Transformational Thought
Yes, you have accepted Jesus as your savior... but have you asked yourself the next burning question?
Five years back, I lost my younger brother to cancer. Thankfully, Allen knew Christ and was ready to move on to eternity for complete and ultimate healing. Allen was a loving and dedicated husband and father…my neighbor and best friend. While deep sadness from his loss remains, what God taught those close to Allen during his fight changed our lives. Here’s just one example.
During Allen’s final days he was an in-patient at a cancer treatment center. In addition to the medical staff, there was a team of ministers, priests, nuns and others constantly available to the patients and their families for support, prayer, and questions. One of those was an 82-year-old nun…a retired missionary who spent her days visiting with patients. Allen and Sister became friends.
On one particular day, Allen received more devastating news about the spreading of his cancer. As he was sharing that with me, Sister stopped in for her daily visit with my brother. Allen told her the news; Sister calmly asked him, “What can I do for you?”
Allen told her that he had a question that was plaguing him. He didn’t know whether he should be praying for the healing promised in God’s Word or if he should be praying to align his fate and future with the will of God…whatever that may be. Sister said; “Let me ask you the burning question, Allen. Have you given yourself totally to God? Do that, and He will answer your question.”
Today, ask yourself that burning question, “Have you given yourself totally to God?” If the answer is no, then ask yourself why not? What do you need to believe differently about God or yourself in order to give yourself to Him as He gave Himself for you? As long as you keep putting yourself in your own hands, life will be hard and limited. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, It is so beautiful and rewarding to see Your work even in difficult circumstances. Help me look to You, Father, during these difficult times, as there is so much to learn when life doesn’t meet my expectations. I want to live a life that is close to You. I ask You, Father, to remove all obstacles that prevent me from totally giving myself to You. I pray this in the name of the One who gave Himself totally, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:26
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: Weathering a Spiritual SnowStorm?
Transformational Thought
A big snowstorm was reportedly heading our way tonight – 12 to 20 inches! At least that’s what the weather experts said. (Boy, I would love to have a job where I could be wrong so often and still be loved, popular, and an expert in my field!) So, like the masses, I went food shopping this morning. The grocery store and the shopping carts were chock-full. The longest we would be homebound by this storm…something like 12-24 hours. However, most shoppers were purchasing weeks’ worth of supplies…all based on the fear of being without what they need to nourish and sustain their bodies…for just one day.
This mob scene made me wonder why I don’t think more…no, actually worry more, about how well my spiritual cupboard is stocked; will I run out of blessing and grace? Will I have enough of God’s goodness within me to make it through my next spiritual snow-storm? Do I have enough Bible understanding and application nuggets ready to implement? Or is my cupboard empty, filled with stale or moldy bread that has been sitting unused for many months (except Sunday mornings).
Just imagine for a minute walking into a spiritual gifts, nuggets, and blessings supermarket. Shelves stocked to the ceiling…and all you have to do is fill up your cart. No check-out lines, no credit or debit cards…no need for cash. It’s all free; already paid for. The reason that we don’t stock up for snowstorms is because it costs money and we have limited room. But God’s supplies are free, and He made our hearts to store as much as we want – no limit.
Today, know that the door is right before you. All you have to do is believe and then open that door to receive. That door follows you wherever you go…that store is open 24/7. The super store has everything you need to sustain you not only for days and weeks…but for eternity. What’s in your shopping basket? Do you have enough to weather your next spiritual storm? Don’t cheat yourself. You can always shop and use it with abandon because it’s free and your heart can hold it all. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to have my name in the book of life. I pray for Your strength so that I may “overcome”, so that I may stand firm to the end. I know, Lord, that just as sure as You saved me, You will mold me to Your likeness and finish the work You started. Thank You, Father. Help me, Lord, to focus on my spiritual cart instead of my physical shopping cart. Help me develop the wisdom to endlessly shop in Your store for free treasures…available just for the taking. Fill my basket, Father, with all Your blessings. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Revelations 21:6,7
A big snowstorm was reportedly heading our way tonight – 12 to 20 inches! At least that’s what the weather experts said. (Boy, I would love to have a job where I could be wrong so often and still be loved, popular, and an expert in my field!) So, like the masses, I went food shopping this morning. The grocery store and the shopping carts were chock-full. The longest we would be homebound by this storm…something like 12-24 hours. However, most shoppers were purchasing weeks’ worth of supplies…all based on the fear of being without what they need to nourish and sustain their bodies…for just one day.
This mob scene made me wonder why I don’t think more…no, actually worry more, about how well my spiritual cupboard is stocked; will I run out of blessing and grace? Will I have enough of God’s goodness within me to make it through my next spiritual snow-storm? Do I have enough Bible understanding and application nuggets ready to implement? Or is my cupboard empty, filled with stale or moldy bread that has been sitting unused for many months (except Sunday mornings).
Just imagine for a minute walking into a spiritual gifts, nuggets, and blessings supermarket. Shelves stocked to the ceiling…and all you have to do is fill up your cart. No check-out lines, no credit or debit cards…no need for cash. It’s all free; already paid for. The reason that we don’t stock up for snowstorms is because it costs money and we have limited room. But God’s supplies are free, and He made our hearts to store as much as we want – no limit.
Today, know that the door is right before you. All you have to do is believe and then open that door to receive. That door follows you wherever you go…that store is open 24/7. The super store has everything you need to sustain you not only for days and weeks…but for eternity. What’s in your shopping basket? Do you have enough to weather your next spiritual storm? Don’t cheat yourself. You can always shop and use it with abandon because it’s free and your heart can hold it all. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to have my name in the book of life. I pray for Your strength so that I may “overcome”, so that I may stand firm to the end. I know, Lord, that just as sure as You saved me, You will mold me to Your likeness and finish the work You started. Thank You, Father. Help me, Lord, to focus on my spiritual cart instead of my physical shopping cart. Help me develop the wisdom to endlessly shop in Your store for free treasures…available just for the taking. Fill my basket, Father, with all Your blessings. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Revelations 21:6,7
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Call of God
Transformational Thought
God loves you more than anybody does. God has intentionally, specifically, and uniquely designed each and every one of us. Wanting us to be fulfilled, knowing what will fulfill us, and designing us specifically to do what will fulfill us, God “calls” us for several missions in life that will fulfill us to the max.
One of the calls each of us receives is to spread God’s word and promises. In today’s scripture, Paul states the call of God is to preach the gospel. It is called The Great Commission.
