.
The Truth
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:1-7
Monday, February 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: Taking Time to Be in God's Presence
Transformational Tip
Slow down and take time to reach for and cling to the hand of your Lord. It could be through prayer, reading the Bible, listening to some Christian music, or meditating on past experiences with God. Journal about God's plan for you or call a Christian friend and talk about how your story fits into God's big story. You will find that it is this hand, His presence that will pull you up that steep hill before you.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Thank You Jesus. Today I feel the way ahead of me is steep. I am slowing down Lord so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult yet important lesson. I am ready to learn Lord, I lift my hands up to you at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your presence, Your Word. Light, Life, Joy, Peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You I reach for other things. In this reaching I drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord, I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
Slow down and take time to reach for and cling to the hand of your Lord. It could be through prayer, reading the Bible, listening to some Christian music, or meditating on past experiences with God. Journal about God's plan for you or call a Christian friend and talk about how your story fits into God's big story. You will find that it is this hand, His presence that will pull you up that steep hill before you.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Thank You Jesus. Today I feel the way ahead of me is steep. I am slowing down Lord so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult yet important lesson. I am ready to learn Lord, I lift my hands up to you at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your presence, Your Word. Light, Life, Joy, Peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You I reach for other things. In this reaching I drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord, I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Marinating in God's Word
Transformational Tip
The speaking and doing of God's Word are an outflow of having our mind marinated in the knowledge of His Word. When we know what His Word says and when we keep it in the forefront, we are much more likely to do what it says. You see, many of us have read God's Word and feel like we know what it says, but unless we keep it in the forefront of our daily thoughts, it will be stored in some hard to access place in our mind and have little effect on our daily activities. Let's make a point of bringing His Word to the forefront of our mind every day!
The speaking and doing of God's Word are an outflow of having our mind marinated in the knowledge of His Word. When we know what His Word says and when we keep it in the forefront, we are much more likely to do what it says. You see, many of us have read God's Word and feel like we know what it says, but unless we keep it in the forefront of our daily thoughts, it will be stored in some hard to access place in our mind and have little effect on our daily activities. Let's make a point of bringing His Word to the forefront of our mind every day!
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am so glad that I found You. I have not always understood certain things that have happened, but I really do not have to understand everything. I trust that You know what is best for me, and I know as I yield to You, You will show me how to overcome all the troubling things that confront me.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
The Truth
"God sent His word and healed them and delivered them from all their destructions."
Ps. 107:20
Dear Father,
I am so glad that I found You. I have not always understood certain things that have happened, but I really do not have to understand everything. I trust that You know what is best for me, and I know as I yield to You, You will show me how to overcome all the troubling things that confront me.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
The Truth
"God sent His word and healed them and delivered them from all their destructions."
Ps. 107:20
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Moving Forward
Transformational Tip
Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take one step at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, that any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit.
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Forget what is behind you and focus on what is ahead. Take one step at a time toward the prize which has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, that any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is perfect progress.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today Lord to remember that you paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian, but I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is perfect progress. Help me today my God to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit.
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Friday, February 20, 2009
Stepping Stones: Pray With Confidence
Transformational Tip
The word confidence in the Greek literally means "the boldness of speech." When we talk to the Lord we can be bold! We can be free, open, and honest. If we say something wrong, it doesn't matter. God isn't going to throw it back at us. If we say something foolish, He understands, just like a perfect father with a child who is really trying hard to please. Praying with confidence is an exciting thing!
Prayer
I come to you Lord as I am, please forgive all my transgressions. I come to You today Lord with all my neediness, with my defenses down and my desire to be blessed. I know that only through You will I find completion.
I thank You for Your gift of peace to me. I know that Your peace does not mean that I will not have conflicts in my life, rather Your peace is my confident assurance in all circumstances. With Your peace, I have no need to fear the present or the future. Help me be mindful today and always of your presence and your promise of peace. I thank You for Your Word, and I open myself to your message and to the Holy Spirit to work in and through me.
The Truth
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.
I John 5:14-15
The word confidence in the Greek literally means "the boldness of speech." When we talk to the Lord we can be bold! We can be free, open, and honest. If we say something wrong, it doesn't matter. God isn't going to throw it back at us. If we say something foolish, He understands, just like a perfect father with a child who is really trying hard to please. Praying with confidence is an exciting thing!
Prayer
I come to you Lord as I am, please forgive all my transgressions. I come to You today Lord with all my neediness, with my defenses down and my desire to be blessed. I know that only through You will I find completion.
