Transformational Tip
Guilt is an emotion that we take on early in life, especially if we grow up surrounded by violent behavior and abuse. Even though we are powerless to stop the violence, we feel responsible for what is happening.
A man recently told me this story:
When he was 12 years old, he was caught stealing a chrome oil cap for one of his friend’s car. After picking him up at the police station, his father lined up all his brothers and sisters in the kitchen to witness the punishment. He asked the child what hand he used to steal the oil cap. His father took that hand and placed in directly into gas burner on the stove. He told me he hasn’t stolen anything since that day. He received 3rd degree burns. As a 55 year old man, he still carries that guilt around his neck like a large stone.
You see, guilt feels terrible…we all know that. But a bigger problem is how this ongoing guilt really distorts our view of ourselves and what we were made for, who God wants and is working for us to become. The worst problem is how this ongoing, gnawing guilt really distorts and limits our view of God…makes Him seem impotent to free us…constantly judgmental and angry at us for our transgressions…or demanding perfection and us to constantly work our way back into His “graces”.
We can take our guilt, real or imagined, to the cross. Jesus paid the price in full to set us free from condemnation. The things we did do wrong have consequences, but we can be set free from real or imagined guilt as we receive the wonderful grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, bring your pain and guilt to the cross. Really look at who the God of the Bible is and how His cup of forgiveness always runneth over for you. Let the love and grace of Jesus cleanse you and set you free. Click here to share your perspective on the guilt in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for Your love and grace. I bring my failures and my guilt to You and ask forgiveness. I know that some of the guilt is imagined, but it still haunts me. Help me to leave it at the foot of the cross. Help me to clearly see You and me and respond accordingly, as You designed. Thanks for always giving me second chances. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to forgive my sins and erase my guilt, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Stepping Stones: You Can Triumph Over Fear
Transformational Tip
Fear is a powerful emotion that is difficult to control. It can freeze us in place and make it hard for us to protect ourselves. It attacks our ability to trust. It compromises our ability to relax in relationships. It takes over our thought and decision processes…and we have trouble focusing and learning.
We often repress intense fear. We push it down and cover it up with other emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety. If we grow up with fear as a major organizer of our emotional life, we have difficulty developing trusting relationships. When we do connect with people, we have trouble being natural and genuine.
Are you plagued with fear? Today's scripture makes it clear that God is telling us that we can triumph over fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. He also tells us in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love drives away fear. God's love is perfect, and He loves you. As you grasp hold of that truth, you will be able to trust Him more. When you begin to understand how much He loves you, the power of the things you fear will melt compared to the omnipotence of God. Just like your fear in the thunderstorm melts when your loving parent comes into your dark room and holds you.
Today, talk to God about everything. Believe that He loves you…and thank Him for His love. Only then will you be able to walk in peace, not fear. Remember that this is not a onetime event. We need to daily give all our cares and fears to Him, and commit to trusting in His love. Click here to share your perspective with about why you fear what you fear.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Help me to trust you more, to accept your perfect love. I know that only then can I overcome fear. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sent to forgive my sins and remove my fear, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Fear is a powerful emotion that is difficult to control. It can freeze us in place and make it hard for us to protect ourselves. It attacks our ability to trust. It compromises our ability to relax in relationships. It takes over our thought and decision processes…and we have trouble focusing and learning.
We often repress intense fear. We push it down and cover it up with other emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety. If we grow up with fear as a major organizer of our emotional life, we have difficulty developing trusting relationships. When we do connect with people, we have trouble being natural and genuine.
Are you plagued with fear? Today's scripture makes it clear that God is telling us that we can triumph over fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. He also tells us in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love drives away fear. God's love is perfect, and He loves you. As you grasp hold of that truth, you will be able to trust Him more. When you begin to understand how much He loves you, the power of the things you fear will melt compared to the omnipotence of God. Just like your fear in the thunderstorm melts when your loving parent comes into your dark room and holds you.
Today, talk to God about everything. Believe that He loves you…and thank Him for His love. Only then will you be able to walk in peace, not fear. Remember that this is not a onetime event. We need to daily give all our cares and fears to Him, and commit to trusting in His love. Click here to share your perspective with about why you fear what you fear.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Help me to trust you more, to accept your perfect love. I know that only then can I overcome fear. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sent to forgive my sins and remove my fear, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: Where Is The Grass Greener?
Transformational Tip
When one of my daughters was in elementary school, she saw a friend come in to school with a cast and a temporary wheelchair, then crutches a few days later. She saw all the attention and special privileges showered on her friend so quickly and dramatically, so…my daughter wished she could have an injured leg so she could have that “greener” life on the other side. Maybe that is what the saying means, “green with envy”.
Yesterday, we talked about coveting and today I want to look at coveting from a different angle. Coveting is strongly desiring something that someone else possesses…and desiring it for me-centered and selfish reasons.
The flip side of do not covet what others possess…do be content with what you have. We often spend so much time at looking over the fence at the other yard and wishing our grass was that green, we forget to look at and enjoy the yard we do have. So many wonderful things are in our own backyard and we, unfortunately, get so obsessed with wanting more and not maximizing what we already have. Be grateful for what we have!
When we covet, we are also making the statement that God made a mistake and forgot to give us what we really deserve and should have…that I am worthy of more…that I know the future better than God.
Remember, coveting isn’t yearning to be a better person, it is about not being thankful with what you have, not focusing on how to be a great steward of what you have, with your most important possession being your relationship with God.
Today, Focus on what God has given you and not what He gave to someone else. Specifically commit to not paying attention to what other people have. Repeat after me. “God hasn’t given me that now because I have plenty on my plate, I am not yet equipped to handle it well, it really isn’t good for me-ever, or my focus will be on it and not God.” “My grass really the best shade of green for me.”
Click here to share your perspective of where the grass is greener for you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know you know what is best for me. Forgive my disbelief in Your provision and will for me. Help me to submit to Your plan and timeline. I want to focus on what You have blessed me with and resist the temptation to focus on what others have. Thanks for all you have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who focused on You alone, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.
And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."
But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:3-5, 17-18
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
When one of my daughters was in elementary school, she saw a friend come in to school with a cast and a temporary wheelchair, then crutches a few days later. She saw all the attention and special privileges showered on her friend so quickly and dramatically, so…my daughter wished she could have an injured leg so she could have that “greener” life on the other side. Maybe that is what the saying means, “green with envy”.
Yesterday, we talked about coveting and today I want to look at coveting from a different angle. Coveting is strongly desiring something that someone else possesses…and desiring it for me-centered and selfish reasons.
The flip side of do not covet what others possess…do be content with what you have. We often spend so much time at looking over the fence at the other yard and wishing our grass was that green, we forget to look at and enjoy the yard we do have. So many wonderful things are in our own backyard and we, unfortunately, get so obsessed with wanting more and not maximizing what we already have. Be grateful for what we have!
When we covet, we are also making the statement that God made a mistake and forgot to give us what we really deserve and should have…that I am worthy of more…that I know the future better than God.
Remember, coveting isn’t yearning to be a better person, it is about not being thankful with what you have, not focusing on how to be a great steward of what you have, with your most important possession being your relationship with God.
Today, Focus on what God has given you and not what He gave to someone else. Specifically commit to not paying attention to what other people have. Repeat after me. “God hasn’t given me that now because I have plenty on my plate, I am not yet equipped to handle it well, it really isn’t good for me-ever, or my focus will be on it and not God.” “My grass really the best shade of green for me.”
Click here to share your perspective of where the grass is greener for you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know you know what is best for me. Forgive my disbelief in Your provision and will for me. Help me to submit to Your plan and timeline. I want to focus on what You have blessed me with and resist the temptation to focus on what others have. Thanks for all you have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who focused on You alone, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.
And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."
But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:3-5, 17-18
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Stepping Stones: Focus on Jesus…Not Stuff
Transformational Tip
The tenth commandment focuses on a person's unseen and me-centered motives and desires. Coveting then leads us to break the other nine commandments.