I don’t take this literally to mean we all need to become verbal preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. What I believe Paul means by "the gospel," is living out the reality of salvation we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. To preach it through our action, to speak our personal testimony, and walk easily and eagerly when an opening is presented.
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God…the miraculous and awe-inspiring message of salvation. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation to show his need for the Gospel…because these adversities kept him in unshakeable devotion to the Gospel of God. They also provided ripe times for others to be exposed to the peace and freedom of the Gospel, so Paul keenly watched for these Gospel moments.
Today, think about one person whom you could tell about God’s promise of salvation and eternity…so many are in desperate need of that news. Write their name down someplace. Pray for them and then tell a brother/sister to pray for them and you. Call that person and let them know they are important to you and you care about them. Behold what God can and will do in you, through you, and in them. God has designed, prepared, and called you to this very specific task. The peace and fulfillment you will experience when you step into His calling is UNBELIEVABLE! Don’t let Satan cheat you from it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the life I now live by faith in Your Son who loved me so much He gave Himself up for me. Thank You, Lord. I pray Father that You fill me with the Holy Spirit which will give me the courage, strength, and wisdom to “preach the Gospel.” Thank You for leading me to those who need to hear the good news. I pray for discernment, wisdom, courage, and excitement to proclaim the great gift you have given me and have for them. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
John 12:32
God loves you more than anybody does. God has intentionally, specifically, and uniquely designed each and every one of us. Wanting us to be fulfilled, knowing what will fulfill us, and designing us specifically to do what will fulfill us, God “calls” us for several missions in life that will fulfill us to the max.
One of the calls each of us receives is to spread God’s word and promises. In today’s scripture, Paul states the call of God is to preach the gospel. It is called The Great Commission.
I don’t take this literally to mean we all need to become verbal preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. What I believe Paul means by "the gospel," is living out the reality of salvation we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. To preach it through our action, to speak our personal testimony, and walk easily and eagerly when an opening is presented.
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God…the miraculous and awe-inspiring message of salvation. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation to show his need for the Gospel…because these adversities kept him in unshakeable devotion to the Gospel of God. They also provided ripe times for others to be exposed to the peace and freedom of the Gospel, so Paul keenly watched for these Gospel moments.
Today, think about one person whom you could tell about God’s promise of salvation and eternity…so many are in desperate need of that news. Write their name down someplace. Pray for them and then tell a brother/sister to pray for them and you. Call that person and let them know they are important to you and you care about them. Behold what God can and will do in you, through you, and in them. God has designed, prepared, and called you to this very specific task. The peace and fulfillment you will experience when you step into His calling is UNBELIEVABLE! Don’t let Satan cheat you from it.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for the life I now live by faith in Your Son who loved me so much He gave Himself up for me. Thank You, Lord. I pray Father that You fill me with the Holy Spirit which will give me the courage, strength, and wisdom to “preach the Gospel.” Thank You for leading me to those who need to hear the good news. I pray for discernment, wisdom, courage, and excitement to proclaim the great gift you have given me and have for them. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
John 12:32
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions - the Stone Gods
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Yesterday we introduced our Lighthouse Network spiritual and Biblical definition and description of an addiction. Today is an experiential description. If you missed yesterday’s, click here to read it now.
Nobody caught in an addiction wanted to feel trapped by it when it first started. Sadly, that is the ultimate end for all addictive behaviors: enslavement.
Addictions make us slaves to that object. Some people can feel the enslavement very specifically. Others are fooled into thinking they aren’t enslaved, because the takeover is so subtle and usually occurs over a big chunk of time. The reality is, we are a slave to the object that soothes. Being “trapped” is exactly where Satan wants us. He cleverly disguises our addiction objects because we aren’t stupid, and really don’t want to be slaves.
People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything. The object of desire for an addict is always staring them right in the face. For some it’s using food as a source of comfort. For others it can be substances, control, relationships, anger, spending, Facebook, the phone, sports, TV, anxiety, panic attack, guilt, fear, hobbies, money, power (think parent tactics), a loud and intimidating voice, the silent treatment, avoidance…man, the list is endless.
People caught up in an addiction have replaced God with an idol. They have found something that promises a good time, makes things better or easier to deal with, or makes the pain or go away. What entered our life as an understanding friend and savior quickly became a cruel master. The problem with idols is that they are chosen because we want what we think they can give us. We believe that they will do something for us, so we give them our devotion. But they are actually stone gods…illusions and lies that give us a little, but then trap us by interfering with the full, long term relief that going to God will bring.
Today, know and spread the news that for believers there is great hope. We are not alone in our addictions. No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is within us and intercedes for us before God. When you are uncomfortable emotionally notice what you turn to for soothing. Today’s scripture tells us that we are “crucified with Christ, therefore we no longer live, but it is Christ who lives within us.” This is the truth: we do not struggle alone. Christ is with us, and in Him we are free. When we are focused on Him, we can find the strength we need for freedom and victory over all our addictions.
WITHIN REACH will help you break these patterns by applying the Bible in practical ways. Check it out for yourself or those you know who need help breaking some patterns.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Today more than ever I need You to live up to that divine title of Savior. I need You to save me from myself, my addictions, my fear, my burdens. I am so tired of trying to do it on my own. I am weary and exhausted, stressed out and alone. Come to me and save me. Free me from my fears and help me to hold onto You, so that my life, dreams, and hopes can be renewed. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:18
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Addictions – I Bet You Got One
Transformational Thought
If you thought our current topic of addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading because…Newsflash: we are all addicts. We are all addicted to comfort. We all have a difficult time dealing with discomfort, and especially with pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain. You see, we are all born separated from God…and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, immediate relievers. These “solutions” are Addiction Objects…things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. God might choose to provide other more appropriate objects to fill these needs. So, each time we should look to Him first, not to the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, pornography…but can also be anger (really any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter…if it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, it can be an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. But the truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, and declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless without God first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He will prescribe for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions to soothe, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
If you thought our current topic of addictions wasn’t for you, I am glad you are reading because…Newsflash: we are all addicts. We are all addicted to comfort. We all have a difficult time dealing with discomfort, and especially with pain. Even though we say “no pain, no gain”, it’s amazing how quickly we run from discomfort and pain. You see, we are all born separated from God…and that is the ultimate pain. A temporary separation on the cross is what prompted even Jesus to ask God to have this “cup” pass from Him.