I thank You for Your gift of peace to me. I know that Your peace does not mean that I will not have conflicts in my life, rather Your peace is my confident assurance in all circumstances. With Your peace, I have no need to fear the present or the future. Help me be mindful today and always of your presence and your promise of peace. I thank You for Your Word, and I open myself to your message and to the Holy Spirit to work in and through me.
The Truth
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.
I John 5:14-15
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stepping Stones: Control
Transformational Tip
How silly are we when we act as if we are in complete control? Trying to fix everything around us...including others. Focus on your relationship with Christ and let Him be in complete control.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I pray that You help me remember that my goal should not be to control and fix everything around me; rather let my goal be to continuously commune with You, because I can control that. Help me remember that a successful day is when I have stayed in touch with You, confessing my sins and giving You thanks in all circumstances, even if many things remain undone by the end of that day. I pray that Your Spirit guide me through this and every day, moment by moment.
The Truth
...pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
...in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6
How silly are we when we act as if we are in complete control? Trying to fix everything around us...including others. Focus on your relationship with Christ and let Him be in complete control.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I pray that You help me remember that my goal should not be to control and fix everything around me; rather let my goal be to continuously commune with You, because I can control that. Help me remember that a successful day is when I have stayed in touch with You, confessing my sins and giving You thanks in all circumstances, even if many things remain undone by the end of that day. I pray that Your Spirit guide me through this and every day, moment by moment.
The Truth
...pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
...in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Stepping Stones: Introduction
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional from Lighthouse Network.
You are receiving this email because you were either part of the Allen Menard Victory Prayer Team or on the Lighthouse Network mailing list.
Lighthouse Network's desire is for you to become a Lighthouse who achieves two goals:
Your will receive a daily devotional containing 3 components:
1. A Transformational Tip to help you become more Christ-like and to develop the "Mind of Christ"
2. A Prayer to help grow a closer, loving relationship with God
3. The Truth to reinforce that the Bible is the place for truth to live life abundantly, today.
This devotional will give you very practical tips and skills to change your life now, to please God and be transformed to be someone you only imagined you could be. Sometimes it will convict you in areas you need work, but it should also bring you hope that with your talking to God and looking in His book, He will keep to His promise and bring you peace and joy in life.
As part of the first group to receive the Stepping Stones Daily devotional, you will play a key role in the success of this outreach. Once you receive the daily devotionals and develop a belief they bring value to your life, please forward one of the devotionals to others suggesting they subscribe to the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional. There is a link at the bottom of each devotional to "Forward Email". Plerase encourage those you forward the message to subscribe. You personally need not subscribe, you are already a member. In the event you do not want to receive our daily devotional, there is an "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of each message.
We are thankful that you are allowing and trusting us to be part of your growth process. At anytime, please let us know how you are doing by contacting us at: devotions@LighthouseNetwork.org
We will be praying for you to pursue your path to God using our Stepping Stones.
By HIS grace,
The Lighthouse Network Team
Welcome to the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional from Lighthouse Network.
You are receiving this email because you were either part of the Allen Menard Victory Prayer Team or on the Lighthouse Network mailing list.
Lighthouse Network's desire is for you to become a Lighthouse who achieves two goals:
- Become a lighthouse that shines God's glory to the rest of the world
- Become a lighthouse that stands on a rock solid foundation to withstand the storms of your own life.
Your will receive a daily devotional containing 3 components:
1. A Transformational Tip to help you become more Christ-like and to develop the "Mind of Christ"
2. A Prayer to help grow a closer, loving relationship with God
3. The Truth to reinforce that the Bible is the place for truth to live life abundantly, today.
This devotional will give you very practical tips and skills to change your life now, to please God and be transformed to be someone you only imagined you could be. Sometimes it will convict you in areas you need work, but it should also bring you hope that with your talking to God and looking in His book, He will keep to His promise and bring you peace and joy in life.
As part of the first group to receive the Stepping Stones Daily devotional, you will play a key role in the success of this outreach. Once you receive the daily devotionals and develop a belief they bring value to your life, please forward one of the devotionals to others suggesting they subscribe to the Stepping Stones Daily Devotional. There is a link at the bottom of each devotional to "Forward Email". Plerase encourage those you forward the message to subscribe. You personally need not subscribe, you are already a member. In the event you do not want to receive our daily devotional, there is an "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of each message.
We are thankful that you are allowing and trusting us to be part of your growth process. At anytime, please let us know how you are doing by contacting us at: devotions@LighthouseNetwork.org
We will be praying for you to pursue your path to God using our Stepping Stones.
By HIS grace,
The Lighthouse Network Team
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