Transformational Tip
The transformational tip for today is that there is great depth in the Word of the Lord. Read the story below and see how one sentence of scripture can teach us so much.
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
What can we take away from this beautiful story?
1. Our Lord wants the impurities out of our bodies, souls(mind), and spirits. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
2. Our Lord is with us every minute of every day as we as we go through the process of refinement and purification. "...he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire"
3. Our Lord knows how much we can take, and his timing is perfect because it is his timing "For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed"our Lord will never give us more burden than we can manage as long as we are living according to his word.
4. Our Lord truly wants to see Him in us. "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I thank you for the wisdom and guidance that comes from You Holy Word. I thank you for the depth of meaning held within each word. I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit so that I may see more clearly the messages You intend me to take away you're your Word. I pray that You will help me absorb and extract the full message from Your Word and share it with others so that they too can experience your glory and wisdom.
In Jesus' purifying name - AMEN
The Truth
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
Malachi 3:3
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6-7
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stepping Stones: Let the Holy Spirit Be Your Director
Transformational Tip
By making the decision to spend time with Your Lord, His thoughts will begin to form your mind. So many thoughts are competing to form the lenses your mind uses to see life's situations. The main stumbling block we deal with is our difficulty dealing with our emotions, especially real or potential emotional discomfort or pain. Loneliness, rejection, feeling unimportant, lack of control, competency questioned, hopelessness, helplessness, are terrible directors of our thought world. Our desire to avoid these feelings really drives many inadequate at best, self-destructive at worst, decisions we wish we could have back...patterns or habits we want to change. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be the Director of our Christ-likeness development. Godly decision-making keeps the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart. (see Spiritual Basics link below and click Confession). When we do not make a Godly decision, we need to confess our wrong decision and get the Holy Spirit back on the throne. As you attempt to spend time with God in prayer, scripture reading, or meditation, turn this process over to the Holy Spirit...let His Spirit be the Director of this process.
Today, track your feelings, especially what you feel when people say something or an unexpected situation occurs. Also, practice confession today. Unfortunately, I bet you have a least 5 decisions (internal thoughts or external behaviors) that require confession to restore the Holy Spirit to the throne. You will be amazed the direction your life takes when you have the right director directing.
Prayer
Dear Father of Truth,
There are so many things that influence my mind and thoughts...I thank You for Your Spirit who brings order to and infuses life and peace into my mind. I desire to think Your thoughts my Holy One. I know that without the Holy Spirit directing my thought processes, my mind scrambles and searches to avoid discomfort and pain and to get relief and satisfaction...and I know that the Evil One, the father of lies tries to worm his way into my mind in the name of distraction and satisfaction. I thank you Lord for all your goodness and blessings...and I continue to pray for Your protection. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ who utterly defeated the enemy on the cross. AMEN
The Truth
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 8:6
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
By making the decision to spend time with Your Lord, His thoughts will begin to form your mind. So many thoughts are competing to form the lenses your mind uses to see life's situations. The main stumbling block we deal with is our difficulty dealing with our emotions, especially real or potential emotional discomfort or pain. Loneliness, rejection, feeling unimportant, lack of control, competency questioned, hopelessness, helplessness, are terrible directors of our thought world. Our desire to avoid these feelings really drives many inadequate at best, self-destructive at worst, decisions we wish we could have back...patterns or habits we want to change. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be the Director of our Christ-likeness development. Godly decision-making keeps the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart. (see Spiritual Basics link below and click Confession). When we do not make a Godly decision, we need to confess our wrong decision and get the Holy Spirit back on the throne. As you attempt to spend time with God in prayer, scripture reading, or meditation, turn this process over to the Holy Spirit...let His Spirit be the Director of this process.
Today, track your feelings, especially what you feel when people say something or an unexpected situation occurs. Also, practice confession today. Unfortunately, I bet you have a least 5 decisions (internal thoughts or external behaviors) that require confession to restore the Holy Spirit to the throne. You will be amazed the direction your life takes when you have the right director directing.
