Transformational Thought
We all are injured, defective, and hurt in multiple ways. None of us are perfect in any area of our composition. Don’t we all need some form of healing? How healthy is your Mind? Your Body (including your brain chemistry)? Your Spirit? God’s word tells us that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. The scripture tells us this eternal healing does not come to us because of what we “do”. Rather it comes to us free of charge, in perfect abundance, through Jesus Christ through faith. We just need to accept it.
On the flip side, our temporal healing, the healing for the time period represented by the dash on our tombstone … 1963 – 20__ starts when we receive Christ’s death for our sins. The Holy Spirit indwells us, but then we have some responsibility for the ongoing sanctification or healing process to continue forward in our earthly lifetime. This is the abundant living Jesus spoke about.
Intentional decisions to not conform, but to be transformed, to strip off the old self and put on the new, to act boldly based on our faith in God’s character, promises, and His teachings in the Bible … that is what we control and need to master. This Spiritual Discipline of Decision-Making is powerful and nobody really talks about it with concrete depth.
Just like becoming good at a sport, music, academics, or art … daily practice of specific fundamentals is essential. Putting on the Armor of God, regular prayer and confession, and being in the Bible … God’s instruction manual … are ways to engage in spiritual training. For training to work, we have to have intentionality, self-assessment, perseverance, and strategy to get to the goal … the Mind of Christ. Discipline!
Today, ask yourself … What is my strategy? And my commitment to this strategy? How do I exercise my free will? Is it consistent with God’s instruction? Pursuing these answers will determine whether your dash will be filled with healing and peace or further injury and pain. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know that I cannot earn my way to salvation, but by receiving You, I have become Your child. I believe Your word. I pray with humble confidence that You restore me to full spiritual, mental and physical health. Show me what I need to do to receive the healing in this lifetime, the renewing of my mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically in my brain chemistry. Help me to understand what Your Holy Spirit is trying to show me and tell me so I can grow and glorify You. I pray today that You protect and lift the burdens of the entire Stepping Stones community according to Your will. If it is not Your will, then show them more clearly today how to access Your peace and comfort during their struggles. You know our every need, Lord. Let the assurance of Your presence fill us with joy and peace … regardless of our circumstances and our daily trials. I pray this in the name of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of thy wounds saith the Lord.
Jer. 30:17
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
Titus 3:5-6
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1,8-13
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: Let the One Who Knows You, Advise You
Transformational Thought
Having someone who knows you, I mean really know you, has significant benefits, but also can have some big downsides. The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us who simply don’t make that connection. Do you really think He isn’t watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn’t looking … or He doesn’t care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing hurts others, and it really does hurt us ... a lot.
Our wrong decisions actually injure our brain chemistry (body) and interfere with the development of healthy brain wiring. Wrong decisions push our psychological development (mind) toward more immaturity. And most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God (spirit), knock the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart where command central for decision-making is housed. (Click “Spiritual Basics” link at left and then click Confession.) Then we have our flesh in command, and that’s when we go from the frying pan into the fire where a string of poor decisions can quickly spiral downwards!
God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, and angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today’s scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees us through eyes full of love, grace, and forgiveness. But He also wants to push us to develop the mind of Christ for His glory and your maximum fulfillment in this life, and the next.
Today, be mindful of God’s ever-present awareness of your life. Let Him be your advisor. He really wants the best for you and orchestrates your daily events and situations to deliver the best for you. So why would you listen to a different advisor? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know, through Your word, that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being, cleansing, healing, refreshing, and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community. I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. I know You will never leave or forsake me. I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Let Your love overflow in me and then into the lives of other people. I pray this in the name of the revealer of my heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Having someone who knows you, I mean really know you, has significant benefits, but also can have some big downsides. The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us who simply don’t make that connection. Do you really think He isn’t watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn’t looking … or He doesn’t care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing hurts others, and it really does hurt us ... a lot.
Our wrong decisions actually injure our brain chemistry (body) and interfere with the development of healthy brain wiring. Wrong decisions push our psychological development (mind) toward more immaturity. And most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God (spirit), knock the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart where command central for decision-making is housed. (Click “Spiritual Basics” link at left and then click Confession.) Then we have our flesh in command, and that’s when we go from the frying pan into the fire where a string of poor decisions can quickly spiral downwards!