To covet is to wish for enviously, to long for or crave something, especially something that belongs to another person. This includes spouse, real estate, car, position, success, prosperity, and so much more. A covetous person always wants more.
It is not wrong to desire things that will better our lives, in fact, Jesus said He came to bring us life and to bring it abundantly. God brought Israel to the Promised Land of milk and honey (not exactly what I would want, but back then, I guess that was the what they desired).
The commandment and other Bible passages really look at coveting as a strong desire for something we don’t have…but also, the object of our strong desire belongs to someone else.
As we become obsessed with satisfying our earthly needs, we really lose our bearings for what should really be at the center of our heart…our relationship and focus on God. As we grow in and with Him, we will understand more clearly what He wants us to have and how he will provide it. Then we will be able to receive and engage that object of our desire with the right priorities and motivations. Then we will really enjoy it and be grateful to God for His provision.
Satan wants to get us thinking we know exactly what we need, we can get it ourselves, and it doesn’t matter who it belongs to or what we have to do to get it.
We live in an age of instant gratification. Advertising stuff and more stuff… everything from cars to designer clothes to the latest electronic gadgets. But all the stuff in the world cannot bring us peace or lasting joy. Only a growing God through Jesus can ever do that.
Today, keep a Godly perspective. Don't think that more money, stuff, and power will produce happiness. Instead, seek and grow above all else a personal relationship with God, through Jesus. Seek God's plan for your life and you will be content with what He brings into your life. Only then will you find true contentment. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me keep my perspective and not covet anything or anyone. Forgive me for the times I have focused so much on my desire to advance my career…or obtain something…or just having my own way that it distracted me from focusing on You and what Jesus did for me. Thanks for all you have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I will focus on, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Exodus 20:17
Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples.
Habakkuk 2:5
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
The tenth commandment focuses on a person's unseen and me-centered motives and desires. Coveting then leads us to break the other nine commandments.
To covet is to wish for enviously, to long for or crave something, especially something that belongs to another person. This includes spouse, real estate, car, position, success, prosperity, and so much more. A covetous person always wants more.
It is not wrong to desire things that will better our lives, in fact, Jesus said He came to bring us life and to bring it abundantly. God brought Israel to the Promised Land of milk and honey (not exactly what I would want, but back then, I guess that was the what they desired).
The commandment and other Bible passages really look at coveting as a strong desire for something we don’t have…but also, the object of our strong desire belongs to someone else.
As we become obsessed with satisfying our earthly needs, we really lose our bearings for what should really be at the center of our heart…our relationship and focus on God. As we grow in and with Him, we will understand more clearly what He wants us to have and how he will provide it. Then we will be able to receive and engage that object of our desire with the right priorities and motivations. Then we will really enjoy it and be grateful to God for His provision.
Satan wants to get us thinking we know exactly what we need, we can get it ourselves, and it doesn’t matter who it belongs to or what we have to do to get it.
We live in an age of instant gratification. Advertising stuff and more stuff… everything from cars to designer clothes to the latest electronic gadgets. But all the stuff in the world cannot bring us peace or lasting joy. Only a growing God through Jesus can ever do that.
Today, keep a Godly perspective. Don't think that more money, stuff, and power will produce happiness. Instead, seek and grow above all else a personal relationship with God, through Jesus. Seek God's plan for your life and you will be content with what He brings into your life. Only then will you find true contentment. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me keep my perspective and not covet anything or anyone. Forgive me for the times I have focused so much on my desire to advance my career…or obtain something…or just having my own way that it distracted me from focusing on You and what Jesus did for me. Thanks for all you have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I will focus on, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Exodus 20:17
Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. They open their mouths as wide as the grave, and like death, they are never satisfied. In their greed they have gathered up many nations and swallowed many peoples.
Habakkuk 2:5
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Stepping Stones: Life 101: Undivided Faithfulness
Transformational Tip
The Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God and with others. The bottom line is love. Each of these commandments holds a great deal of meaning for our lives today.
The first of the Ten Commandments calls for an undivided faithfulness to God. Because we have been created in God's image, the relationship between God and us is at the very core of our humanly needs and affects everyone.
"Other gods" usually brings to mind a wooden or stone image…or the proclaimed god of another religion. But there are subtler and more prevalent "other gods." Anything that takes our focus off Christ…anything that we devote more time and attention and allegiance to than Jesus…can become our other god. It might be money or sports or sex. It could be our job, a relationship, or even our kids or working in a ministry.
It is so easy to get sidetracked, sometimes even doing good things that we let our personal relationship with the Lord suffer. A periodic self-evaluation and reality check can be enlightening…because if you don’t check and correct, God will be checking and wanting more of you. Life usually gets more acutely uncomfortable to us when He has to show us our “other gods” and take them away than when we find them ourselves, repent, and draw closer to Him.
Today, ask yourself these questions; Am I asking God for guidance…or doing my own thing? Am I trusting in my job, another person, or my own abilities more than I am trusting in the Lord? What are the areas you have the mindset, “my kingdom come my will be done,” instead of “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
If you find that you have wandered off the path, confess, repent, and begin to refocus on Jesus.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community identifying other Gods.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Forgive me for sometimes getting sidetracked and making other things or people a more important part of my life than You are. Thanks for the grace You continue to extend to me even tho I mess up and sadden You by replacing You with other impotent and uncaring pursuits. Help me to refocus on Jesus and my relationship with You and treasure the wealth in it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One to whom I give my undivided faithfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You must not have any other god but me.
Exodus 20:3
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 5:5
The Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God and with others. The bottom line is love. Each of these commandments holds a great deal of meaning for our lives today.
The first of the Ten Commandments calls for an undivided faithfulness to God. Because we have been created in God's image, the relationship between God and us is at the very core of our humanly needs and affects everyone.
"Other gods" usually brings to mind a wooden or stone image…or the proclaimed god of another religion. But there are subtler and more prevalent "other gods." Anything that takes our focus off Christ…anything that we devote more time and attention and allegiance to than Jesus…can become our other god. It might be money or sports or sex. It could be our job, a relationship, or even our kids or working in a ministry.
It is so easy to get sidetracked, sometimes even doing good things that we let our personal relationship with the Lord suffer. A periodic self-evaluation and reality check can be enlightening…because if you don’t check and correct, God will be checking and wanting more of you. Life usually gets more acutely uncomfortable to us when He has to show us our “other gods” and take them away than when we find them ourselves, repent, and draw closer to Him.
Today, ask yourself these questions; Am I asking God for guidance…or doing my own thing? Am I trusting in my job, another person, or my own abilities more than I am trusting in the Lord? What are the areas you have the mindset, “my kingdom come my will be done,” instead of “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
If you find that you have wandered off the path, confess, repent, and begin to refocus on Jesus.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community identifying other Gods.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Forgive me for sometimes getting sidetracked and making other things or people a more important part of my life than You are. Thanks for the grace You continue to extend to me even tho I mess up and sadden You by replacing You with other impotent and uncaring pursuits. Help me to refocus on Jesus and my relationship with You and treasure the wealth in it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One to whom I give my undivided faithfulness, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You must not have any other god but me.
Exodus 20:3
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 5:5
Monday, April 26, 2010
Stepping Stones: Mourn With Those Who Mourn
Transformational Tip
Yesterday, we talked about joy and being able to rejoice in all things. Well, in this world, sad things do happen. It is possible to rejoice and mourn at the same time.
I have lost three close family members over the last few years. I am so thankful for the people God placed alongside me at that time to mourn with me…they truly felt like angels standing with me.
Perhaps you sense God calling you to minister to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death. But how? So often we feel helpless and just don't know what to say. We might even avoid contact with the bereaved person because we are afraid we might say or do the wrong thing.