Prayer
Dear Father of Truth,
There are so many things that influence my mind and thoughts...I thank You for Your Spirit who brings order to and infuses life and peace into my mind. I desire to think Your thoughts my Holy One. I know that without the Holy Spirit directing my thought processes, my mind scrambles and searches to avoid discomfort and pain and to get relief and satisfaction...and I know that the Evil One, the father of lies tries to worm his way into my mind in the name of distraction and satisfaction. I thank you Lord for all your goodness and blessings...and I continue to pray for Your protection. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ who utterly defeated the enemy on the cross. AMEN
The Truth
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 8:6
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Stepping Stones: Untangle Your Thoughts
Transformational Tip
Even those with the deepest faith at times wake-up in the morning in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days they may even wake in a state of unbelief. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions. The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly....eyes that see the truth....the truth will set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver...trying to distort your lenses so you cant see clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the faith in your heart. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God....clear your lenses and head(See Spiritual Basics link below). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears. When you are prepared in the full armor, confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel will replace inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure. Focus your thought on Your God, Immanuel - God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that you want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief...Help me with my unbelief today my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask my self the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You...that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You along side me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me...I can handle anything that comes my way...even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts.....Thank for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle....I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel - God with me. I pray this in the name of my savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
Even those with the deepest faith at times wake-up in the morning in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days they may even wake in a state of unbelief. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions. The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly....eyes that see the truth....the truth will set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver...trying to distort your lenses so you cant see clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the faith in your heart. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God....clear your lenses and head(See Spiritual Basics link below). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears. When you are prepared in the full armor, confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel will replace inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure. Focus your thought on Your God, Immanuel - God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that you want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief...Help me with my unbelief today my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask my self the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You...that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You along side me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me...I can handle anything that comes my way...even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts.....Thank for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle....I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel - God with me. I pray this in the name of my savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Stepping Stones: Be Aware of Your Insufficiency
Transformational Tip
Recognizing the limits of your understanding is a good thing. The more you recognize and accept your limitations, the more it will enhance your relationship with God. We all have limits, but unfortunately, we don't recognize where they are....so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, getting more out of who we are. Unwittingly though, the reality is, we are putting our confidence in, and getting our confidence from.... Ourselves! This means I are relying on me....what I bring to the table....can do. Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket....who He is...His character...His promises...His instruction in the Bible. The assurance of God's sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliance, love and sacrifice for us, that's what allows us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually...beyond your daily bread and blessings....We need Him for the many(2000-5000) decisions you must make each day. Recognize our global insufficiency, but also heed your daily limits, so you will gain confidence from and rest in Him.
We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my neediness for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However I feel just the opposite; I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water, what I don't understand is below. I come to You my Father full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches.
I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You my Lord. I pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Recognizing the limits of your understanding is a good thing. The more you recognize and accept your limitations, the more it will enhance your relationship with God. We all have limits, but unfortunately, we don't recognize where they are....so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, getting more out of who we are. Unwittingly though, the reality is, we are putting our confidence in, and getting our confidence from.... Ourselves! This means I are relying on me....what I bring to the table....can do. Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket....who He is...His character...His promises...His instruction in the Bible. The assurance of God's sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliance, love and sacrifice for us, that's what allows us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually...beyond your daily bread and blessings....We need Him for the many(2000-5000) decisions you must make each day. Recognize our global insufficiency, but also heed your daily limits, so you will gain confidence from and rest in Him.
We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my neediness for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However I feel just the opposite; I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water, what I don't understand is below. I come to You my Father full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches.
I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You my Lord. I pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Monday, June 8, 2009
Stepping Stones: What Fills Your Heart?
Transformational Tip
A friend and Christian counselor and close friend once shared with me a very powerful analogy: He said that we are all born with this vacuum tube in our core. It is empty and by the very nature of being under a vacuum (negative pressure), it has the constant need to be filled. That vacuum tube, that "void" was always intended to be filled with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. But if we don't fill it with Him, junk gets sucked into the vacuum tube...and once filled with junk, there is no room for our Lord and Savior. We continue to feel empty and incomplete, so we continue letting junk be sucked into our vacuum tube.
Until we fill ourselves with Him, and live close to Him, we will continue to feel empty and incomplete. What have you let get sucked into your core and let be your savior? Is it really saving you?...or just contributing to your slow demise? That impersonator, giving false hope, is Satan's answer for your needs...to be important...loved...in control... secure...loved....appreciated...valued....included...unique....pretty....__________. Relying on these things to save you will eventually cripple you. Dump the junk out of that tube today and let your natural vacuum pull in God to fill you up with his loving grace and mercy...for only then will you feel complete...only then will you truly be who He designed you to be.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I often feel incomplete, as if some very important part of me is missing. When I get this feeling I many times respond in unproductive and even sinful ways; foraging for food, fantasy, entertainment, and prideful recognition. All the while You are with me, patiently waiting for me to let You in. When I continue to go my own way, seeking satisfaction where there is none, I become increasingly frustrated. This agitated condition makes it harder and harder to turn back to You, the only one that can complete me. I cry out to You today, I cry out, "Help me Jesus!"
I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
A friend and Christian counselor and close friend once shared with me a very powerful analogy: He said that we are all born with this vacuum tube in our core. It is empty and by the very nature of being under a vacuum (negative pressure), it has the constant need to be filled. That vacuum tube, that "void" was always intended to be filled with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. But if we don't fill it with Him, junk gets sucked into the vacuum tube...and once filled with junk, there is no room for our Lord and Savior. We continue to feel empty and incomplete, so we continue letting junk be sucked into our vacuum tube.