God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, and angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today’s scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees us through eyes full of love, grace, and forgiveness. But He also wants to push us to develop the mind of Christ for His glory and your maximum fulfillment in this life, and the next.
Today, be mindful of God’s ever-present awareness of your life. Let Him be your advisor. He really wants the best for you and orchestrates your daily events and situations to deliver the best for you. So why would you listen to a different advisor? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know, through Your word, that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being, cleansing, healing, refreshing, and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community. I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. I know You will never leave or forsake me. I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Let Your love overflow in me and then into the lives of other people. I pray this in the name of the revealer of my heart, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: Hearing Test Lately?
Transformational Thought
Amazing how kids don’t hear us when we say, “pick up your clothes,” but they remember when we say they might get something from the store. When kids are little, they have selective hearing. By their teens, they have truly perfected this skill, especially with iPods and other gadgets to blame. As seniors, people masterfully model and teach selective hearing skills to their grandchildren, and so this skill is wonderfully preserved through the generations. So here is the Reality Tip of the week: we all have selective hearing.
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all would respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13, “He who has ears, let him hear.” How selective has your hearing been? We aren’t just talking about His call to you for salvation, but also the ongoing call to grow with Him and do His will, daily. Do you have ears that hear? Will you answer his call?
Many times, the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times we respond to the invitation by asking the question: “What shall I do?” The questions you should be asking yourself are: “How shall I be?” “Am I fertile?” ”Do I have ears that hear?” If I am not responding well in life and “doing,” then I am not really hearing His call correctly.
You see, our natural inclination is to be fertile soil for our needs and desires, what we in our distorted and shortsighted view have tagged as the agenda of the day. You know, a “my kingdom come, my will be done” attitude and strategy. God, our perfect parent, knows what is best for us, so selective hearing that blocks His voice and calling will destroy our peace.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God’s invitation; some do not. May the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What is interfering with me being fertile soil for God’s calling today? ... fear, pride, busyness … hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt … lack of contentment with what you have … entitlement to more … your need for ________? How has holding on to these been working for you? Be fertile soil, not resistant soil. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father,I accept Your invitation. I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible. How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds. I pray this in the name of the One who came to clean my eyes and ears, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all would respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13, “He who has ears, let him hear.” How selective has your hearing been? We aren’t just talking about His call to you for salvation, but also the ongoing call to grow with Him and do His will, daily. Do you have ears that hear? Will you answer his call?
Many times, the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times we respond to the invitation by asking the question: “What shall I do?” The questions you should be asking yourself are: “How shall I be?” “Am I fertile?” ”Do I have ears that hear?” If I am not responding well in life and “doing,” then I am not really hearing His call correctly.
You see, our natural inclination is to be fertile soil for our needs and desires, what we in our distorted and shortsighted view have tagged as the agenda of the day. You know, a “my kingdom come, my will be done” attitude and strategy. God, our perfect parent, knows what is best for us, so selective hearing that blocks His voice and calling will destroy our peace.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God’s invitation; some do not. May the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
Today, ask yourself the question, “What is interfering with me being fertile soil for God’s calling today? ... fear, pride, busyness … hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt … lack of contentment with what you have … entitlement to more … your need for ________? How has holding on to these been working for you? Be fertile soil, not resistant soil. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father,I accept Your invitation. I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible. How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I pray, Father, that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds. I pray this in the name of the One who came to clean my eyes and ears, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Part of Your Timeline Do You Live in?
Transformational Thought
Music is so powerful. When I hear a song, it brings memories of people and events from the past. The lyrics can also take me to past experiences, some good and some bad. When I listen to praise music, my past sins and mistakes often play in my head, but Jesus’ sacrifice often brings tears to my eyes at the same time.
It’s very tempting for us to live in the past. Most of us do … replaying old scenes in our minds, fighting old battles, holding grudges for past hurts, limiting ourselves because of past mistakes. But most of all, we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving past scenarios, again and again. Here’s the sad part … the past is over.
The second most common place for our minds to linger … is the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies … and fears for the future. Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have the greatest effect on our reality: the present.