As kids, we develop strategies to deal with pain. Unfortunately, we aren’t mature and our “teachers” aren’t perfect. So developing coping mechanisms for physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual pain is random, faulty, and very short-sighted.
Our solutions are usually flesh-driven options, knee-jerk reactions, immediate relievers. These “solutions” are Addiction Objects…things we go to and rely on in a repetitive way to fill needs instead of looking to God for His answers. God might choose to provide other more appropriate objects to fill these needs. So, each time we should look to Him first, not to the object.
Addiction objects can be drugs, alcohol, food, pornography…but can also be anger (really any emotion), work, productivity, security, our intellect, kids, money, spending, “martyr complex”, exercise, our looks/physique, sports, TV, hobbies, fighting, control, a relationship, sex, texting, Facebook, Twitter…if it is something that comforts you or relieves some negative feeling, it can be an addiction object. People can find themselves obsessively and compulsively hooked on almost anything.
One of the great lies that Satan perpetrates on us is that addiction objects offer self-protection. But the truth is they are really self-destructive. Just look at Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes, as he pursues everything under the sun for comfort, leaving out God. He becomes overwhelmed, lost, and depressed, and declares all objects to be vanity or meaningless without God first.
Today, let’s really do some honest reflection. When you are uneasy, lonely, stressed, etc, what do you go to first? Bingo! You found your addiction object. Next time, try to look to God first and see what He will prescribe for your pain. He is the Ultimate Physician and Healer and is always available for drop-ins.
Prayer
Dear Father God, for many years I struggled with the pain of needing to be needed, accepted, valued. I turned to my addictions to soothe, but they caused more pain. You have freed me from my bondage to all addictions, but I still struggle with a need for control. Help me tolerate discomfort, because your grace is sufficient. Help me to grow the Mind of Christ and to look to You as my ultimate Lighthouse of refuge and sanctuary. In Christ’s freeing name. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them";
8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:1,8,10,13
Monday, January 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: Failures: Let God In More
Transformational Thought
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But when I look back on some of those failures, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you? Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…and most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses as one of His very own children covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden is known for his motivational quotes. One of my favorite Wooden quotes is, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
Failures in my life have led to long periods of paralysis…of doing nothing. I felt and acted as if I was defeated by my failures. Failures can really distort our lenses if we aren’t diligent in processing them properly. But when I look back on some of those failures, I see that they created great opportunities for growth and positive change in my life.
Have you learned from your failures or have you let your failures defeat you? Everyone experiences failure, but God wants you to trust, learn, and try again with more of His help.
When we fail, we often look at it as the last step in a situation. Instead, it is just one of many steps in a long process of growth. It is part of the refining process, letting us know where we need to work and especially where God wants us to invite Him in to help us.
Our need for immediate positive results and affirmation often prematurely push us to overly catastrophize a less-than-ideal outcome. Then our pride and lack of humility interfere with a willingness to seek help from a Higher Authority.
Today, assess areas where feelings of failure peek into your heart. Ask God in, reflect about what you need to work on, seek God’s instruction, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance…and most of all, don’t make that area of struggle more important than your relationship with God. See yourself through His lenses as one of His very own children covered with the blood of Christ. Don’t let failure continue to defeat you. As a Christian, your war is won, failure isn’t even a possibility. We do have daily battles and He will equip us for victory if we let Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You know, Father, I have a string of failures…and I continue to fail each time I sin against you. I thank You, Father, for sending other believers to me to serve as guides and teachers. Help me, Father, to learn from each failure. I thank You for sending Jesus Christ to forgive my sins. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to give me and all believers victory, Jesus Christ; And all God’s Children say - AMEN!
The Truth
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8,9
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: What You Looking At?
Transformational Thought
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of one character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in…like his body was a container. I always wondered what the inside of our body was like. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by with the amazing opportunity to study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye…the main gateway that allows information to come into our minds for us to process and grow by. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages, some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time…truths that really do say it all in a few words and sentences. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved”…He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you really look at God, seeing Him for who He really is, you can’t stop the forces of repentance and acceptance of His gifts of Love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Today, take note of what you are looking at. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things vying for your attention; push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you see everything else through. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance, but really look!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for only You are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path, if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
When I was a kid, I remember seeing a cartoon where they sliced off the top of one character’s head and threw a bunch of stuff in…like his body was a container. I always wondered what the inside of our body was like. As a physician, I have been tremendously blessed by with the amazing opportunity to study the human body.
I’m still amazed at how cool, complex, unexplainable, and interwoven our systems and human body truly are. “Impossible” is what comes to mind when I hear of doctors, especially psychiatrists, who don’t believe in a divine creator after they have studied the human body, and especially the mind.
After the brain/mind, the coolest and arguably the most complex organ is the eye…the main gateway that allows information to come into our minds for us to process and grow by. What our eyes see, our mind follows. The Holy Bible contains many messages, some obvious, some subtle, and others more intricate. Then there are those passages that are so simple and yet so profound at the same time…truths that really do say it all in a few words and sentences. Today’s scripture reading is one such passage.
Notice God doesn’t say “look to me and you might be saved”…He says you will be saved. Can it get any simpler? When you really look at God, seeing Him for who He really is, you can’t stop the forces of repentance and acceptance of His gifts of Love, forgiveness, and salvation.
Today, take note of what you are looking at. Wake up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things vying for your attention; push them aside and look to Him. Let Him be the filter you see everything else through. "Look unto Me," and salvation is there, the moment you look. Don’t just glance, but really look!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, for only You are my Lord and my God. There are so many forces trying to take my eyes off You. Please strengthen my resolve to keep You as my focal point and my guiding light. I know You will direct me and show me the path, if I fix my gaze on You. Give me discernment to realize when Satan is mimicking You. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to be my lighthouse, Jesus Christ; And all the children of the world say - AMEN!
The Truth
Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell
Mark 9:47
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Make God Look For You!
Transformational Thought
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
I never cease to be amazed at how I can find time to fit something extra in my schedule…picking up one of my kids…taking a phone call from a pastor…talking to someone needing addiction help…checking out a decent movie…even writing a devotional.
As I talk to friends, their plates are full too, but they add in spur-of-the-moment activities fairly regularly. We all get so busy planning…working…doing. As children of God and believers, of course we want God in our lives. But, do we make room for Him as easily as we make room for all those less-important endeavors?
Making room for God translates into making time for God, and then expecting and actually knowing He will come. The dates you make with God will greatly benefit you even though you’ll wonder how there will be time to do the activities you put off.