Until we fill ourselves with Him, and live close to Him, we will continue to feel empty and incomplete. What have you let get sucked into your core and let be your savior? Is it really saving you?...or just contributing to your slow demise? That impersonator, giving false hope, is Satan's answer for your needs...to be important...loved...in control... secure...loved....appreciated...valued....included...unique....pretty....__________. Relying on these things to save you will eventually cripple you. Dump the junk out of that tube today and let your natural vacuum pull in God to fill you up with his loving grace and mercy...for only then will you feel complete...only then will you truly be who He designed you to be.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I often feel incomplete, as if some very important part of me is missing. When I get this feeling I many times respond in unproductive and even sinful ways; foraging for food, fantasy, entertainment, and prideful recognition. All the while You are with me, patiently waiting for me to let You in. When I continue to go my own way, seeking satisfaction where there is none, I become increasingly frustrated. This agitated condition makes it harder and harder to turn back to You, the only one that can complete me. I cry out to You today, I cry out, "Help me Jesus!"
I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Stepping Stones: Embrace Your Weakness
Transformational Tip
God's Word tells us that when we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest. We pray for and expect strength in times of weakness...we pray for and expect God's healing power. I recently went through a time of extreme weakness, brokenness. It doesn't feel good, no one wants to be there. Through the guidance of Christian friends, I learned to accept my weakness as a gift by having created the need and opportunity to experience the beauty of living in total dependence on God.
What is your area of weakness? What situations gives you the most fear or worry? We all blink to protect our eye from damage or pain, or help lessen existing pain. What is your blink that is really self-destructive more than self-protective? Trust God to grow and comfort you without you reflexively doing something harmful. Practice self-control today and think before you react when uncomfortable.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am learning to recognize my weakness. Acknowledging and accepting my weakness keeps me looking to You...You are my strength. As I witness Your presence within those around me, I am learning that abundant life is not wealth. Abundant life is living in continual dependence on You. Instead of trying to fit my day into a preconceived idea of what it should be, I am learning to relax and to be constantly on the lookout for what You are doing within me and those around me. This approach frees me to enjoy You and to find out what plan You have for me today. This works so much better than trying to make everything work according to my own plan.
I pray this and all prayers in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 and 19
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you."
2 Chronicles 14:11
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God's Word tells us that when we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest. We pray for and expect strength in times of weakness...we pray for and expect God's healing power. I recently went through a time of extreme weakness, brokenness. It doesn't feel good, no one wants to be there. Through the guidance of Christian friends, I learned to accept my weakness as a gift by having created the need and opportunity to experience the beauty of living in total dependence on God.
What is your area of weakness? What situations gives you the most fear or worry? We all blink to protect our eye from damage or pain, or help lessen existing pain. What is your blink that is really self-destructive more than self-protective? Trust God to grow and comfort you without you reflexively doing something harmful. Practice self-control today and think before you react when uncomfortable.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am learning to recognize my weakness. Acknowledging and accepting my weakness keeps me looking to You...You are my strength. As I witness Your presence within those around me, I am learning that abundant life is not wealth. Abundant life is living in continual dependence on You. Instead of trying to fit my day into a preconceived idea of what it should be, I am learning to relax and to be constantly on the lookout for what You are doing within me and those around me. This approach frees me to enjoy You and to find out what plan You have for me today. This works so much better than trying to make everything work according to my own plan.
I pray this and all prayers in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 and 19
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you."
2 Chronicles 14:11
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Stepping Stones: Healing: God's the Physician, You're the Nurse?
Transformational Tip
Don't we all need some form of healing? How healthy is your Mind? Body? Spirit? God's word tells us that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. The scripture tells us this eternal healing does not come to us because of what we "do", rather it comes to us free of charge and in perfect abundance through Jesus Christ through faith. On the flip side, our temporal healing, the healing for the time period represented by the dash on our tombstone...1963 - 20?...starts with receiving Christ's gift, then the Holy Spirit, but then we have a some responsibility for the ongoing sanctification or healing process to continue in this lifetime.
Intentional decisions to not conform, but to be transformed, to put off the old self and put on the new, to act boldly based on our faith in God's character, promises, and His teachings in the Bible...that is what we control and need to master. Just like becoming good at a sport, music, academics, art....daily practice of specific fundamentals is essential. Putting on the Armor of God, regular prayer and confession, and being in the Bible....God's instruction manual...are ways to engage in spiritual training. For training to work, you have to have intentionality, self-assessment, perseverance, and strategy to get to your goal...the Mind of Christ.
What is your strategy?..... and your commitment to these things?...this will determine whether your dash will be filled with healing and peace or further injury and pain.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that I cannot earn my way to salvation; that I and all those who believe in You and have received You have already become children of God. It is with this power, which You have granted me that I ask, through faith, for the healing of my body, mind and spirit. You tell me in Jer.30:17 "I will restore health unto you and I will heal thy wounds..." I believe Your word. I trust You God. I pray with humble confidence that You restore me to full spiritual, mental and physical health. Show me what I need to do to receive the healing in this lifetime, the renewing of my mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically in my brain chemistry. Help me to understand what Your Holy Spirit is trying to show me and tell me so I can grow and glorify You.