How foolish we are to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending so much effort on our useless fears of the future, and old wounds and scars from the past. I am not saying we don’t remember and study the past, or don’t plan for the future. But those activities should help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present. If you are looking back realistically to become a good steward of your mind and decisions in the present, perfect. If you are looking back and letting the past distort your view of God, yourself, or your present circumstances, you’ll find that is where Satan wants you, and he will eat you for dinner.
Today, when your mind drifts forward or backward on your personal timeline, examine the motivation and return of that endeavor. Usually, you need to find a way to get back to the present. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement, “I AM.” This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present. One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I’m guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me, once and for all, forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal, Lord; help me stop scratching at old sores; help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You, my Lord, for You are the true revealer of my reality, and I know it is only in the present that I can find You. I pray this in the name of my reality foundation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Music is so powerful. When I hear a song, it brings memories of people and events from the past. The lyrics can also take me to past experiences, some good and some bad. When I listen to praise music, my past sins and mistakes often play in my head, but Jesus’ sacrifice often brings tears to my eyes at the same time.
It’s very tempting for us to live in the past. Most of us do … replaying old scenes in our minds, fighting old battles, holding grudges for past hurts, limiting ourselves because of past mistakes. But most of all, we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving past scenarios, again and again. Here’s the sad part … the past is over.
The second most common place for our minds to linger … is the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies … and fears for the future. Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have the greatest effect on our reality: the present.
How foolish we are to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending so much effort on our useless fears of the future, and old wounds and scars from the past. I am not saying we don’t remember and study the past, or don’t plan for the future. But those activities should help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present. If you are looking back realistically to become a good steward of your mind and decisions in the present, perfect. If you are looking back and letting the past distort your view of God, yourself, or your present circumstances, you’ll find that is where Satan wants you, and he will eat you for dinner.
Today, when your mind drifts forward or backward on your personal timeline, examine the motivation and return of that endeavor. Usually, you need to find a way to get back to the present. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement, “I AM.” This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present. One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I’m guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me, once and for all, forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal, Lord; help me stop scratching at old sores; help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You, my Lord, for You are the true revealer of my reality, and I know it is only in the present that I can find You. I pray this in the name of my reality foundation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: Which Category Are You?
Transformational Thought
I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t play and love sports. A great appeal of sports to me is, even though athletics are very physical, they are still 90% mental. Very early you realize all athletes fall into one of 2 categories. Since every athlete makes mistakes regularly, the categories are: 1. Make a mistake, get down on yourself, follow it up with another mistake, don’t learn from either mistake, continue in a minimal growth process imposing a glass ceiling on your potential; 2. Make a mistake, follow it with corrective or atoning action, then learn from your mistake to improve and grow yourself and your skills, and achieve your maximal God-given potential.
Even the most mature Christian’s faith falters at times … we all make mistakes. But this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect … we don’t have the total functioning mind of Christ now. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times … not always believing and acting on the truths we intellectually know are true.
Peter’s faith faltered when he was walking on water, even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lord’s hand. Peter was able to use that situation as an opportunity to draw closer to God … to use God’s lenses to examine his heart … to see where he mistakenly placed his trust instead of in God’s teachings, promises, and character.
So too, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God … like others’ opinions or approval … your finances or possessions … skills or intellect … looks or status … you will falter. Confess your sin … that in that moment you are worshipping another false god.
Today, receive God’s forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence and faith in God instead of yourself or the things of this world. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God’s power to transform your life. When your faith falters, don’t follow it up with another mistake. Instead, confess your mistake and learn why your faith was in yourself or this world. WITHIN REACH helps you use God’s guidance to search your heart and pursue His will. Your choice, so why choose to struggle if you don’t have to?
Prayer
Father God, my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not totally failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to You, Lord, the only One who could save him. When I am afraid, I look to You, my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach out to save me. Thank You, Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You touch me with Your healing power. Help me, Lord, to maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan’s masquerading idols. I pray this in the name of my safety net when I stumble, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt”
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t play and love sports. A great appeal of sports to me is, even though athletics are very physical, they are still 90% mental. Very early you realize all athletes fall into one of 2 categories. Since every athlete makes mistakes regularly, the categories are: 1. Make a mistake, get down on yourself, follow it up with another mistake, don’t learn from either mistake, continue in a minimal growth process imposing a glass ceiling on your potential; 2. Make a mistake, follow it with corrective or atoning action, then learn from your mistake to improve and grow yourself and your skills, and achieve your maximal God-given potential.