Need some motivation to make a regular date with God? If you don’t find time for God, He will definitely come looking for you, get your attention, and speak to you. From personal experience, I can say there is less discomfort and more peace and fulfillment when I plan regular time with Him instead of making Him chase me down and dethrone the idols I prioritize above Him. You don’t want to go through that experience often.
Today, focus on making some “elbow room” for God. Find a way to spend some time alone with Him. If you wait too long, He definitely comes looking for you because He loves you and wants to save you from the distress of living life without Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My life is so filled with “stuff” that I often make no room for You – please forgive me, Father. I want to make room for You. I know You pursue me and when I don’t pursue You, You come looking. I know You will dethrone my other idols, even if it hurts me because it is for my growth and protection. Give me eyes to see Your care and instruction when it happens and not be hurt, resentful, and short-sighted about it. Guard me from Satan’s deception so I can see Your love clearly in these encounters. I pray this in the name of the one whom You sent to make room in me for You, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15,16
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:23-26
Friday, January 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Wait…Do It Now!
Transformational Thought
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
When faced with difficulties or discomfort, our natural reaction usually falls into one of 2 camps. Either ignore it and hope it goes away, or react in a knee-jerk way that might bring immediate relief, but usually guarantees more damage later on. Neither option works, but being addicted to comfort as we all are, like a gunslinger from the old west we continue to whip out these “weapons” when we feel threatened by the adversity God allows to enter our day.
I have learned…well no, I actually continue to learn the hard way that failing to deal with adversity immediately compounds the pain and suffering. Waiting, ignoring, or hiding never makes it better. But I also am still in the process of learning that even though you shouldn’t put it off, you also can’t just immediately react (unless you have been training well). We have to think first and then respond to have the best chance for success in a situation.
Using either the “ignore it” or “react without thinking” strategy really shows a “my kingdom come, my will be done mentality” and exposes my lack of faith in God’s promises, track record, character, sovereignty and plan for my life. We really need a “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” mindset.
In the scripture reading for today Jesus Christ lays down a very important principle: do what you must do now. Do it quickly. If you do not act immediately, if you do not pay the price to settle the adversity, an inevitable process begins…and that process will not stop until you have “paid the last penny.”
Today, think of an adversity that continues to drain you. Why are you not addressing it head on with Godly discernment? Settle that score today, at least to the best of what you can control. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that I have stayed away from Your light for fear that my bad deeds, sins, and adversities will be exposed. I no longer want to live in darkness. I pray, Father, that You will help me live by Your Truth and in Your Light so that all can see what I do is done through You. Help me, Lord, to learn to deal with my adversities immediately so that they won’t fester and grow. I pray in the name of the one you sent to teach us truth, Jesus Christ, and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:25,26
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:19-21
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: Delivered in…not from Adversity?
Transformational Thought
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I have written regularly about the lessons that I learned from my mom. She deliberately took time, thought ahead, and cut up life into small, understandable chunks…so I could better understand life, and especially God. I believe her greatest teachings (both deliberate and through example) were about adversity…the storms of our lives.
Mom was no stranger to adversity. She was a mother of fourteen children who lived on the cusp of poverty most of her child-rearing years, and experienced enough adversity to break the spirits of 10 people. But through each tribulation she focused on God and saw her circumstances through His eyes most of the time, leading to a calm and peace that was simply beyond belief.
Mom often talked of one misconception Satan tricks most Christians into believing: that being a Christian or following God correctly will excuse you or deliver you from all adversity. Our me-centered, comfort driven heart easily buys into the misconception that life without adversity is possible.
She would explain her view very clearly: we are not delivered from, but rather IN, adversity. She quoted scripture, which taught us that we should expect adversity…but that there was nothing to fear if you were a child of God. She believed that the strain of life draws us closer to Him, makes us more dependent on Him, and builds our strength through accessing the power of the Holy Spirit…that facing into the strain actually gives strength…that God does not give us an overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.
Today, give some thought to the adversity you are facing. Try to think if you ever got better or stronger at anything without putting in work or effort, or experiencing any pain or adversity. I know I haven’t. Read the scripture below and be mindful that Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but also to “take heart” for He has overcome the world. When you face adversity, look at it as opportunity. This Godly perspective will dramatically empower your next steps.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know, Father, that Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life offers deep and lasting peace. Thank You, Lord. Unlike worldly peace, which is defined by lack of adversity, Your peace offers confident assurance in all situations. Fill me with more of Your Spirit, Father. Help me to restrain the hostile forces of sin, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. I pray in the name of the one You sent to deliver me IN my biggest and most dangerous adversity, eternal separation from You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
…to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:7
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Thinking About Enlisting?
Transformational Thought
I know many people don’t like billboards. They can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
I know many people don’t like billboards. They can mess up the landscape, or have trashy or ridiculous messages…but I really enjoy some of them. Not all billboards, of course...just the ones that make me laugh, or challenge me to think a more deeply or differently about something.
I saw a billboard today with a message that was exciting to think about. It pictured a young Marine, standing at attention in full dress, staring out into the future. The caption read:
“Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself?”
I’m sure this advertising slogan has persuaded many young men and women to enlist. It’s a high-impact message. And while I’m decades beyond the age limit, I was energized and influenced to consider driving to the nearest recruiting station to enlist.
Why this slogan is so compelling is easy. There is no doubt we are created by God with a divinely implanted need and a longing to commit to something greater than ourselves…to God. We were born with an emptiness and a desire for what John Eldridge calls the Sacred Romance, the title of one of his books. This desire-gone-bad is at the root of many sinful ways and addictions. Satan has sent us so many impostor suitors, which look good on the outside, have a fast start, but fizzle when it starts to count, leaving us wounded and worse off than when we started.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What have I committed to…really?” You will be amazed at how many of your real commitments, I mean on-going commitments, are at the end of the day all about you. Are you ready to commit to something greater than yourself? With this true intentional, lasting, disciplined enlistment will come peace, purpose, power over the crap of this world, and a divine appointment with the King of Kings. It is right at your fingertips, but you have to choose it many times a day over the fake impostors. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I commit myself to You, the power not only greater than myself, but greater than anything in the multi-verse. There are so many forces working against me. Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Words that promise Your peace and “rest on every side”. I pray in the name of the one You sent to recruit and free me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
2 Chronicles 15:14-15
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a Storm-Chaser?