Before entering this area of ministry, we must recognize that authenticity is essential. We dare not play charades or project false images or unrealistic hopes to the newly bereaving person. We should do some reading; perhaps talk to a pastor, about the phases involved in the process of grieving…not to put the grieving person into a mold, but to better understand some of the stages that most people experience.
It is important to remember that ministering to a bereaving person involves listening more than helping. We cannot tell them what to do…We cannot fix their problem. But we can be with them. Our presence is more important than words. God calls us to come alongside…and mourn with them.
They know we cannot perform miracles and take away their loss or make the pain go away. They are just looking for connection…to not have to walk the path alone…someone to show them hope and dignity…to comfort and hold them when they feel they can’t function independently in this season of their life.
Today, reflect on how you handle the loss of a loved one. What would you want? Has God put a grieving person in your life to reveal Himself to through you? Take action and make that phone call.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community on mourning.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Teach me to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. My tendency is to try and "fix" the problem when someone is hurting. Help me remember that I can't fix the problem…can't speak the right words that will make everything better…but I can be there. I can listen. I can pray. I can mourn with them. May the love and compassion of Jesus flow through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who mourns for and with us, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see."
Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
John 11:34-36
Yesterday, we talked about joy and being able to rejoice in all things. Well, in this world, sad things do happen. It is possible to rejoice and mourn at the same time.
I have lost three close family members over the last few years. I am so thankful for the people God placed alongside me at that time to mourn with me…they truly felt like angels standing with me.
Perhaps you sense God calling you to minister to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death. But how? So often we feel helpless and just don't know what to say. We might even avoid contact with the bereaved person because we are afraid we might say or do the wrong thing.
Before entering this area of ministry, we must recognize that authenticity is essential. We dare not play charades or project false images or unrealistic hopes to the newly bereaving person. We should do some reading; perhaps talk to a pastor, about the phases involved in the process of grieving…not to put the grieving person into a mold, but to better understand some of the stages that most people experience.
It is important to remember that ministering to a bereaving person involves listening more than helping. We cannot tell them what to do…We cannot fix their problem. But we can be with them. Our presence is more important than words. God calls us to come alongside…and mourn with them.
They know we cannot perform miracles and take away their loss or make the pain go away. They are just looking for connection…to not have to walk the path alone…someone to show them hope and dignity…to comfort and hold them when they feel they can’t function independently in this season of their life.
Today, reflect on how you handle the loss of a loved one. What would you want? Has God put a grieving person in your life to reveal Himself to through you? Take action and make that phone call.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community on mourning.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Teach me to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. My tendency is to try and "fix" the problem when someone is hurting. Help me remember that I can't fix the problem…can't speak the right words that will make everything better…but I can be there. I can listen. I can pray. I can mourn with them. May the love and compassion of Jesus flow through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who mourns for and with us, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see."
Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
John 11:34-36
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Stepping Stones: Joy: Always At Your Fingertips
Transformational Tip
Today, I am very proud to introduce our new guest writer, my 15-year-old daughter Nicole Joy, who wrote this for me as a birthday present. Her message:
This past summer, I was really excited to go with so many of my friends on a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic. Being a plan-oriented, list-oriented person, I made an excel spreadsheet checklist for what I was going to bring with exact pants, shorts, and T-shirts for specific days…accessories, and everything.
That’s not even the worst! I color-coded it on where it went in which bag! This might seem extreme but it is the way my brain works. I had everything from scissors to extra pens for people. I am the type of person who never asks anyone for anything because I have it, or doubles. They are always the ones asking me, which I don’t mind at all.
I wonder if you can predict where this story is going.
Before we left Calvary Church at 3:30 AM, we prayed for everything to be safe & go as God planned. We each had a backpack, carry-on bag, suitcase, and we also had a duffel filled with clothes we collected for the kids there. When we got to the airport in Santa Domingo, I was just soaking up the different smell in the air as we walked to the luggage check. That was where we were all helping get the 50+ suitcases off.
I was soon to realize…mine wasn’t there. We looked around everywhere for it, even on other people’s luggage carts! Long story short, after talking to the people that work there to identify what it looked like, we left. On the hour-long bus ride, I was surprisingly not stressed like I thought I would be. I remembered this verse we had memorized in church from James 1:2-4(see below). This is when I realized that with practice in the little things, I had learned from this verse...and it works. I was shocked at how I was acting, but then I realized how God has helped me think. I am really thankful for this.
Plus, the story ends well; I got my suitcase late the next day that had been shipped to Denver!
Today, remember God loves you, is sovereign, all-powerful, and all knowing. He will bring events, opportunities, what we call trials, into our life to grow us. Whatever trial you face today, be thankful and rejoice and change your attitude… lenses…and you will change your stress level and the actual outcome.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community identifying other Gods.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You so much for loving me and growing me…both through good times and “trials”. I want to have the mind of Christ and glorify You in all situations, so others can see You through me. Thanks for being willing to let me be part of Your plan. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who endured the Cross for the joy set before Him, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
Today, I am very proud to introduce our new guest writer, my 15-year-old daughter Nicole Joy, who wrote this for me as a birthday present. Her message:
This past summer, I was really excited to go with so many of my friends on a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic. Being a plan-oriented, list-oriented person, I made an excel spreadsheet checklist for what I was going to bring with exact pants, shorts, and T-shirts for specific days…accessories, and everything.
That’s not even the worst! I color-coded it on where it went in which bag! This might seem extreme but it is the way my brain works. I had everything from scissors to extra pens for people. I am the type of person who never asks anyone for anything because I have it, or doubles. They are always the ones asking me, which I don’t mind at all.
I wonder if you can predict where this story is going.
Before we left Calvary Church at 3:30 AM, we prayed for everything to be safe & go as God planned. We each had a backpack, carry-on bag, suitcase, and we also had a duffel filled with clothes we collected for the kids there. When we got to the airport in Santa Domingo, I was just soaking up the different smell in the air as we walked to the luggage check. That was where we were all helping get the 50+ suitcases off.
I was soon to realize…mine wasn’t there. We looked around everywhere for it, even on other people’s luggage carts! Long story short, after talking to the people that work there to identify what it looked like, we left. On the hour-long bus ride, I was surprisingly not stressed like I thought I would be. I remembered this verse we had memorized in church from James 1:2-4(see below). This is when I realized that with practice in the little things, I had learned from this verse...and it works. I was shocked at how I was acting, but then I realized how God has helped me think. I am really thankful for this.
Plus, the story ends well; I got my suitcase late the next day that had been shipped to Denver!
Today, remember God loves you, is sovereign, all-powerful, and all knowing. He will bring events, opportunities, what we call trials, into our life to grow us. Whatever trial you face today, be thankful and rejoice and change your attitude… lenses…and you will change your stress level and the actual outcome.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community identifying other Gods.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You so much for loving me and growing me…both through good times and “trials”. I want to have the mind of Christ and glorify You in all situations, so others can see You through me. Thanks for being willing to let me be part of Your plan. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who endured the Cross for the joy set before Him, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
Friday, April 23, 2010
Stepping Stones: Choose The Main Course
Transformational Tip
I am a carb lover. Don’t get me wrong, I love meat, too. Give me anything made out of dough and I am in heaven…cake, pasta, perogies, homemade bread, rolls, doughnuts, raw cookie dough, and pie crust.
We went to one of those Brazilian restaurants where they carve the meat straight off the skewer and right onto the plate. All you can eat…and I love it. But before they start parading the meat out to me, they send you to the salad bar with all kinds of breads, pasta salads, seafood salads…so many distractions from the main attraction. I had to stop and focus myself…what was I really there for…the incredible MEAT…”so focus” I needed to tell myself and resist the distractions.
In Luke 10:38-42 the Bible describes a woman who gave into distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha, wanting to be a good hostess, was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in His teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister not helping her, he responded that Mary had chosen the essential thing…time at the feet of Jesus.
Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed, and stressed by those things, she neglected what was really most important.