I pray today that You protect and lift the burdens of the entire Stepping Stones community according to Your will. If it is not Your will, then show them more clearly today how to access Your peace and comfort during their struggles. You know our every need Lord. Let us all remember that once we have trusted You as our Savior, You never distance Yourself from us. Let the assurance of Your presence fill us with joy and peace...regardless of our circumstances and our daily trials.
In Jesus steadfast name - AMEN
The Truth
For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of thy wounds saith the Lord.
Jer. 30:17
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
Titus 3:5-6
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
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1,8-13
Don't we all need some form of healing? How healthy is your Mind? Body? Spirit? God's word tells us that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. The scripture tells us this eternal healing does not come to us because of what we "do", rather it comes to us free of charge and in perfect abundance through Jesus Christ through faith. On the flip side, our temporal healing, the healing for the time period represented by the dash on our tombstone...1963 - 20?...starts with receiving Christ's gift, then the Holy Spirit, but then we have a some responsibility for the ongoing sanctification or healing process to continue in this lifetime.
Intentional decisions to not conform, but to be transformed, to put off the old self and put on the new, to act boldly based on our faith in God's character, promises, and His teachings in the Bible...that is what we control and need to master. Just like becoming good at a sport, music, academics, art....daily practice of specific fundamentals is essential. Putting on the Armor of God, regular prayer and confession, and being in the Bible....God's instruction manual...are ways to engage in spiritual training. For training to work, you have to have intentionality, self-assessment, perseverance, and strategy to get to your goal...the Mind of Christ.
What is your strategy?..... and your commitment to these things?...this will determine whether your dash will be filled with healing and peace or further injury and pain.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that I cannot earn my way to salvation; that I and all those who believe in You and have received You have already become children of God. It is with this power, which You have granted me that I ask, through faith, for the healing of my body, mind and spirit. You tell me in Jer.30:17 "I will restore health unto you and I will heal thy wounds..." I believe Your word. I trust You God. I pray with humble confidence that You restore me to full spiritual, mental and physical health. Show me what I need to do to receive the healing in this lifetime, the renewing of my mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically in my brain chemistry. Help me to understand what Your Holy Spirit is trying to show me and tell me so I can grow and glorify You.
I pray today that You protect and lift the burdens of the entire Stepping Stones community according to Your will. If it is not Your will, then show them more clearly today how to access Your peace and comfort during their struggles. You know our every need Lord. Let us all remember that once we have trusted You as our Savior, You never distance Yourself from us. Let the assurance of Your presence fill us with joy and peace...regardless of our circumstances and our daily trials.
In Jesus steadfast name - AMEN
The Truth
For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of thy wounds saith the Lord.
Jer. 30:17
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
Titus 3:5-6
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
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1,8-13
Friday, June 5, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Think You Can Hide?
Transformational Tip
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don't make that connection. Do you think He really isn't watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn't looking....or that He doesn't care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing does hurt us. Wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry....adversely impact us psychologically in many ways...and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart...command central for decision-making. (See "Spiritual Basics" link and click Confession) Then we have the flesh in command, that's when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most! God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today's scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes of the perfect parent full of grace and forgiveness....but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for Hiss glory and your fulfillment.
Be mindful today of God's ever-present awareness of your life. How does this affect your responses today?
Prayer
Dear Father - teach us how to pray:
I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community.
I trust You my Lord, I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me.
I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people.
I Jesus' redeeming name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don't make that connection. Do you think He really isn't watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn't looking....or that He doesn't care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing does hurt us. Wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry....adversely impact us psychologically in many ways...and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart...command central for decision-making. (See "Spiritual Basics" link and click Confession) Then we have the flesh in command, that's when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most! God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today's scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes of the perfect parent full of grace and forgiveness....but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for Hiss glory and your fulfillment.
Be mindful today of God's ever-present awareness of your life. How does this affect your responses today?
Prayer
Dear Father - teach us how to pray:
I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community.
I trust You my Lord, I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me.
I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people.
I Jesus' redeeming name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Stepping Stones: Will You Accept His Invitation?
Transformational Tip
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that "He who has ears, let him hear." Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear? Many times the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: "What shall I do?" The question you should be asking yourself is; "How shall I be?"...."Am I fertile?"...."Do I have ears that hear?". If I am not responding well in life and "doing", then I am not really hearing correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God's invitation, some do not...may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
What is interfering with you being fertile soil to God's calling today?.... fear, pride, busyness.... hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt....lack of contentment with what you have.... entitlement for more....your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible.
How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I Pray Father that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds.