Transformational Thought
Tornado chasing is a thrill-seeking activity made popular by the movie Twister. It depicted people, professionals and amateurs alike, who literally chased life-endangering storms. These types of people are actually drawn to the storms. Most do it to take once in a lifetime photos…others do it for the thrill and the danger. They are adrenaline junkies.
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The general connotation is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them…that we have no early-warning system.
There is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. They make conscious choices that lead them right into the eye of a storm…and they repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do they create storms for themselves, they create storms for all those around them.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from that choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will…we always have choices.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that yet again place you smack in the eye of a storm? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm…think how you might create your own great weather. WITHIN REACH will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear weather. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead…Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Tornado chasing is a thrill-seeking activity made popular by the movie Twister. It depicted people, professionals and amateurs alike, who literally chased life-endangering storms. These types of people are actually drawn to the storms. Most do it to take once in a lifetime photos…others do it for the thrill and the danger. They are adrenaline junkies.
As writers for Stepping Stones Devotionals we often reference “storms” in our lives, times of turbulence, anxiety, darkness, and impending doom. The general connotation is that storms come out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect them…that we have no early-warning system.
There is a certain group of people (I have been one myself in the past) who actually create and chase life’s storms. They make conscious choices that lead them right into the eye of a storm…and they repeatedly make those same bad choices. Not only do they create storms for themselves, they create storms for all those around them.
Various reasons exist for making these choices, but the bottom line is that we get some satisfaction or perceived benefit from that choice. The gain might not outweigh the downside of the decision, but in the moment we don’t care, and that little gain is all we focus on.
Some storms arrive without warning and we cannot avoid them: catastrophic sickness, a car accident, a fallen economy. There are also storms created by our poor decisions. Of course, we know that the enemy is constantly trying to influence us to make bad choices that damage our lives and souls. However, we must also accept that we were created with this beautiful thing called free will…we always have choices.
Today, examine yourself. Identify the areas of your life where you are a storm-chaser. Bad habits, a loose tongue, a caustic attitude, guilt, anger, anxiety issues, relationship problems with a spouse, kids, parents, or co-workers. These usually have some element of storm-chasing. Do you make choices that yet again place you smack in the eye of a storm? Consider choices you could make to avoid a storm…think how you might create your own great weather. WITHIN REACH will help you examine your decisions, helping you step away from storms and into clear weather. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I humble myself under Your almighty hand. As I truthfully examine my past actions, I see I am guilty of creating and chasing storms. I no longer want to seek storms. I also know that You are my lighthouse in the storms I cannot avoid. Help me, Lord, to stop chasing storms and chase You instead…Help me run away from storms by constantly setting my compass toward You. I pray in the name of my early-warning system, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Monday, January 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Lean Away…Then Lean On
Transformational Thought
In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed? Which way are you leaning?
In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship?...Which job should I seek?...How will I make the mortgage payment this month?...How can I help my daughter?...What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding…or are you going to trust God?
Satan has played with our heads and we have experienced so many hurts, letdowns, and frustrations when trusting others in the past. All that scar tissue interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again to someone other than ourselves.
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for my agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves us with a love so great that we can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today.
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down what God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction.
Prayer
Father, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. (Am I ever really in control of my life anyway?) Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the one I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
In most cases we are either running toward or away from trouble. In what direction are you headed? Which way are you leaning?
In today's scripture, Solomon gives us two options regarding what to trust: God or our own understanding. God is calling us to lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance, and then to trust (or lean on) His wisdom. God wants us to acknowledge His wisdom and trust Him in every area of our lives.
What should I do about this relationship?...Which job should I seek?...How will I make the mortgage payment this month?...How can I help my daughter?...What do I do about this decision? No matter what problem, challenge or circumstance you are facing, God wants to help. But you have a choice to make. Are you going to lean on your own understanding…or are you going to trust God?
Satan has played with our heads and we have experienced so many hurts, letdowns, and frustrations when trusting others in the past. All that scar tissue interferes with our willingness to trust and be vulnerable again to someone other than ourselves.
Leaning is all about trust. When you lean against a wall, you trust that the wall won’t collapse, that it will support your weight. If you are going to lean on God, you need to be ready to trust Him fully. Is He wise enough to help you? Is He interested in helping you? Does He understand the situation? Does He know what is really best for you and for everyone involved? Is His timing fast enough for my agenda to be met?
If you are willing to study the Scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will soon discover that the answer to all these questions is yes. God loves us with a love so great that we can't begin to fathom it. His wisdom knows no bounds. Lean away from self-reliance and trying to do it all yourself. Begin leaning on God today.
Today, compare your track record to God’s. Then, look at an area where you struggle. Write down how you are leaning on your understanding, and then write down what God’s instruction for that issue. Make an effort today to trust and follow God’s instruction and direction.
Prayer
Father, I do want to trust You so that I can truly lean on You. Help me to spend time with the Scriptures and understand how they apply to me. Help me understand how scars from my past still interfere with my willingness to be fully trusting and vulnerable to You and Your purpose, direction, and plan for my life. I ask for the courage to live with the uncertainty and concern that I feel when I am not in control. (Am I ever really in control of my life anyway?) Help me to trust You and lean on Your wisdom. I pray in the name of the one I lean toward, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Wisdom, not Weakness
Transformational Thought
The parties are over. The buzz of the holidays is behind us. For many this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the season (maybe many seasons) start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot do it ourselves does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue that we have developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself … I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites … I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son … he will straighten up. I don't want your charity … I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself … I don’t need a therapist for that.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people.
Are you dealing with a challenge, a problem that is causing you frustration and stress? Stop and ask for God’s help several times today. Then wait with bold expectation. Sometimes the answer comes that day, but often it takes several days for God to reveal His answer and will. Be patient. Asking for His help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father, I have always wanted to feel that I could handle whatever life brings me, on my own. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and ask for your help in this situation. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear your answer when You send it. I pray in the name of the one who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
The parties are over. The buzz of the holidays is behind us. For many this is when reality sets back in. The issues and problems that we swept under the rug for the season (maybe many seasons) start gnawing at us once again. So, this is the time for wisdom, not for weakness.
Even though we struggle with insecurity and feeling incompetent in many areas of life, accepting the fact that we cannot do it ourselves does not come easily to most of us. Today's culture lifts up personal independence as such a desirable virtue that we have developed a bloated "I can do it myself" mentality. We think asking for help is a sign of weakness…even if the one we are asking is God!