Are you so busy doing good things, maybe even in ministry, that you are neglecting spending time with Jesus? Try to refocus on him. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with Jesus…in his Word, in prayer and in worship.
Today, choose the main course, don’t get distracted with the appetizers or the desserts. Fill up on the real nourishment that is meant to sustain you. examine your schedule and priorities. Are you making time for and motivated by your relationship with God? If not, you are filling up on scraps and your joy and peace will reflect that.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about making the main course a priority.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do's" that I sometimes neglect spending time with You. Help me to refocus…to choose the main course. Give me discernment regarding those things that so closely mimic the real thing, but lead me astray. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who you sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.
Luke 10:42
I am a carb lover. Don’t get me wrong, I love meat, too. Give me anything made out of dough and I am in heaven…cake, pasta, perogies, homemade bread, rolls, doughnuts, raw cookie dough, and pie crust.
We went to one of those Brazilian restaurants where they carve the meat straight off the skewer and right onto the plate. All you can eat…and I love it. But before they start parading the meat out to me, they send you to the salad bar with all kinds of breads, pasta salads, seafood salads…so many distractions from the main attraction. I had to stop and focus myself…what was I really there for…the incredible MEAT…”so focus” I needed to tell myself and resist the distractions.
In Luke 10:38-42 the Bible describes a woman who gave into distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha, wanting to be a good hostess, was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in His teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister not helping her, he responded that Mary had chosen the essential thing…time at the feet of Jesus.
Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed, and stressed by those things, she neglected what was really most important.
Are you so busy doing good things, maybe even in ministry, that you are neglecting spending time with Jesus? Try to refocus on him. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with Jesus…in his Word, in prayer and in worship.
Today, choose the main course, don’t get distracted with the appetizers or the desserts. Fill up on the real nourishment that is meant to sustain you. examine your schedule and priorities. Are you making time for and motivated by your relationship with God? If not, you are filling up on scraps and your joy and peace will reflect that.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about making the main course a priority.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do's" that I sometimes neglect spending time with You. Help me to refocus…to choose the main course. Give me discernment regarding those things that so closely mimic the real thing, but lead me astray. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who you sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.
Luke 10:42
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: Tug of War
Transformational Tip
Spring is now in full swing. What a fun and exciting time of year it is. . So many activities in so many areas of life. School events, spring sports, house projects, outdoor yard work and gardening, outdoor sports and activities, church events, small group socials, retreats, work projects, ministry opportunities, usual activities with extended family, movies, plays, family night, or just hanging out. Then there is the planning for summer vacations, camps, mission trips, day trips, relaxation and catching up with what we are behind in. Wow!
We have five people in our family, so multiply the above list by five. But most of the time in our family, we have different likes and interests. Our choices are in conflict because we have competing agendas.
Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you?
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today there seems to be more than ever to distract us from the pursuit of a close personal relationship with Him. We often find ourselves torn between our agenda and His desires for us. Guarding the inner fire…the passion for Christ…is a great challenge of the twenty-first century.
Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones, and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these activities…unless we allow them to distract us from our personal relationship with God.
Today, take an honest look at your priorities. I mean, really look with the intention of taking action on your findings. Make a pro/con list for present and better prioritization. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off Him. Ask for His forgiveness and His help in making Him first in your life. You will be amazed at how nicely the rest of your life will play out.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with you. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with you. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget you are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make you first in my life each day. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Spring is now in full swing. What a fun and exciting time of year it is. . So many activities in so many areas of life. School events, spring sports, house projects, outdoor yard work and gardening, outdoor sports and activities, church events, small group socials, retreats, work projects, ministry opportunities, usual activities with extended family, movies, plays, family night, or just hanging out. Then there is the planning for summer vacations, camps, mission trips, day trips, relaxation and catching up with what we are behind in. Wow!
We have five people in our family, so multiply the above list by five. But most of the time in our family, we have different likes and interests. Our choices are in conflict because we have competing agendas.
Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you?
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today there seems to be more than ever to distract us from the pursuit of a close personal relationship with Him. We often find ourselves torn between our agenda and His desires for us. Guarding the inner fire…the passion for Christ…is a great challenge of the twenty-first century.
Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones, and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these activities…unless we allow them to distract us from our personal relationship with God.
Today, take an honest look at your priorities. I mean, really look with the intention of taking action on your findings. Make a pro/con list for present and better prioritization. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off Him. Ask for His forgiveness and His help in making Him first in your life. You will be amazed at how nicely the rest of your life will play out.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with you. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with you. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget you are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make you first in my life each day. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: Leaning Is Powerful
Transformational Tip
A few years back I found myself in a very bad place. My world was crumbling around me. Two mature Christian men, one new friend and one old, taught me how to lean on them…to prop myself up with their strength in my time of extreme weakness.
Christians…those growing in their relationship to the Father…gradually mature in their ability to lean. Leaning is not something that comes easily to many of us. Our stubborn independence causes us to view leaning as a sign of weakness. However, the Bible makes it clear that leaning is one of the marks of a real Christian.
Christians lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and learn to lean on God and trust in his wisdom and goodness. As we begin to lean on God instead of ourselves, we soon realize that His way is always the best way. Christians lean into God's divine purpose. As Christians, our greatest desire should be to accomplish God's purpose in our lives.
Christians also lean on each other. Independence is not always admirable; however, interdependence is a biblical principle that carries the idea of mutual healthy dependency. Christians understand the value of community…engage in it…and contribute to it.
Today, begin leaning on God. Be willing to accept help from other people. Stop carrying the "I can do it myself" to an extreme.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about who you lean on or let lean on you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for placing people in my life, safe people that I can lean on. I pray Father that You will help me to listen to Your voice in everything I do. Teach me to accept help from You and from other people You send to me. I pray that pride won't get in my way and I'll be willing to ask for help. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who depended on You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!
Proverbs 3:5-7
A few years back I found myself in a very bad place. My world was crumbling around me. Two mature Christian men, one new friend and one old, taught me how to lean on them…to prop myself up with their strength in my time of extreme weakness.
Christians…those growing in their relationship to the Father…gradually mature in their ability to lean. Leaning is not something that comes easily to many of us. Our stubborn independence causes us to view leaning as a sign of weakness. However, the Bible makes it clear that leaning is one of the marks of a real Christian.
Christians lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and learn to lean on God and trust in his wisdom and goodness. As we begin to lean on God instead of ourselves, we soon realize that His way is always the best way. Christians lean into God's divine purpose. As Christians, our greatest desire should be to accomplish God's purpose in our lives.
Christians also lean on each other. Independence is not always admirable; however, interdependence is a biblical principle that carries the idea of mutual healthy dependency. Christians understand the value of community…engage in it…and contribute to it.
Today, begin leaning on God. Be willing to accept help from other people. Stop carrying the "I can do it myself" to an extreme.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about who you lean on or let lean on you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for placing people in my life, safe people that I can lean on. I pray Father that You will help me to listen to Your voice in everything I do. Teach me to accept help from You and from other people You send to me. I pray that pride won't get in my way and I'll be willing to ask for help. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who depended on You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!
Proverbs 3:5-7
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Stepping Stones: Truth Is Bliss
Transformational Tip
I once heard the simple definition of intelligence as the “ability to learn.” A trait that we should develop in our lives…having a desire to learn. Contrary to the old saying, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance of God's Word can bring about serious mistakes and heartache. Learning the Word of God provides us with power, peace, principles to live by…when we do, we glorify God and that is our purpose in life.
Today, make a commitment to learning more from the Bible. You could begin by setting up a plan of regular reading if you don't already have one. Even if you are already reading the Word regularly, perhaps some of these suggestions will help:
Read for transformation. It's true that we gain valuable information from the Bible, but the key is for the information to become a part of us and bring about transformation in our lives. Read while specifically focusing on the content and what it says about your decision-making skills.