I pray this in the name of my Savior and friend, Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that "He who has ears, let him hear." Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear? Many times the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: "What shall I do?" The question you should be asking yourself is; "How shall I be?"...."Am I fertile?"...."Do I have ears that hear?". If I am not responding well in life and "doing", then I am not really hearing correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God's invitation, some do not...may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
What is interfering with you being fertile soil to God's calling today?.... fear, pride, busyness.... hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt....lack of contentment with what you have.... entitlement for more....your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible.
How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I Pray Father that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds.
I pray this in the name of my Savior and friend, Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Stepping Stones: God Is The Timeless Present
Transformational Tip
It's very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving old scenes over and over again. And here's the sad part....the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger is in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies, and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have an effect on reality: the present. How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old hurts from the past. I am not saying we don't remember and study the past, or don't plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality. The only place we can face and commune with God is in the present...find a way to stay there. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; "I AM"
This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I'm guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
It's very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving old scenes over and over again. And here's the sad part....the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger is in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies, and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have an effect on reality: the present. How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old hurts from the past. I am not saying we don't remember and study the past, or don't plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality. The only place we can face and commune with God is in the present...find a way to stay there. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; "I AM"
This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I'm guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Faltering Faith Is Not Failure
Transformational Tip
Even the most evolved Christian's faith falters at times; this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect...have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times...not always believing the truths we intellectually know are true. Peter's faith faltered even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lords hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God...to use God's lenses to examine His heart....to see what he was believing in instead of God's teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God...others' opinions...your finances or possessions....skills or intellect...looks or status...you will falter. Confess your sin...another false god. Receive God's forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence/faith in God instead. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God's power.
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray.
God my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not failed. When Peter's faith faltered he reached out to You Lord, the only one who could save him. When I am afraid I look to You my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me Lord maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan's masquerading idols. I pray in Jesus' faithful name - AMEN
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt"
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Even the most evolved Christian's faith falters at times; this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect...have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times...not always believing the truths we intellectually know are true. Peter's faith faltered even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lords hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God...to use God's lenses to examine His heart....to see what he was believing in instead of God's teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God...others' opinions...your finances or possessions....skills or intellect...looks or status...you will falter. Confess your sin...another false god. Receive God's forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence/faith in God instead. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God's power.
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray.
God my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not failed. When Peter's faith faltered he reached out to You Lord, the only one who could save him. When I am afraid I look to You my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me Lord maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan's masquerading idols. I pray in Jesus' faithful name - AMEN
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt"
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Monday, June 1, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do Less But Accomplish More
Transformational Tip
Getting the most out of what we do...efficiency...makes life easier. If we only knew ahead of time how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into. How do we know the future... the secret to high efficiency....how to not waste effort...maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul...and the path before you will be more clear and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God...rest in His power and that He knows where He wants you. Step outside of you and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? ....your future?
Prayer
Dear Father,
There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely my Lord. Draw me closer to You... to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please you. I pray this in the guiding name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Getting the most out of what we do...efficiency...makes life easier. If we only knew ahead of time how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into. How do we know the future... the secret to high efficiency....how to not waste effort...maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul...and the path before you will be more clear and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God...rest in His power and that He knows where He wants you. Step outside of you and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? ....your future?
Prayer
Dear Father,
There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely my Lord. Draw me closer to You... to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please you. I pray this in the guiding name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Stepping Stones: Where Are You the Safest?
Transformational Tip
David was out on the battlefield...mono et mono....face to face against a world champion giant....seems like a dangerous place to me. Actually, it was the best place for him to be because that is where God wanted him....and David knew it. Be willing to go out on a limb if that is where God leads you. If He is leading you there, it is by far the safest place to be. Overly familiar surroundings may feel safe, but they can also lull you into a sleepy, yet dangerous, self-reliance. When out on a limb with your Lord you will stay alert, communicating with Him continually, holding onto His hand in trusting dependence. Follow God wherever He may lead you...and let the shelter of His presence keep you safe. Remember, He knows what the future holds, not you.
Today, ask yourself, "where is God pushing me and I am resisting?" follow it with, "how is that working for me?". Does he want me to...forgive someone...reach out to someone...give up something or someone...be content with something I already have...say something I am afraid to.
Go where He leads, it is the safest place...try it...TODAY!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
You know Lord that I really am not a risk taker...I like to play it safe. However, it is my heartfelt desire to stay close to you...even if that means going out on a limb with and for You. When I feel more self reliant, I confess that these are the times when I tend to forget about You. I pray Lord, that You will help me follow You with confidence.
In Jesus' saving name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
David was out on the battlefield...mono et mono....face to face against a world champion giant....seems like a dangerous place to me. Actually, it was the best place for him to be because that is where God wanted him....and David knew it. Be willing to go out on a limb if that is where God leads you. If He is leading you there, it is by far the safest place to be. Overly familiar surroundings may feel safe, but they can also lull you into a sleepy, yet dangerous, self-reliance. When out on a limb with your Lord you will stay alert, communicating with Him continually, holding onto His hand in trusting dependence. Follow God wherever He may lead you...and let the shelter of His presence keep you safe. Remember, He knows what the future holds, not you.