Even the most mature Christian’s faith falters at times … we all make mistakes. But this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect … we don’t have the total functioning mind of Christ now. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times … not always believing and acting on the truths we intellectually know are true.
Peter’s faith faltered when he was walking on water, even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lord’s hand. Peter was able to use that situation as an opportunity to draw closer to God … to use God’s lenses to examine his heart … to see where he mistakenly placed his trust instead of in God’s teachings, promises, and character.
So too, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God … like others’ opinions or approval … your finances or possessions … skills or intellect … looks or status … you will falter. Confess your sin … that in that moment you are worshipping another false god.
Today, receive God’s forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence and faith in God instead of yourself or the things of this world. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God’s power to transform your life. When your faith falters, don’t follow it up with another mistake. Instead, confess your mistake and learn why your faith was in yourself or this world. WITHIN REACH helps you use God’s guidance to search your heart and pursue His will. Your choice, so why choose to struggle if you don’t have to?
Prayer
Father God, my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not totally failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to You, Lord, the only One who could save him. When I am afraid, I look to You, my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach out to save me. Thank You, Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You touch me with Your healing power. Help me, Lord, to maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan’s masquerading idols. I pray this in the name of my safety net when I stumble, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt”
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Monday, June 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: Run Less, Go Farther
Transformational Thought
When I first started Lighthouse Network, I had a clear goal of what Lighthouse would develop to uniquely help people. My vision of the tactical path to get to that goal was less clear. I asked God to show me the path and so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities came my way. I pursued a lot of them, not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially and logistically.
Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, thinking, “I’m on fire.” Then a month later, I’d look back and realize, some of that activity was wasted because nothing really resulted from some of those frantic startup efforts.
Getting the most out of what we do … being efficient … makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly where to invest – or not invest - our time and energy today.
So the big question is, “How do we know the future … the secret to high efficiency … so we won’t waste effort … but we will maximize our God-given potential?” Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will and especially His timeline. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body, and spirit … and the path before you will clear and open up. When you follow His direction, you will save great amounts of time and energy. and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, take some honest inventory regarding your recent activities. Are you in line with God’s goals and timeline or are you working hard but going on detours and hitting dead ends? Realizing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off the conforming lenses of this world, step outside of yourself, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? What future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in the way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization was a major turning point in my life; I think it will affect yours as well. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. And when I lose my sense of direction, I begin spinning in circles as my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You. Help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You … to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
When I first started Lighthouse Network, I had a clear goal of what Lighthouse would develop to uniquely help people. My vision of the tactical path to get to that goal was less clear. I asked God to show me the path and so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities came my way. I pursued a lot of them, not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially and logistically.
Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, thinking, “I’m on fire.” Then a month later, I’d look back and realize, some of that activity was wasted because nothing really resulted from some of those frantic startup efforts.
Getting the most out of what we do … being efficient … makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly where to invest – or not invest - our time and energy today.
So the big question is, “How do we know the future … the secret to high efficiency … so we won’t waste effort … but we will maximize our God-given potential?” Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will and especially His timeline. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body, and spirit … and the path before you will clear and open up. When you follow His direction, you will save great amounts of time and energy. and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, take some honest inventory regarding your recent activities. Are you in line with God’s goals and timeline or are you working hard but going on detours and hitting dead ends? Realizing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off the conforming lenses of this world, step outside of yourself, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? What future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in the way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization was a major turning point in my life; I think it will affect yours as well. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. And when I lose my sense of direction, I begin spinning in circles as my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You. Help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You … to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Opportunity In Every Adversity
Transformational Thought
Going out of Business Sale … Clearance Sale … Half Off Sale … Buy One Get One Free … Outlets! These are all items that grab our attention. The reason … opportunity is knocking. Here’s another, even richer, opportunity that separates the really successful investor from the person struggling to get by check-to-check. In the middle of a pretty good day, something happens and your day gets messy … a deviation from your agenda … an unplanned adversity … something a bit painful occurs.