“I can deal with this situation myself … I don't need anyone's help. I don't have to visit those porno websites … I can stop whenever I want to. I can stop eating those doughnuts and lose weight anytime I choose. I don't need any help with my son … he will straighten up. I don't want your charity … I am getting along just fine. I can control my temper myself … I don’t need a therapist for that.”
Sound familiar?
It is OK to turn for help. In fact, according to the Bible, if we are wise we will recognize our need for God's help. And sometimes He sends that help through other people.
Are you dealing with a challenge, a problem that is causing you frustration and stress? Stop and ask for God’s help several times today. Then wait with bold expectation. Sometimes the answer comes that day, but often it takes several days for God to reveal His answer and will. Be patient. Asking for His help is a sign of wisdom…not weakness. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Father, I have always wanted to feel that I could handle whatever life brings me, on my own. I recognize now what a mistake that has been and ask for your help in this situation. Please help me grow courage to seek You out more often, patience to wait for Your answer to be made known to me, and an ear to hear your answer when You send it. I pray in the name of the one who sees my weakness and who is my strength, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: Guarantee: Time Passes – What Will You Do?
Transformational Thought
Happy New Year! Seems like Y2K was just a couple years ago with all the commotion about streetlights going crazy…retirement funds being depleted…financial chaos emerging from Wall Street…water and food being unavailable…people reserving generators over one year in advance. Then, 9/11 and the economy really crashing. Wow! This decade has blown by so rapidly.
I’ve never met anyone who thinks time has passed slowly. Really, the only thing we are guaranteed in this world (assuming the Rapture doesn’t occur) is this…Time Passes! Unless you die, time passes. And as we’ve noted…time passes very quickly.
So here’s my point…Putting the above observations together, we are guaranteed that Jan 1, 2012 will be here, and be here very quickly. Just preparing you. Now, the question you need to ask yourself, “Do I want to be in the same position, shoes, state of mind, level of psychological and spiritual maturity? Do I want to have the same degree of impact on family, friends and society? Or do I want more from myself?” We all want to grow. In fact, God commands us to mature…to go from milk to solid food. Staying the same isn’t a choice. If you aren’t going forward, then you are going backward. Life is much easier and more fulfilling when we are growing.
First, growth starts when you set a goal. Second, you have to realize where you are now. And third, you need to develop a strategy that takes you from where you are now to your goal. To make growth happen, self-reflection and assessment are essential keys. New Year’s Eve is the time most of us look back and evaluate, but it really is hard to appraise one whole year in a just a few hours. That’s just a lazy and shortsighted shortcut. You didn’t get this way overnight and you can’t assess it in just a few hours.
Today, you have a day off, so take time to invest in yourself. Write down who you want to be on 1/1/12. Be very descriptive about your spiritual, emotional, relational and thinking world. Then commit to 15-30 minutes per day for the next month for serious self-reflection/assessment. The return on this small investment will be life changing. WITHIN REACH will give you a unique and powerful strategy to quickly, efficiently, and deeply assess yourself and bring dramatic, powerful growth to all areas of your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so Holy and amazing, and I am in awe. Thank You for not giving up on me, a sinner, and actually wanting to come alongside me, bear my yoke, be my Counselor, and grow me to be more Christ-like. I know You want to finish the work You started and have promised You will. Show me how to use your Holy Spirit, your instruction, and the understanding of who You are to transform my mind and life. I pray in the name of the one who started this transformational revolution, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:23-25
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Happy New Year! Seems like Y2K was just a couple years ago with all the commotion about streetlights going crazy…retirement funds being depleted…financial chaos emerging from Wall Street…water and food being unavailable…people reserving generators over one year in advance. Then, 9/11 and the economy really crashing. Wow! This decade has blown by so rapidly.
I’ve never met anyone who thinks time has passed slowly. Really, the only thing we are guaranteed in this world (assuming the Rapture doesn’t occur) is this…Time Passes! Unless you die, time passes. And as we’ve noted…time passes very quickly.
So here’s my point…Putting the above observations together, we are guaranteed that Jan 1, 2012 will be here, and be here very quickly. Just preparing you. Now, the question you need to ask yourself, “Do I want to be in the same position, shoes, state of mind, level of psychological and spiritual maturity? Do I want to have the same degree of impact on family, friends and society? Or do I want more from myself?” We all want to grow. In fact, God commands us to mature…to go from milk to solid food. Staying the same isn’t a choice. If you aren’t going forward, then you are going backward. Life is much easier and more fulfilling when we are growing.
First, growth starts when you set a goal. Second, you have to realize where you are now. And third, you need to develop a strategy that takes you from where you are now to your goal. To make growth happen, self-reflection and assessment are essential keys. New Year’s Eve is the time most of us look back and evaluate, but it really is hard to appraise one whole year in a just a few hours. That’s just a lazy and shortsighted shortcut. You didn’t get this way overnight and you can’t assess it in just a few hours.
Today, you have a day off, so take time to invest in yourself. Write down who you want to be on 1/1/12. Be very descriptive about your spiritual, emotional, relational and thinking world. Then commit to 15-30 minutes per day for the next month for serious self-reflection/assessment. The return on this small investment will be life changing. WITHIN REACH will give you a unique and powerful strategy to quickly, efficiently, and deeply assess yourself and bring dramatic, powerful growth to all areas of your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so Holy and amazing, and I am in awe. Thank You for not giving up on me, a sinner, and actually wanting to come alongside me, bear my yoke, be my Counselor, and grow me to be more Christ-like. I know You want to finish the work You started and have promised You will. Show me how to use your Holy Spirit, your instruction, and the understanding of who You are to transform my mind and life. I pray in the name of the one who started this transformational revolution, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:23-25
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Friday, December 31, 2010
Stepping Stones: Only One Resolution Needed
Transformational Thought
So many of us use New Year’s Eve and Day to make resolutions…to try and “fix” our shortcomings…to focus on our failures. So many resolutions are made…and within a few days or weeks, they are broken. To keep a resolution for a whole month is virtually unheard of in our society.
Remember, the world we live in is fallen and we are part of that brokenness. In this fallen world, all our default settings are tainted by sin. Trying to “fix” yourself, by yourself, is futile. It’s like trying to put all the pieces of a broken mirror back together to get a true reflection. Only one resolution is needed…to develop the Mind of Christ. Growing closer to God, yearning for Him, then glorifying Him with your internal and external functioning.