Today, ask yourself, "where is God pushing me and I am resisting?" follow it with, "how is that working for me?". Does he want me to...forgive someone...reach out to someone...give up something or someone...be content with something I already have...say something I am afraid to.
Go where He leads, it is the safest place...try it...TODAY!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
You know Lord that I really am not a risk taker...I like to play it safe. However, it is my heartfelt desire to stay close to you...even if that means going out on a limb with and for You. When I feel more self reliant, I confess that these are the times when I tend to forget about You. I pray Lord, that You will help me follow You with confidence.
In Jesus' saving name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Stepping Stones: In the Midst of a Messy Day
Transformational Tip
Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day. The inner calm offered by your relationship with God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Any one can have peace when everything is going OK around them. What God offers to His children is radically different...peace when life gets messy or difficult....a peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances. The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a "time-out" and ask for God's assistance. Try slowly whispering "Jesus." Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you...not from the outside, so use that time-out, and perform some self-examination. Usually it is a pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you are not understanding how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to grow the mind of Christ.
See the "Spiritual Basics" link below, then the "Armor of God" link. see shoes of gospel of peace.
Prayer
Dear Father,
This day feels very "messy" to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain, and when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things...to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand Lord that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day. The inner calm offered by your relationship with God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Any one can have peace when everything is going OK around them. What God offers to His children is radically different...peace when life gets messy or difficult....a peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances. The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a "time-out" and ask for God's assistance. Try slowly whispering "Jesus." Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you...not from the outside, so use that time-out, and perform some self-examination. Usually it is a pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you are not understanding how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to grow the mind of Christ.
See the "Spiritual Basics" link below, then the "Armor of God" link. see shoes of gospel of peace.
Prayer
Dear Father,
This day feels very "messy" to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain, and when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things...to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand Lord that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Friday, May 29, 2009
Stepping Stones: Nothing You Can Do Or Not Do
Transformational Tip
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to "earn" God's love. In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend true unconditional and perfect love, because it doesn't exist. As parents, we love almost unconditionally(especially if they are good kids), but never even close to perfectly...just look at our marriages. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling...brings a tear to my eye (not much does)...knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His father for the first time ever. All for me...and I didn't do anything to "earn" it. Actually, I sinned a lot to "unearn" it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate. Remember today and always that there is nothing you can do or not do that would separate God's love from you. So don't be afraid you will screw up and lose it...live in the freedom of God's forgiveness and love and show your gratitude...today and everyday.
Prayer
At times, actually all the time I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that you revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may step by step achieve the "mind of Christ." This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us....there is nothing we can do or not do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day Lord remember the simple path to everlasting life; Believe>Receive>Become.
I pray this and all prayers in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to "earn" God's love. In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend true unconditional and perfect love, because it doesn't exist. As parents, we love almost unconditionally(especially if they are good kids), but never even close to perfectly...just look at our marriages. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling...brings a tear to my eye (not much does)...knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His father for the first time ever. All for me...and I didn't do anything to "earn" it. Actually, I sinned a lot to "unearn" it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate. Remember today and always that there is nothing you can do or not do that would separate God's love from you. So don't be afraid you will screw up and lose it...live in the freedom of God's forgiveness and love and show your gratitude...today and everyday.
Prayer
At times, actually all the time I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that you revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may step by step achieve the "mind of Christ." This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us....there is nothing we can do or not do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day Lord remember the simple path to everlasting life; Believe>Receive>Become.
I pray this and all prayers in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stepping Stones: Is God's Will My Will?
Transformational Tip
There is no question that it is God's will to sanctify you. His word tells us that "This is the will of God, your sanctification.." The real question; is it your will? Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibit through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments...enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, many frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, had faith that they willed something good for us, and their goal became our goal. God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent....ever. His will is more than you could imagine for you, so make it yours. Try this day to align your will with the one who created you and knows you better than you know yourself.
Prayer
Thank You Father for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You Father for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You...for Jesus making us pure and holy...and freeing us from the death grip of sin. How freeing it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love... to see how much you really care for me...and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way in how You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus' loving and restoring name, AMEN.
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God's will is for you to be holy...
1 Thessalonians 4:3
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
1 Corinthians 1:30
There is no question that it is God's will to sanctify you. His word tells us that "This is the will of God, your sanctification.." The real question; is it your will? Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibit through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments...enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, many frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, had faith that they willed something good for us, and their goal became our goal. God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent....ever. His will is more than you could imagine for you, so make it yours. Try this day to align your will with the one who created you and knows you better than you know yourself.