You see, anyone can have peace when everything is going OK. Most people’s peace is dependent upon their external circumstances. Here’s where the next level of abundant living happens. The inner calm graciously offered by God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. What God offers to His children is radically different … peace when life gets messy or difficult … peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances.
The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a “time-out” and ask for God’s assistance. Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day. He allowed it to happen for a specific purpose for your powerful development.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you … not from outside of you. Usually it is pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you don’t understand how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to develop the mind of Christ.
Today, try slowly whispering “Jesus.” Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security. So take a time-out when adversity strikes, and perform some self-examination. If you are having trouble applying the armor of God, trusting God’s promises and character, and believing Jesus’ work for you, the great opportunity God dropped in your lap is to find what false belief you are believing in more than God, Jesus, and the Holy Bible. With practice, prayerful digging will reveal where you really are really putting your trust when adversity strikes. Your decision, choose well.
See the “Spiritual Basics” link at left, then the “Armor of God” link on that page.
Prayer
Dear Father, This day feels very “messy” to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee-jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain. And when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things … to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me, but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand, Lord, that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You and really learn what I am trusting more than You when I face adversity. I pray this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Going out of Business Sale … Clearance Sale … Half Off Sale … Buy One Get One Free … Outlets! These are all items that grab our attention. The reason … opportunity is knocking. Here’s another, even richer, opportunity that separates the really successful investor from the person struggling to get by check-to-check. In the middle of a pretty good day, something happens and your day gets messy … a deviation from your agenda … an unplanned adversity … something a bit painful occurs.
You see, anyone can have peace when everything is going OK. Most people’s peace is dependent upon their external circumstances. Here’s where the next level of abundant living happens. The inner calm graciously offered by God need not be shaken by what is going on around you. What God offers to His children is radically different … peace when life gets messy or difficult … peace that comes from within and is independent of circumstances.
The best thing to do when the messy days disrupt your peace is to stop what you are doing, take a “time-out” and ask for God’s assistance. Try turning to and trusting in God in the midst of a messy day. He allowed it to happen for a specific purpose for your powerful development.
The disruption to your peace comes from within you … not from outside of you. Usually it is pain or discomfort you are experiencing and you don’t understand how God is using it to show you, grow you, or prepare you to develop the mind of Christ.
Today, try slowly whispering “Jesus.” Just His name alone is a strong tower. Believing in His love, sacrifice, and power will bring you security. So take a time-out when adversity strikes, and perform some self-examination. If you are having trouble applying the armor of God, trusting God’s promises and character, and believing Jesus’ work for you, the great opportunity God dropped in your lap is to find what false belief you are believing in more than God, Jesus, and the Holy Bible. With practice, prayerful digging will reveal where you really are really putting your trust when adversity strikes. Your decision, choose well.
See the “Spiritual Basics” link at left, then the “Armor of God” link on that page.
Prayer
Dear Father, This day feels very “messy” to me. Many things feel out of control, but I am trying my best to trust You to provide exactly what I need. I confess that my inner calm is easily shaken by what is happening around me. My knee-jerk tendency is to restore order to my little world to ease my pain. And when I do this, I mistakenly look outward to other physical things … to substitutes. I know that Your peace is available to me, but today I am having trouble accessing it. Help me understand, Lord, that I am not in an emergency and help me give myself permission to slow down. Let this slower pace make it easier for me to stay focused on You and really learn what I am trusting more than You when I face adversity. I pray this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything!
Transformational Thought
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to “earn” God’s love.
In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend truly unconditional and perfect love. First, it doesn’t exist, and second, we are self-centered and either think we need to do something to “earn” it, or the flip side, we are never worthy enough to receive it. As parents, we love almost unconditionally (especially if we have good kids), but never even close to perfectly … but it is conditional, because the condition is, they are our kids.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling … brings actual tears to my eyes (not much does) … knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His Father for the first time ever. All for me … and I didn’t do anything to “earn” it. Actually, I sinned a lot to “unearn” it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate.
Today, and always, when you are feeling unloved, devalued, unappreciated, forgotten, lonely, or isolated, remember there is nothing you can do or fail to do that would separate God’s love from you. Don’t let Satan’s lies or your own flesh or baggage get in the way of His truth. Stop walking around afraid that you will screw up and lose His love. Live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness and love … and show your gratitude … today and everyday. Notice how these truths, when repeated over and over, will start to alter the lenses you use to see your everyday life.