Read reflectively. Be more concerned about quality of reading than quantity. Take time to think about what you are reading and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
Learning from God's Word should be our priority, but we can also learn from books, Bible study groups, Sunday school, small group discussions and one on one discussion with those Christians God has placed on our pathway. Ask God to guide you on your exciting path of transformation.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community how and why you dive into His Holy Bible.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to truly turn my heart to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and learning. I don’t just want to be a cool spiritual library, filled with more knowledge, help me be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and teaching of how to apply this knowledge into Godly living. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5
Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:8-11
I once heard the simple definition of intelligence as the “ability to learn.” A trait that we should develop in our lives…having a desire to learn. Contrary to the old saying, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance of God's Word can bring about serious mistakes and heartache. Learning the Word of God provides us with power, peace, principles to live by…when we do, we glorify God and that is our purpose in life.
Today, make a commitment to learning more from the Bible. You could begin by setting up a plan of regular reading if you don't already have one. Even if you are already reading the Word regularly, perhaps some of these suggestions will help:
Read for transformation. It's true that we gain valuable information from the Bible, but the key is for the information to become a part of us and bring about transformation in our lives. Read while specifically focusing on the content and what it says about your decision-making skills.
Read reflectively. Be more concerned about quality of reading than quantity. Take time to think about what you are reading and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
Learning from God's Word should be our priority, but we can also learn from books, Bible study groups, Sunday school, small group discussions and one on one discussion with those Christians God has placed on our pathway. Ask God to guide you on your exciting path of transformation.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community how and why you dive into His Holy Bible.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to truly turn my heart to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and learning. I don’t just want to be a cool spiritual library, filled with more knowledge, help me be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and teaching of how to apply this knowledge into Godly living. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5
Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:8-11
Monday, April 19, 2010
Stepping Stones: To Laugh!
Transformational Tip
Spring is here…so many great changes…life…energy…color…activity. One of the best elements of spring…summer is right around the corner. Summer is my favorite time of year...hot weather, the beach, and the family trip to Dorney Park which is our local adventure and water park.
My girls and I love the roller coasters but each one of them had to make the transition from fear to amazement and joy.
There are some real characteristics that should be evidenced as we pursue our relationship with God and draw closer to Him. Joy is one of those characteristics.
Christianity is joyful and Joy is good for your health…physically, emotionally, and spiritually. During difficult times, we might not always have laughter, but God provides joy in all of our circumstances. The Bible describes practical steps to joy and ways to laugh more.
Try to stop taking yourself so seriously! Take time for laughter, for fellowship. Learn to enjoy yourself. Start each day out by rejoicing. Thank God for another day. Thank him for the opportunities ahead of you. Thank him for his love.
Involve happy people in your life. Smiling faces make you feel happy. Laughter is contagious.
You see, just like the rollercoaster, once we get past out fears, joy is abundant. Once we realize the designer and the operator is in control and we will be fine, we enjoy the ride and it is exhilarating. God is the ultimate rollercoaster operator…He has put ups and downs, but it is designed for our growth and joy. Paul realized this and this is why Paul was joyful in all circumstances. He knew how the ride would end and enjoyed it…at all times.
Today, simplify your life in order to enjoy God's goodness. Examine what you fear and why. When you can trust God, you will be free of fear and joy will be abundant in all circumstances. Sometimes we all get so involved in our "to-do" lists and worrying about tomorrow that we never enjoy the moment. Remember the old adage: Take time to smell the roses!
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about fear and worry robbing your joy.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for providing joy in every circumstance. Help me to experience a cheerful heart in every circumstance. Help me to walk in Your freedom and to laugh often. Build my trust in You so I can live free of fear and embrace all You sovereignly bring into my life for my growth. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who is the true source of all joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
Proverbs 17:22
Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
Exodus 14:12,13
Spring is here…so many great changes…life…energy…color…activity. One of the best elements of spring…summer is right around the corner. Summer is my favorite time of year...hot weather, the beach, and the family trip to Dorney Park which is our local adventure and water park.
My girls and I love the roller coasters but each one of them had to make the transition from fear to amazement and joy.
There are some real characteristics that should be evidenced as we pursue our relationship with God and draw closer to Him. Joy is one of those characteristics.
Christianity is joyful and Joy is good for your health…physically, emotionally, and spiritually. During difficult times, we might not always have laughter, but God provides joy in all of our circumstances. The Bible describes practical steps to joy and ways to laugh more.
Try to stop taking yourself so seriously! Take time for laughter, for fellowship. Learn to enjoy yourself. Start each day out by rejoicing. Thank God for another day. Thank him for the opportunities ahead of you. Thank him for his love.
Involve happy people in your life. Smiling faces make you feel happy. Laughter is contagious.
You see, just like the rollercoaster, once we get past out fears, joy is abundant. Once we realize the designer and the operator is in control and we will be fine, we enjoy the ride and it is exhilarating. God is the ultimate rollercoaster operator…He has put ups and downs, but it is designed for our growth and joy. Paul realized this and this is why Paul was joyful in all circumstances. He knew how the ride would end and enjoyed it…at all times.
Today, simplify your life in order to enjoy God's goodness. Examine what you fear and why. When you can trust God, you will be free of fear and joy will be abundant in all circumstances. Sometimes we all get so involved in our "to-do" lists and worrying about tomorrow that we never enjoy the moment. Remember the old adage: Take time to smell the roses!
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about fear and worry robbing your joy.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for providing joy in every circumstance. Help me to experience a cheerful heart in every circumstance. Help me to walk in Your freedom and to laugh often. Build my trust in You so I can live free of fear and embrace all You sovereignly bring into my life for my growth. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who is the true source of all joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
Proverbs 17:22
Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
Exodus 14:12,13
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Stepping Stones: It Really Is A Choice
Transformational Tip
Aging may bring the loss of mobility, hearing, sight, sex, independence, cognitive ability, friends and loved ones…and other cherished abilities and treasures. Each of us has a choice how we will react to these losses.
We might choose depression, becoming overwhelmed with a sense of being useless, but even worse, being a burden to others. We might choose anger and resentment because of the loss of control and independence. However, if we choose to dwell on what we no longer have or no longer can do, then we will miss the great opportunities still open to us.
Although it is normal to grieve our losses, we can choose to concentrate on the relationships, abilities and opportunities that are still ours.
These words from Paul can be an encouragement to us as we go through the aging process ourselves or care for our parents: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13
You might think, I’m not old, so this doesn’t apply to me, but I’ll pass it to an old person I know. Well, the way you handle getting older will be determined by how you “practiced” handling loss during your age 10-55.
Today, try not to focus on losses…that’s an entitled mind set. Focus on thankfulness for what you do have, concentrate on Jesus, knowing that He will enable us (and our parents) to still serve Him…and to bless others.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about dealing with losses.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to dwell on the positive in this season of my life…the good, not the bad, what I can do…not what I am unable to do. Guide all aging parents to focus on the positives in their lives, and guide us younger ones to practice these skills now. I thank You that we can pray in the name of and do all things through Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Philippians 4:8
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Deuteronomy 30:19,20
Aging may bring the loss of mobility, hearing, sight, sex, independence, cognitive ability, friends and loved ones…and other cherished abilities and treasures. Each of us has a choice how we will react to these losses.
We might choose depression, becoming overwhelmed with a sense of being useless, but even worse, being a burden to others. We might choose anger and resentment because of the loss of control and independence. However, if we choose to dwell on what we no longer have or no longer can do, then we will miss the great opportunities still open to us.
Although it is normal to grieve our losses, we can choose to concentrate on the relationships, abilities and opportunities that are still ours.
These words from Paul can be an encouragement to us as we go through the aging process ourselves or care for our parents: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13
You might think, I’m not old, so this doesn’t apply to me, but I’ll pass it to an old person I know. Well, the way you handle getting older will be determined by how you “practiced” handling loss during your age 10-55.