Prayer
Thank You Father for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You Father for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You...for Jesus making us pure and holy...and freeing us from the death grip of sin. How freeing it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love... to see how much you really care for me...and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way in how You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus' loving and restoring name, AMEN.
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God's will is for you to be holy...
1 Thessalonians 4:3
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
1 Corinthians 1:30
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Stepping Stones: Don't Sleepwalk Through Your Prayers
Transformational Tip
Your routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger; you can sleepwalk through your prayers. In most relationships, our tendency to fall into patterns and routines that then lead staleness or ruts dangerously sabotage our growth and relational depth. We start to take the other person for granted and become "me" focused...not process oriented for what is actually happening in the relationship. Prayer then is only to fulfill an obligation or tradition....saying "grace" before meals. Then God Himself seems like an extra, obligation, something to break out for special occasions, and not a daily enrichment to our life.
You have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you - the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God...think specifically of your words...why are you praying...what is your attitude...your expectation. Then spend 5 minutes today at the end of your prayer just listening. If you drift(like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God's frequency. This will awaken your soul and enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to you.
I love living close to You, it satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess Lord that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers...and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You Lord with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and able to see Your infinite newness everyday.
In Jesus' renewing and exciting name, AMEN.
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Your routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger; you can sleepwalk through your prayers. In most relationships, our tendency to fall into patterns and routines that then lead staleness or ruts dangerously sabotage our growth and relational depth. We start to take the other person for granted and become "me" focused...not process oriented for what is actually happening in the relationship. Prayer then is only to fulfill an obligation or tradition....saying "grace" before meals. Then God Himself seems like an extra, obligation, something to break out for special occasions, and not a daily enrichment to our life.
You have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you - the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God...think specifically of your words...why are you praying...what is your attitude...your expectation. Then spend 5 minutes today at the end of your prayer just listening. If you drift(like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God's frequency. This will awaken your soul and enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to you.
I love living close to You, it satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess Lord that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers...and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You Lord with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and able to see Your infinite newness everyday.
In Jesus' renewing and exciting name, AMEN.
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Stepping Stones: To Pray Is To Breathe
Transformational Tip
So many people are slowly asphyxiating...they are suffocating. Why? Because they are not "breathing." To pray is to breathe, and people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying...or maybe they have never really lived. No more can the body do without oxygen can the soul do without prayer...without breathing in God's life. Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of the spiritual world....then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God's settings. We then receive His communications without so much clutter and interference...life becomes easier and more fulfilling...we become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Pray deeply, breathe easily. Pray shallow, choke fearfully. Your choice.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I praise and honor You my Lord. I know You have created and are creating everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air...of "life." Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit Lord, help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. Amen
The Truth
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
So many people are slowly asphyxiating...they are suffocating. Why? Because they are not "breathing." To pray is to breathe, and people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying...or maybe they have never really lived. No more can the body do without oxygen can the soul do without prayer...without breathing in God's life. Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of the spiritual world....then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God's settings. We then receive His communications without so much clutter and interference...life becomes easier and more fulfilling...we become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Pray deeply, breathe easily. Pray shallow, choke fearfully. Your choice.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I praise and honor You my Lord. I know You have created and are creating everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air...of "life." Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit Lord, help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. Amen
The Truth
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
Monday, May 25, 2009
Stepping Stones: What Do You Remember For Freedom?
Transformational Tip
In January 2006, I was privileged and honored to be invited by Dr Zryan, the Minister of Health in Kurdistan, Iraq, to lead the first mental health team (3 of us went, all Christians) into post-Sadam Iraq to train Iraqi healthcare personnel on various issues. Incredible experience! Unfortunately, I saw and heard first hand the suffering and persecution people endured religiously, especially Christians, who wanted to gather, pray, or worship God. Other basics, like heat, electricity, trust, safety, respect, being valued, and getting health care were also scarce. I really appreciated the basics we have here in the US. Today, Memorial Day, is when we remember all those who served so we could enjoy living in the greatest country ever....enjoy freedom in so many areas of life...in Iraq they have minimal vocational choice as the system puts them on a path in elementary or middle school. Most importantly, we have the freedom to choose who our God is. In 1776, this was rare, and why our forefathers left their homes in Europe and why they sacrificed all they had and fought to the death to preserve....Free will to decide for life(eternal life), liberty(freedom from the bondage of sin and death), and the pursuit of happiness(real personal relationship with God).
Take time today to remember the greatest sacrifice for our most important freedom...the greatest soldier, 2000 years ago, paid the ultimate price...leaving His home in heaven, going to a far away land, becoming embedded in the foreign culture, and fighting for not Himself, but for us....Jesus died spiritually freeing us from the bondage of sin and the sentence of death we were destined for without His ultimate sacrifice..
From the Battle Hymn of the Republic:
"With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free;"
Please take time to specially remember and thank God for being your ultimate warrior.