Prayer
Dear Loving Father, At times, actually all the time, I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that You revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may, step by step, achieve the “mind of Christ.” This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us … there is nothing we can do or fail to do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day, Lord, remember the simple path to everlasting life: Believe>Receive>Become. I pray this in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
A rather unnecessary and heated debate came about during a Bible study the other day. The question that created some division in the group was whether or not we had to “earn” God’s love.
In our world system, and in every relationship we are involved in, it is so hard to comprehend truly unconditional and perfect love. First, it doesn’t exist, and second, we are self-centered and either think we need to do something to “earn” it, or the flip side, we are never worthy enough to receive it. As parents, we love almost unconditionally (especially if we have good kids), but never even close to perfectly … but it is conditional, because the condition is, they are our kids.
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who can give unconditional and perfect love. It still really is humbling … brings actual tears to my eyes (not much does) … knowing the King of the universe loved me enough to actually give up His throne, suffer, be humiliated, limit His power, be tortured and mocked, and not only die for me, but be separated from His Father for the first time ever. All for me … and I didn’t do anything to “earn” it. Actually, I sinned a lot to “unearn” it. Romans 8:39 ended the debate.
Today, and always, when you are feeling unloved, devalued, unappreciated, forgotten, lonely, or isolated, remember there is nothing you can do or fail to do that would separate God’s love from you. Don’t let Satan’s lies or your own flesh or baggage get in the way of His truth. Stop walking around afraid that you will screw up and lose His love. Live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness and love … and show your gratitude … today and everyday. Notice how these truths, when repeated over and over, will start to alter the lenses you use to see your everyday life.
Prayer
Dear Loving Father, At times, actually all the time, I feel so unworthy of Your love and grace. I do so little in Your name. I am so thankful for the truth of Your Word. What a comfort to know that You will let nothing separate me from Your love, the love that You revealed through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may, step by step, achieve the “mind of Christ.” This is my desire and my goal. Help me understand, and then help others to understand that the heavy lifting has been done for us … there is nothing we can do or fail to do that will turn You away from us. Help me this day, Lord, remember the simple path to everlasting life: Believe>Receive>Become. I pray this in the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
Friday, June 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Want the Promised Land?
Transformational Thought
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be fulfilled, content, and independent (able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally), and to be Godly decision-makers. To me, that is the Promised Land living Moses described in Deuteronomy 30. We would all admit this is a great goal for our kids. Thankfully, our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for as well.
However, when they were smaller kids (sometimes last week) … and they wanted too stay up late … have ice cream for dinner every night … sleep in all day in the summer … leave their chores for their mom to do … just rush through their homework … really any short cut in life … having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind.
There is no question that it is God’s will to bless you by sanctifying you. His word tells us, “This is the will of God, your sanctification….” The real question: Is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments … enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or enduring the frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, and had faith that they willed something good and desirable for us. So their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent … ever. His will for you is grander and closer to you than you could ever imagine, so make it yours. But you have to submit to His coaching and parenting.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered, “yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Or are you getting in His way, and being your own worst enemy? Align your will with the One who created you and who knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice … don’t act like a child selling out the chance for life’s great rewards in order to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now. WITHIN REACH can help you get out of God’s way and understand how to use His leading.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You … for Jesus making me pure and holy … and freeing me from the death grip of sin. How liberating it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love … see how much You really care for me, and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way as You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
As a father, my goal is to raise my daughters to be fulfilled, content, and independent (able to function on their own financially, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally), and to be Godly decision-makers. To me, that is the Promised Land living Moses described in Deuteronomy 30. We would all admit this is a great goal for our kids. Thankfully, our teenagers now realize this is a great goal for them to strive for as well.
However, when they were smaller kids (sometimes last week) … and they wanted too stay up late … have ice cream for dinner every night … sleep in all day in the summer … leave their chores for their mom to do … just rush through their homework … really any short cut in life … having that great goal in mind, or at least a healthy strategy to achieve it, was the farthest thing from their mind.
There is no question that it is God’s will to bless you by sanctifying you. His word tells us, “This is the will of God, your sanctification….” The real question: Is it your will?