Developing the Mind of Christ can’t happen without the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t saved, often called born again, (meaning you haven’t received God’s gift of Jesus as your personal Savior to save you from the penalty for your sins), then click here to learn how to be saved to go to heaven for eternity. If you are saved, then learning how to access the power of the Holy Spirit is the way to achieve your resolution and grow the Mind of Christ – be a better person. WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real Life Change is our decision-making and growth workshop that covers confession, the armor of God, biblical truths, and a strategy to understand and apply the Holy Spirit’s work in the everyday decisions of life.
To make a resolution is to make a decision with intention and determination…a decision with firmness of mind and purpose. When the Spirit is in you, and you are obeying and following Him, you will be transformed and renewed. The Holy Spirit will give you incredible motivation to follow through with your resolution.
Today, make the only resolution that can truly make a difference in your life. Decide to move closer to God and access the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and life...now and for eternity. Tomorrow, we will look closer at transformation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on this New Year’s Eve, I make the only resolution that counts…to move closer to You by achieving the “Mind of Christ.” In New Year’s Eves of the past, I have defaulted to try and problem solve through resolutions, always trying to find out what was wrong…and then trying to “fix” things my way. I come to You, Father, and ask for Your grace and collaboration to set me free from all my hurtful, sinful ways. I will view each moment in this New Year and all the years to come as a fresh opportunity to draw ever closer to You. I pray in the name of the one you sent to transform me and give me new life, Jesus Christ; and all the children of the world said - AMEN!
Truth
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
So many of us use New Year’s Eve and Day to make resolutions…to try and “fix” our shortcomings…to focus on our failures. So many resolutions are made…and within a few days or weeks, they are broken. To keep a resolution for a whole month is virtually unheard of in our society.
Remember, the world we live in is fallen and we are part of that brokenness. In this fallen world, all our default settings are tainted by sin. Trying to “fix” yourself, by yourself, is futile. It’s like trying to put all the pieces of a broken mirror back together to get a true reflection. Only one resolution is needed…to develop the Mind of Christ. Growing closer to God, yearning for Him, then glorifying Him with your internal and external functioning.
Developing the Mind of Christ can’t happen without the Holy Spirit. If you aren’t saved, often called born again, (meaning you haven’t received God’s gift of Jesus as your personal Savior to save you from the penalty for your sins), then click here to learn how to be saved to go to heaven for eternity. If you are saved, then learning how to access the power of the Holy Spirit is the way to achieve your resolution and grow the Mind of Christ – be a better person. WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real Life Change is our decision-making and growth workshop that covers confession, the armor of God, biblical truths, and a strategy to understand and apply the Holy Spirit’s work in the everyday decisions of life.
To make a resolution is to make a decision with intention and determination…a decision with firmness of mind and purpose. When the Spirit is in you, and you are obeying and following Him, you will be transformed and renewed. The Holy Spirit will give you incredible motivation to follow through with your resolution.
Today, make the only resolution that can truly make a difference in your life. Decide to move closer to God and access the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and life...now and for eternity. Tomorrow, we will look closer at transformation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, on this New Year’s Eve, I make the only resolution that counts…to move closer to You by achieving the “Mind of Christ.” In New Year’s Eves of the past, I have defaulted to try and problem solve through resolutions, always trying to find out what was wrong…and then trying to “fix” things my way. I come to You, Father, and ask for Your grace and collaboration to set me free from all my hurtful, sinful ways. I will view each moment in this New Year and all the years to come as a fresh opportunity to draw ever closer to You. I pray in the name of the one you sent to transform me and give me new life, Jesus Christ; and all the children of the world said - AMEN!
Truth
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Stepping Stones: Go Ahead, Drop Into The Doctor’s Office
Transformational Thought
I woke up feeling very sick the other day…knew I needed to see a doctor. Instead of trying to make an appointment, I decided to just drop by my doctor’s office and try to have the receptionist “fit me in.” Big mistake. You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Regardless of my condition…no appointment, no visit.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on someone far more important and much busier than your family doctor in the middle of flu season…and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in”, He has actually been knocking on the door of your heart…all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in how He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in on Him…pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter how busy, THE DOCTOR always has time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank you for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to turn from my treatment plan that leads to destruction and follow Yours, which brings peace and fulfillment. I pray in the name of the one who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:7-15
I woke up feeling very sick the other day…knew I needed to see a doctor. Instead of trying to make an appointment, I decided to just drop by my doctor’s office and try to have the receptionist “fit me in.” Big mistake. You would have thought I committed some federal offense. Regardless of my condition…no appointment, no visit.
Amazingly, you can “drop in” on someone far more important and much busier than your family doctor in the middle of flu season…and you can be 100% confident that He will push all other business aside and focus completely on you. His undivided attention will be yours. Just imagine the Creator of heaven and earth yearning to have a personal relationship with you.
You see, when I was a kid, I believed God loved me. But by the time I experienced more of the world, I believed God was very busy with the Middle East, extreme diseases like cancer, and devastating abuses around the globe. I still knew He loved me, but somewhere deep, I thought my life was too trivial or not extreme enough for Him to allow me to drop into His office. Learning I had 24/7 access was incredibly empowering and freeing for me.
Not only are you able to “drop in”, He has actually been knocking on the door of your heart…all the time. His Holy Spirit is talking to you in your spirit, and God the Father is talking to you in how He orchestrates and works on you through your circumstances. Because of His love for you, He wants to guide and protect you from life’s garbage and heartache. Unfortunately, we don’t listen to the doctor’s orders, and wonder why the disease still impacts and hurts us.
Today, drop in on Him…pray 3 extra times today. Have a conversation, not just a standard prayer you say out of habit. Talk to Him. Then really listen. It takes practice so give it some time. He rejoices every time you “drop in” for a visit. The more you drop in, the better you will hear Him knocking on the door of your heart. But it’s up to you. If you don’t listen to the Great Doctor’s treatment plan, the disease will destroy you. Remember, no matter how busy, THE DOCTOR always has time for you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, that I can talk with You. I thank you for listening to my words, thoughts, and fears. I thank You, Father, for receiving even the longings in my heart, which at times I cannot put into words. Help me develop ears that hear and eyes that see the treatment plan You have prescribed for me. Give me the courage to turn from my treatment plan that leads to destruction and follow Yours, which brings peace and fulfillment. I pray in the name of the one who will always see me without an appointment, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4:7-15
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: Go For Third
Transformational Thought
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Being a big sports fan as a kid, reading was not a favorite pastime. But when Gale Sayers, a famous football player, wrote I Am Third…I couldn’t wait to read it. But I was disappointed and surprised…it had hardly any football, but it was incredibly attention grabbing. Brian’s Song, the film made from the book, was the first movie that moved me to tears. Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, often writes about the “I am Third” approach to life as well: God first, others second, myself third.