Today, try not to focus on losses…that’s an entitled mind set. Focus on thankfulness for what you do have, concentrate on Jesus, knowing that He will enable us (and our parents) to still serve Him…and to bless others.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about dealing with losses.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to dwell on the positive in this season of my life…the good, not the bad, what I can do…not what I am unable to do. Guide all aging parents to focus on the positives in their lives, and guide us younger ones to practice these skills now. I thank You that we can pray in the name of and do all things through Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Philippians 4:8
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Deuteronomy 30:19,20
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Stepping Stones: For What Is Seen Is Temporary…
Transformational Tip
Like most people, I love this time of year. Springtime is awesome…longer days…warmer weather…more sun…outdoor activities…more energy…more color…and life abounding everywhere. All this is even grander when contrasted to the elements of winter. I am continually amazed at the cycle and uniqueness of the seasons God designed.
Human life has a natural cycle that has existed since the time of Adam and Eve. It is wise to recognize the seasons of life…including aging and death…and to gracefully accept their effect on us.
During our lives, circumstances are always changing. When these changes are beyond our control, we must graciously accept what comes our way. Whether the season is pleasant or painful, it is good to remember that only one season is permanent…that season comes after we die and leave this temporary earthly residence.
The true person we are, the inner person, can grow stronger even while our physical person is wasting away. God is completing the work He started in us, and that complete, ultimate state is for eternity.
Today, remember the time we and our loved ones spend in physical, emotional, psychological, and relational discomfort in these bodies is nothing compared to the eternity we will spend in perfect wholeness in God's presence. Also, understand that the discomfort is one of the necessary seasons we need to pass through to get to the final, completed, season of perfection in eternity. Thank You God!
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community on what season you are in and how it is growing you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, guide me through the seasons of life and help me trust you through each one. Help my parents…and all those with physical sufferings…and me…to have an eternal perspective. Help me submit to Your perfect knowledge in bringing my present season and the difficult seasons in to my life. Help me maximize my growth in those seasons to glorify You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me about eternity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
Like most people, I love this time of year. Springtime is awesome…longer days…warmer weather…more sun…outdoor activities…more energy…more color…and life abounding everywhere. All this is even grander when contrasted to the elements of winter. I am continually amazed at the cycle and uniqueness of the seasons God designed.
Human life has a natural cycle that has existed since the time of Adam and Eve. It is wise to recognize the seasons of life…including aging and death…and to gracefully accept their effect on us.
During our lives, circumstances are always changing. When these changes are beyond our control, we must graciously accept what comes our way. Whether the season is pleasant or painful, it is good to remember that only one season is permanent…that season comes after we die and leave this temporary earthly residence.
The true person we are, the inner person, can grow stronger even while our physical person is wasting away. God is completing the work He started in us, and that complete, ultimate state is for eternity.
Today, remember the time we and our loved ones spend in physical, emotional, psychological, and relational discomfort in these bodies is nothing compared to the eternity we will spend in perfect wholeness in God's presence. Also, understand that the discomfort is one of the necessary seasons we need to pass through to get to the final, completed, season of perfection in eternity. Thank You God!
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community on what season you are in and how it is growing you.
Prayer
Dear Father God, guide me through the seasons of life and help me trust you through each one. Help my parents…and all those with physical sufferings…and me…to have an eternal perspective. Help me submit to Your perfect knowledge in bringing my present season and the difficult seasons in to my life. Help me maximize my growth in those seasons to glorify You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me about eternity, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
Friday, April 16, 2010
Stepping Stones: Good News! Somebody Does Listen and Understand
Transformational Tip
Do you sometimes feel as though nobody is listening or understands what you are experiencing?
I was at a church a few weeks ago the church was discussing praises and prayer requests. An older lady offered a praise from a week early when we had some terrible storms and lots of damage in the area. She had a big, old tree very close to her house that wasn’t going to last the storm. The group prayed for nobody to be hurt anad no damage to the house. Sure enough she woke up the next day and the tree, against the odds of the way it was leaning, fell away from the house, damaging nothing. She was happy God heard her prayers.
It is great that God prevented damage, but the dangerous assumption is: “Good” outcome means God hears our prayers, “Bad” outcome means God didn’t hear our prayer.
Good news! Someone is listening and does understand. God hears all our prayers and knows exactly what we are going through and need. The Bible tells us that God is compassionate. He has a sympathetic understanding of what you are going through and he wants to ease your burden and free you from the load you carry. He is dependable. He is always there for you. He will never leave you alone. God's love has no limit or conditions and never fails, no matter what your circumstances.
You have many challenges to face, but you don't have to face them alone.
Today, talk to God about your feelings and your fears. As you spend time in the Bible, you will be comforted. You will learn that God is your refuge in your trouble. He offers strength and help. He is ever-present. He cares for you. He wants to carry your anxiety. He will give you peace.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for Your promise to be with me, no matter what. Thank You for understanding and caring. Because circumstances don’t work out the way I want them to, I mistakenly interpret that You don’t love me, don’t care, or are just too busy with more important people and issues. Help me resist this me centered thinking and lie, and open my eyes to Your truth. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to deliver the good news, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble.
Nahum 1:7
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
Psalm 59:16
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Do you sometimes feel as though nobody is listening or understands what you are experiencing?
I was at a church a few weeks ago the church was discussing praises and prayer requests. An older lady offered a praise from a week early when we had some terrible storms and lots of damage in the area. She had a big, old tree very close to her house that wasn’t going to last the storm. The group prayed for nobody to be hurt anad no damage to the house. Sure enough she woke up the next day and the tree, against the odds of the way it was leaning, fell away from the house, damaging nothing. She was happy God heard her prayers.
It is great that God prevented damage, but the dangerous assumption is: “Good” outcome means God hears our prayers, “Bad” outcome means God didn’t hear our prayer.
Good news! Someone is listening and does understand. God hears all our prayers and knows exactly what we are going through and need. The Bible tells us that God is compassionate. He has a sympathetic understanding of what you are going through and he wants to ease your burden and free you from the load you carry. He is dependable. He is always there for you. He will never leave you alone. God's love has no limit or conditions and never fails, no matter what your circumstances.
You have many challenges to face, but you don't have to face them alone.
Today, talk to God about your feelings and your fears. As you spend time in the Bible, you will be comforted. You will learn that God is your refuge in your trouble. He offers strength and help. He is ever-present. He cares for you. He wants to carry your anxiety. He will give you peace.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for Your promise to be with me, no matter what. Thank You for understanding and caring. Because circumstances don’t work out the way I want them to, I mistakenly interpret that You don’t love me, don’t care, or are just too busy with more important people and issues. Help me resist this me centered thinking and lie, and open my eyes to Your truth. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to deliver the good news, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble.
Nahum 1:7
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
Psalm 59:16
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Stepping Stone: New Creation in Christ
Transformational Tip
Our childhood experiences contribute to our present makeup, as does our biogenetic and spiritual history. In our struggle to overcome depression, we need to remember that while our psychological and biogenetic past cannot be changed, the way we view it can be changed as God changes our spiritual condition. (Thank You God)
If we draw our identity from the negative symptom cluster around us (feelings of angry, helpless, hopeless, isolated, and perhaps even suicidal) rather than from our true identity as a "new creation in Christ Jesus," then indeed we are continually being sucked into a black hole of despair, and we are easily trapped in a self-reinforcing belief system about ourselves: I'm worthless, there is no hope. And by the way…this is exactly where Satan would like us to be.
Healing can begin to come when we recognize that our problem is not anger or childhood abuse or even "depression," but our lenses that view us based our misinterpretations and distortions of our past and the world’s system. This will just re-enforce a self-identity of a worthless, inadequate, disconnected, incompetent person.
Only when we let the power of the Christmas and the Cross form our lenses will we learn our new identity based on the truth of God's Word. When our lives begin to revolve around a self-identity that is based on faith and guided by the Bible, we can begin to overcome depression.