Also, please pray for those are serving and their families....but please continue to pray for those who have served as they struggle with higher levels of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, and family and marital problems worsened by the strain of their service for our comforts.
Enjoy your Holyday.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank you so much for loving me before I even knew You.... even though I spurn You and go my own way, You relentlessly pursue me and still love me. I confess I take much of Your grace and blessings for granted.... especially your love and forgiveness. Help me be more aware of how I hurt you when I stray... keep in my mind everyday, not just today and Easter and Christmas, how you suffered and died for me...a king would die for putsy me...still unbelievable.
Please be with those in the military, who are sacrificing for others' freedom....make Your peace and comfort known to them and bring other Christians into their life to be Your tangible hands of love, compassion, and encouragement. Also be with those who have served and point them to Your Son, the Light to show them the way to Your arms of comfort.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' ultimate and precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:5-9
In January 2006, I was privileged and honored to be invited by Dr Zryan, the Minister of Health in Kurdistan, Iraq, to lead the first mental health team (3 of us went, all Christians) into post-Sadam Iraq to train Iraqi healthcare personnel on various issues. Incredible experience! Unfortunately, I saw and heard first hand the suffering and persecution people endured religiously, especially Christians, who wanted to gather, pray, or worship God. Other basics, like heat, electricity, trust, safety, respect, being valued, and getting health care were also scarce. I really appreciated the basics we have here in the US. Today, Memorial Day, is when we remember all those who served so we could enjoy living in the greatest country ever....enjoy freedom in so many areas of life...in Iraq they have minimal vocational choice as the system puts them on a path in elementary or middle school. Most importantly, we have the freedom to choose who our God is. In 1776, this was rare, and why our forefathers left their homes in Europe and why they sacrificed all they had and fought to the death to preserve....Free will to decide for life(eternal life), liberty(freedom from the bondage of sin and death), and the pursuit of happiness(real personal relationship with God).
Take time today to remember the greatest sacrifice for our most important freedom...the greatest soldier, 2000 years ago, paid the ultimate price...leaving His home in heaven, going to a far away land, becoming embedded in the foreign culture, and fighting for not Himself, but for us....Jesus died spiritually freeing us from the bondage of sin and the sentence of death we were destined for without His ultimate sacrifice..
From the Battle Hymn of the Republic:
"With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free;"
Please take time to specially remember and thank God for being your ultimate warrior.
Also, please pray for those are serving and their families....but please continue to pray for those who have served as they struggle with higher levels of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, and family and marital problems worsened by the strain of their service for our comforts.
Enjoy your Holyday.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank you so much for loving me before I even knew You.... even though I spurn You and go my own way, You relentlessly pursue me and still love me. I confess I take much of Your grace and blessings for granted.... especially your love and forgiveness. Help me be more aware of how I hurt you when I stray... keep in my mind everyday, not just today and Easter and Christmas, how you suffered and died for me...a king would die for putsy me...still unbelievable.
Please be with those in the military, who are sacrificing for others' freedom....make Your peace and comfort known to them and bring other Christians into their life to be Your tangible hands of love, compassion, and encouragement. Also be with those who have served and point them to Your Son, the Light to show them the way to Your arms of comfort.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' ultimate and precious name - AMEN.
The Truth
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:5-9
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: Avoid "Future-Gazing"
Transformational Tip
The wonder and joy of God's is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence.
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she walks forward with her head up. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path... only for her.... to honor her....and for her maximum benefit and enjoyment. Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan...your own personal red carpet specially designed for YOU. The catch is that He reveals it, your life, to you moment by moment. Armed with this understanding allows me to enjoy each moment instead of getting ahead and wishing for or anticipating future moments and neglecting the special "now" moments He designed for me. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn't make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn't easy, because my mind wonders to "Future Gazing" at will. When you find yourself engaging in "Future Gazing", remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is really about self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you, rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior,
What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me Lord how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I "Future Gaze", all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the future will hold for me . Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence.
I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalm 32:10
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?
Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
The wonder and joy of God's is only accessible to you in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence.
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she walks forward with her head up. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path... only for her.... to honor her....and for her maximum benefit and enjoyment. Know that your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path, a plan...your own personal red carpet specially designed for YOU. The catch is that He reveals it, your life, to you moment by moment. Armed with this understanding allows me to enjoy each moment instead of getting ahead and wishing for or anticipating future moments and neglecting the special "now" moments He designed for me. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn't make mistakes, really loves me, and meets my every need. Attaining this freedom wasn't easy, because my mind wonders to "Future Gazing" at will. When you find yourself engaging in "Future Gazing", remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is really about self-destruction and not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you, rolling out your honored red carpet.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior,
What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me Lord how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I "Future Gaze", all I am really doing is exercising my imagination, because it is impossible for me to know and anticipate what the future will hold for me . Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence.
I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalm 32:10
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?
Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
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