We live in a world where the “I Am Third” approach to life is in total misalignment with the flood of messages we hear on TV: “Have it your way”…“Because I’m worth it”…”You deserve a break today”…“I need it”…”Me first”…”My way or the highway”…”It’s all about you”. In fact, the “Me Generation” describes anyone born in the 70’s-90’s.
The messages are endless. We are bombarded from every direction, and especially from inside ourselves. Our flesh constantly cries out “ME FIRST!,” from the time we are babes crying for milk, to this morning when we whined in traffic. We want our agenda and needs met NOW! In today’s Scripture, Jesus clearly tells us what our first obligation is…to follow Him. And to do so we must deny ourselves.
Satan gets us to believe we will suffer when we follow Jesus. But I know from my past that my suffering was the worst when I followed me. Insecurity, anxiety, neediness, impulsivity, procrastination, irritability, shortsightedness, rejection…the list of sufferings was endless. When we follow Christ, the fruit of the Spirit is our reward, and all suffering fades away.
Today, take note of how many times you make yourself first instead third. Try to put into practice the concept of God first, others second, you third. You will find much more satisfaction living this way instead of pushing from your natural instincts, or what you see and hear on television. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
O Father, I hear You inviting me to follow You and live a life of self-denial. I want to make You the Lord of my life. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me live in obedience to You and in loving service to others. I pray in the name of the one who denied Himself for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. "
Matthew 16:24-27
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mark 10:21
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Stepping Stones: What Do You Anchor to in a Storm?
Transformational Thought
Have you ever noticed this natural human phenomenon? The more behind we are, the faster we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. My mother taught little sayings to register her lessons in her children’s minds. One of her favorite sayings, “The faster I go…the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift…and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely…not in wishes and hopes…but securely in God’s promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge from the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in life to grow the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the ‘My kingdom come, my will be done’ mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money or even education. The only place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten. When you are faced with uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort…just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart…You know I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Have you ever noticed this natural human phenomenon? The more behind we are, the faster we tend to go. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. My mother taught little sayings to register her lessons in her children’s minds. One of her favorite sayings, “The faster I go…the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, sometimes the best action we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand and protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift…and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely…not in wishes and hopes…but securely in God’s promises.
Satan wants us to run quickly and blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge from the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in life to grow the mind of Christ in us.
Our problem is the ‘My kingdom come, my will be done’ mentality that says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system that immediately gives me what I want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money or even education. The only place to drop anchor in a storm is in Him.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten. When you are faced with uncertainty, a storm, or discomfort…just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us – but we can rest in the knowledge that we are the safest when anchored to God.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart…You know I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my anchor. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:21
Monday, December 27, 2010
Stepping Stones: This is for me?
Transformational Thought
Each year on Christmas Eve Day, I have a tradition of delivering a small gift to the people who provide a service to me throughout the year. The postman, butcher, coffee-shop owner, etc. I’ve been doing it for years. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
This year, as I was walking toward the coffee shop to deliver a bottle of wine, I stopped into a local oriental rug store to pick up a rug I had ordered the week before. The owner of the store greeted me when I walked in. He’s been in that same location for 25 years now. He’s a wheeler-dealer, an all-business kind of guy…he rarely smiles. He and I had a fairly intense negotiation session over the rug I purchased the previous week.
As I reached to shake his hand he noticed the gift-wrapped bottle of wine I was carrying (the coffee-shop owner’s gift, remember). Mistakenly assuming the gift was for him, he reached for it with his other hand and said, “This is for me?,” and then began thanking me profusely. His face lit up, almost in shock, and he started searching for something to give me in return. He also sells imported tea in his shop…so he grabbed a box containing a selection of exotic teas and gave it to me with pride and joy.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to this man. For a few minutes that gift transformed this man’s life. We talked a bit more and then I left with my rug; the smile remained on his face the entire time. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Sometimes God is reaching out to us. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our life and is speaking through.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change even for a few minutes by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far…maybe one of those people lives in your own h ome. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to this man who was in need of some kindness. I confess Lord that I am much too focused on myself…on my issues and needs. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them need see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
Each year on Christmas Eve Day, I have a tradition of delivering a small gift to the people who provide a service to me throughout the year. The postman, butcher, coffee-shop owner, etc. I’ve been doing it for years. The gifts are always received with such happiness and delight.
This year, as I was walking toward the coffee shop to deliver a bottle of wine, I stopped into a local oriental rug store to pick up a rug I had ordered the week before. The owner of the store greeted me when I walked in. He’s been in that same location for 25 years now. He’s a wheeler-dealer, an all-business kind of guy…he rarely smiles. He and I had a fairly intense negotiation session over the rug I purchased the previous week.
As I reached to shake his hand he noticed the gift-wrapped bottle of wine I was carrying (the coffee-shop owner’s gift, remember). Mistakenly assuming the gift was for him, he reached for it with his other hand and said, “This is for me?,” and then began thanking me profusely. His face lit up, almost in shock, and he started searching for something to give me in return. He also sells imported tea in his shop…so he grabbed a box containing a selection of exotic teas and gave it to me with pride and joy.
I was struck by how a simple act of (unintended) kindness brought such happiness to this man. For a few minutes that gift transformed this man’s life. We talked a bit more and then I left with my rug; the smile remained on his face the entire time. Based on his reaction it’s fair to say this man was in desperate need of some attention and kindness.
We all are beaten down by this world at times. It’s hard to notice how God wants to work through us to touch others and address their needs. Sometimes God is reaching out to us. But if our head is down in self-pity, frustration, or resignation we won’t see who God brought into our life and is speaking through.
Today, think of one or two people whose lives you might change even for a few minutes by delivering some unexpected kindness. There are so many people around us who live in quiet desperation. I doubt you will have to look far…maybe one of those people lives in your own h ome. Be a Lighthouse and shine God’s love on others. If you are struggling, look up and pay attention. God is reaching out to you, but to receive His grace and comfort you have to be looking for them. Look for the Lighthouse He puts in your life.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for leading me to this man who was in need of some kindness. I confess Lord that I am much too focused on myself…on my issues and needs. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me to those in need of love and attention. Let them need see Your radiant light shining through me and onto them. I pray in the name of the one You sent to transform me though forgiveness and love, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:13,14
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