Today, instead of seeing ourselves as worthless, we can begin to view ourselves as a child of God, a shining star, His chosen and beloved. Now the characteristics revolving around our new self-identity based on our faith in Christ can include surrender to God's purposes...kindness...pure love...goodness...reaching for truth...courage and fortitude...and a determination to keep going based on who God is, not on who we are. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about our identity in God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to stop focusing on the swirling symptoms of depression that surround me like debris around a black hole. Help me instead to focus on Jesus and what He has done for me. Help me to remember that I am a new creation in Him. Please help me break this narcissism of a me-centered view instead of a God-centered view of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to give me hope, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Our childhood experiences contribute to our present makeup, as does our biogenetic and spiritual history. In our struggle to overcome depression, we need to remember that while our psychological and biogenetic past cannot be changed, the way we view it can be changed as God changes our spiritual condition. (Thank You God)
If we draw our identity from the negative symptom cluster around us (feelings of angry, helpless, hopeless, isolated, and perhaps even suicidal) rather than from our true identity as a "new creation in Christ Jesus," then indeed we are continually being sucked into a black hole of despair, and we are easily trapped in a self-reinforcing belief system about ourselves: I'm worthless, there is no hope. And by the way…this is exactly where Satan would like us to be.
Healing can begin to come when we recognize that our problem is not anger or childhood abuse or even "depression," but our lenses that view us based our misinterpretations and distortions of our past and the world’s system. This will just re-enforce a self-identity of a worthless, inadequate, disconnected, incompetent person.
Only when we let the power of the Christmas and the Cross form our lenses will we learn our new identity based on the truth of God's Word. When our lives begin to revolve around a self-identity that is based on faith and guided by the Bible, we can begin to overcome depression.
Today, instead of seeing ourselves as worthless, we can begin to view ourselves as a child of God, a shining star, His chosen and beloved. Now the characteristics revolving around our new self-identity based on our faith in Christ can include surrender to God's purposes...kindness...pure love...goodness...reaching for truth...courage and fortitude...and a determination to keep going based on who God is, not on who we are. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about our identity in God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to stop focusing on the swirling symptoms of depression that surround me like debris around a black hole. Help me instead to focus on Jesus and what He has done for me. Help me to remember that I am a new creation in Him. Please help me break this narcissism of a me-centered view instead of a God-centered view of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to give me hope, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Stepping Stones: Black Hole of Depression
Transformational Tip
Clinical depression is an illness that affects 20% of Americans, that’s almost 50 million and is still relatively misunderstood. People experiencing severe depression find it hard to believe, deep down, that there are good things about themselves. They are trapped between a rock and a hard place, between a deep desire to be affirmed as "good" and a deep feeling of not being very good at all…actually being worthless with no reason to go on.
The Apostle Paul declared that "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) But depression causes many of us to miss or even reject the free gift of God: a new identity as a good and righteous person.
Astronomers tell us there are swirling whirlpools in the universe with a powerful magnetic pull that does not allow light to escape from within them. Black holes, therefore, cannot be seen, but their existence can be identified by the debris that revolves around them. In the same way, we cannot see into the heart of another person, but we can tell the condition of the heart by observing the things that revolve around that person's life.
If we are suffering from depression, those revolving things might include feeling angry, helpless, hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal. All of these revolve around a black hole, a self-identity of being worthless. The "trap" occurs when we allow our attention to be distracted primarily by the things revolving around our heart rather than focusing on the condition of the heart itself. The stepping stones out of this trap is a process of learning a new identity, one based on the truth of God's Word, rather than on a lie.
Today, examine your heart. You can improve your mood by changing how you look at life. Your lenses really show what is at the center of your heart. Really knowing God and trusting His promises will clean your lenses, giving you eyes that see the truth. Seeing things from God’s perspective will do wonders for your mood. Begin the process of putting on the new nature (the regenerated self) created in God's image, in true righteousness and holiness, transformed by the blood of Christ. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community your views of depression.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I see myself as worthless, but Your Word tells me that as Your child, I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Help me to accept my new identity as a good and righteous person…to see myself as You see me. Show me the stepping stones to becoming the regenerated self. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sees all the best in me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new nature created in God's image, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:23-24
Clinical depression is an illness that affects 20% of Americans, that’s almost 50 million and is still relatively misunderstood. People experiencing severe depression find it hard to believe, deep down, that there are good things about themselves. They are trapped between a rock and a hard place, between a deep desire to be affirmed as "good" and a deep feeling of not being very good at all…actually being worthless with no reason to go on.
The Apostle Paul declared that "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) But depression causes many of us to miss or even reject the free gift of God: a new identity as a good and righteous person.
Astronomers tell us there are swirling whirlpools in the universe with a powerful magnetic pull that does not allow light to escape from within them. Black holes, therefore, cannot be seen, but their existence can be identified by the debris that revolves around them. In the same way, we cannot see into the heart of another person, but we can tell the condition of the heart by observing the things that revolve around that person's life.
If we are suffering from depression, those revolving things might include feeling angry, helpless, hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal. All of these revolve around a black hole, a self-identity of being worthless. The "trap" occurs when we allow our attention to be distracted primarily by the things revolving around our heart rather than focusing on the condition of the heart itself. The stepping stones out of this trap is a process of learning a new identity, one based on the truth of God's Word, rather than on a lie.
Today, examine your heart. You can improve your mood by changing how you look at life. Your lenses really show what is at the center of your heart. Really knowing God and trusting His promises will clean your lenses, giving you eyes that see the truth. Seeing things from God’s perspective will do wonders for your mood. Begin the process of putting on the new nature (the regenerated self) created in God's image, in true righteousness and holiness, transformed by the blood of Christ. Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community your views of depression.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I see myself as worthless, but Your Word tells me that as Your child, I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Help me to accept my new identity as a good and righteous person…to see myself as You see me. Show me the stepping stones to becoming the regenerated self. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sees all the best in me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new nature created in God's image, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:23-24
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Stepping Stones: The Law Of Diminishing Returns
Transformational Tip
Some people involved in pornography think that pursuing sex is frivolous or will bring fulfillment, but the law of diminishing returns prevents them from finding contentment. This law is the idea that what satisfies today does not satisfy as much tomorrow, and even less the next time, and so on. They experience a continually increasing appetite for more, an appetite that is satisfied less and less and ultimately, never satisfied.
People may begin by visiting a pornographic website just out of curiosity or watching an x-rated movie with friends "just to be good company." An occasional look often escalates to a daily habit. This habit can grow from viewing Internet sites or movies to magazines to hard-core pornography and then progressing to deviant behaviors. Nothing ever really satisfies, so then there is always a desire for more, with the hope that more will satisfy.
Most people are ashamed and embarrassed to admit their addiction to pornography. Christians may think that they are the only one in their church who has fallen into the trap. But statistics show differently. Sadly, a large percentage of Christians, and even pastors, are struggling with or addicted to pornography.
Today, if you or someone you know is addicted to pornography, it is important to step beyond that shame and embarrassment that keep the sin hidden. An addiction built on lies can only be overcome with truth. Truth to yourself about your addiction. Truth to someone you trust, admitting you need help. Truth to Jesus about your sin and your need for His help.
Jesus loves you. He will forgive you and wants to help you. Trust Him…He will show you the way and He will be your strength.
PS. For you, if lust is not your vice, substitute the item you use to replace God. Food…caffeine…anger…control…people-pleasing…guilt…work/productivity…kids… money…status…education…toys…substances…tattoos/piercing…relationships… endless list.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for my sins. Help me to be honest about my problems. I thank You for treating me much better than I deserve. I thank You that Jesus paid the price for my sins. Give me the wisdom, the humility and the strength to overcome my weakness. Help me turn to You for satisfaction and fullness of life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sees all the best in me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Romans 3:23-24
Some people involved in pornography think that pursuing sex is frivolous or will bring fulfillment, but the law of diminishing returns prevents them from finding contentment. This law is the idea that what satisfies today does not satisfy as much tomorrow, and even less the next time, and so on. They experience a continually increasing appetite for more, an appetite that is satisfied less and less and ultimately, never satisfied.
People may begin by visiting a pornographic website just out of curiosity or watching an x-rated movie with friends "just to be good company." An occasional look often escalates to a daily habit. This habit can grow from viewing Internet sites or movies to magazines to hard-core pornography and then progressing to deviant behaviors. Nothing ever really satisfies, so then there is always a desire for more, with the hope that more will satisfy.
Most people are ashamed and embarrassed to admit their addiction to pornography. Christians may think that they are the only one in their church who has fallen into the trap. But statistics show differently. Sadly, a large percentage of Christians, and even pastors, are struggling with or addicted to pornography.
Today, if you or someone you know is addicted to pornography, it is important to step beyond that shame and embarrassment that keep the sin hidden. An addiction built on lies can only be overcome with truth. Truth to yourself about your addiction. Truth to someone you trust, admitting you need help. Truth to Jesus about your sin and your need for His help.
Jesus loves you. He will forgive you and wants to help you. Trust Him…He will show you the way and He will be your strength.
PS. For you, if lust is not your vice, substitute the item you use to replace God. Food…caffeine…anger…control…people-pleasing…guilt…work/productivity…kids… money…status…education…toys…substances…tattoos/piercing…relationships… endless list.
Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community.
Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for my sins. Help me to be honest about my problems. I thank You for treating me much better than I deserve. I thank You that Jesus paid the price for my sins. Give me the wisdom, the humility and the strength to overcome my weakness. Help me turn to You for satisfaction and fullness of life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sees all the best in me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Romans 3:23-24
Monday, April 12, 2010
Stepping Stones: “You Did It, Why Can’t I”
Transformational Tip
Some mothers prepare their teenage daughters for premarital sexual activities by helping them with birth control plans. They may feel guilty asking their teenage daughters to abstain from sex outside of marriage, especially if they did not. Likewise, some fathers may allow their teenage sons to drink alcohol…after all, they did when they were teens…how can they say "no?"
No matter what mistakes we may have made, that is history. If we have received Jesus' forgiveness, the past is past. This is today…and God is calling us today to train our children in the way they should go. The way that is pleasing to Him.
Because you broke rules and made mistakes does not mean that your children should follow the same pattern. It is vital that you learn from your wrongdoing and receive Christ's forgiveness. Then God calls you to love your children enough to teach them the right way…God's way.
But for your message to have real impact on them you need to do 3 things:
1. Not just tell them the right decision to make, but live it.
2. Understand the reasons why those behaviors aren’t good and explain these to your child. Your explanations need to go deeper than “the bible says so” or “because you’ll get in trouble”.
3. Start equipping them with a concrete strategy for them to become better decision-makers. Teach them decision-making science with the rewards and consequences physiologically(their brain), psychologically(their personality), and spiritually(connection to God) of their decisions.
Today, remember you don't have to do it alone. Ask God for the courage, the strength, and the wisdom to train your children in the way they should go. Do some self-assessment and see how you are discipling decision-making skills in those God gave to you to mentor. WITHIN REACH is a unique and valuable resource teaching the importance and process of crappy decision-making and great decision-making.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the challenges of Christian parenting.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to guide and disciple my children so that they won't make the same mistakes that I did. Help me to train them in the way they should go. Help me understand the how You designed me and why I make the decisions I make. Help me learn how to make Godly decisions and teach these principles and motivations to my children, I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to train me in the way I should go, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is within your reach.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:10-11, 19-20
Some mothers prepare their teenage daughters for premarital sexual activities by helping them with birth control plans. They may feel guilty asking their teenage daughters to abstain from sex outside of marriage, especially if they did not. Likewise, some fathers may allow their teenage sons to drink alcohol…after all, they did when they were teens…how can they say "no?"
No matter what mistakes we may have made, that is history. If we have received Jesus' forgiveness, the past is past. This is today…and God is calling us today to train our children in the way they should go. The way that is pleasing to Him.
Because you broke rules and made mistakes does not mean that your children should follow the same pattern. It is vital that you learn from your wrongdoing and receive Christ's forgiveness. Then God calls you to love your children enough to teach them the right way…God's way.
But for your message to have real impact on them you need to do 3 things:
1. Not just tell them the right decision to make, but live it.
2. Understand the reasons why those behaviors aren’t good and explain these to your child. Your explanations need to go deeper than “the bible says so” or “because you’ll get in trouble”.
3. Start equipping them with a concrete strategy for them to become better decision-makers. Teach them decision-making science with the rewards and consequences physiologically(their brain), psychologically(their personality), and spiritually(connection to God) of their decisions.
Today, remember you don't have to do it alone. Ask God for the courage, the strength, and the wisdom to train your children in the way they should go. Do some self-assessment and see how you are discipling decision-making skills in those God gave to you to mentor. WITHIN REACH is a unique and valuable resource teaching the importance and process of crappy decision-making and great decision-making.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the challenges of Christian parenting.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to guide and disciple my children so that they won't make the same mistakes that I did. Help me to train them in the way they should go. Help me understand the how You designed me and why I make the decisions I make. Help me learn how to make Godly decisions and teach these principles and motivations to my children, I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to train me in the way I should go, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is within your reach.
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:10-11, 19-20
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Stepping Stones: What You Hiding From?
Transformational Tip
Today's Scripture is much more lengthy than usual, but it expresses so beautifully the despair that so many of us experience…the despair that comes with hiding our sins from God…and the great freedom we experience when we finally stop trying to hide our guilt, confess to the Lord, and receive His loving forgiveness.
Even though painful feelings are unpleasant to experience, facing them honestly and dealing with their cause is essential. If we want to be the person God has called us to be…if we want to stop hurting others and ourselves…if we want to experience freedom and peace in our lives that Christ died for…we must face the truth and ask God for his forgiveness and His help. Then we need to be a good steward of His help and instructions through Godly decision-making.
Jesus understands the damage that can be done when unpleasant feelings that come as a result of our sins are ignored and pushed below the surface. He encourages us to approach him like a little child…quick to trust and willing to share our feelings.
Today, think, is there sin in your life that you've been hiding…maybe and especially, even from yourself? God loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him. He is your loving Father. Come to Him as the psalmist did. Then you can join the psalmist in rejoicing: "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, 'I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone."
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the power and relief of confession.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess my rebellion and my sin. Forgive me for trying to hide it for so long. Thank You for Your unconditional love, for Your forgiveness and for the peace that only You can give. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me about unconditional love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My Strength evaporated like water in the heat.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."
Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
Psalm 32:1-7
Today's Scripture is much more lengthy than usual, but it expresses so beautifully the despair that so many of us experience…the despair that comes with hiding our sins from God…and the great freedom we experience when we finally stop trying to hide our guilt, confess to the Lord, and receive His loving forgiveness.
Even though painful feelings are unpleasant to experience, facing them honestly and dealing with their cause is essential. If we want to be the person God has called us to be…if we want to stop hurting others and ourselves…if we want to experience freedom and peace in our lives that Christ died for…we must face the truth and ask God for his forgiveness and His help. Then we need to be a good steward of His help and instructions through Godly decision-making.
Jesus understands the damage that can be done when unpleasant feelings that come as a result of our sins are ignored and pushed below the surface. He encourages us to approach him like a little child…quick to trust and willing to share our feelings.
Today, think, is there sin in your life that you've been hiding…maybe and especially, even from yourself? God loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him. He is your loving Father. Come to Him as the psalmist did. Then you can join the psalmist in rejoicing: "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, 'I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone."
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the power and relief of confession.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess my rebellion and my sin. Forgive me for trying to hide it for so long. Thank You for Your unconditional love, for Your forgiveness and for the peace that only You can give. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me about unconditional love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My Strength evaporated like water in the heat.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."
Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
Psalm 32:1-7
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