Are you willing to let God do everything in you that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Are you willing to let His life be exhibited through your flesh? Growing up, we yielded to the will of teachers, athletic coaches, instructors for dance, acting, instruments … enduring struggles with homework, physical strain, long practice sessions, final exams, learning tough musical pieces, or enduring the frustrating feelings of incompetence and insecurity. But we stuck with it, trusted those leaders, and had faith that they willed something good and desirable for us. So their goal became our goal.
God is the greatest coach, teacher, parent … ever. His will for you is grander and closer to you than you could ever imagine, so make it yours. But you have to submit to His coaching and parenting.
Today, examine whether you really want the best for your life. If you answered, “yes”, are you following God’s plan and using His instruction book as your guide? Or are you getting in His way, and being your own worst enemy? Align your will with the One who created you and who knows you better than you know yourself. It’s your choice … don’t act like a child selling out the chance for life’s great rewards in order to have a little comfort and self-centeredness now. WITHIN REACH can help you get out of God’s way and understand how to use His leading.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for making it possible that Your will be my will. Thank You, for uniting me through Jesus Christ to You … for Jesus making me pure and holy … and freeing me from the death grip of sin. How liberating it is to know that there is nothing in this universe that can separate me from Your love. Help me absorb Your love … see how much You really care for me, and melt my resistance to Your will. Show me how to get out of Your way as You work on me and with me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name the one who always submitted to Your will, even above His own, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
God’s will is for you to be holy…
1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:9-11
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Prayer Life: Exciting Adventure or Sleepwalking
Transformational Thought
The other day, in between tasks, I unexpectedly bumped into a friend, who was also in between tasks. We did the superficial and obligatory greeting and banter, then went our respective ways. Not the ideal interaction, but one we both accepted based on hurriedness and other tasks preoccupying our minds. The willingness to prioritize each other? Not even an option.
In most relationships, we have a dangerous tendency to fall into patterns and routines that lead to staleness or ruts which slowly, but effectively, sabotage our growth and relational depth with ourselves and others. We start to take the other person for granted and become “me” focused … not process oriented towards what is actually happening in the relationship.
Most of us fall into this same rut with God. Our routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger: we can sleepwalk through our prayers. Just as our earthly relationships get put on autopilot sometimes, so does our relationship with God. Prayer only fulfills an obligation or tradition … saying “grace” before meals or bedtime. Then God Himself seems like an extra, an obligation, something to break out for special occasions, instead of a powerful necessary ingredient for daily enrichment and growth as we discussed yesterday.
Like we always say, you have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you – the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God. Think specifically of your words … why are you praying … what is your attitude … what is your expectation? Ultimately, see God for who He is and you will become excited and intentional, just as you would be if you were meeting your favorite person, celebrity, or athlete.
Today, spend 5 minutes before you pray, just listening to the Holy Spirit talk to you and petition for you. He will start to put in your mind and heart what you need to be praying for. At the end of your prayer, spend 5 minutes just listening for God to show up and dialogue with you. If you drift (like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God’s frequency. This will awaken your soul and powerfully enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to You. I love living close to You. It satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess, Lord, that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers … and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You, Lord, with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and am able to see Your infinite newness everyday. I pray this in the name the one who never sleepwalked through any relationship, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The other day, in between tasks, I unexpectedly bumped into a friend, who was also in between tasks. We did the superficial and obligatory greeting and banter, then went our respective ways. Not the ideal interaction, but one we both accepted based on hurriedness and other tasks preoccupying our minds. The willingness to prioritize each other? Not even an option.
In most relationships, we have a dangerous tendency to fall into patterns and routines that lead to staleness or ruts which slowly, but effectively, sabotage our growth and relational depth with ourselves and others. We start to take the other person for granted and become “me” focused … not process oriented towards what is actually happening in the relationship.
Most of us fall into this same rut with God. Our routine prayers can cover a lot of praises and petitions. But that efficiency carries with it a danger: we can sleepwalk through our prayers. Just as our earthly relationships get put on autopilot sometimes, so does our relationship with God. Prayer only fulfills an obligation or tradition … saying “grace” before meals or bedtime. Then God Himself seems like an extra, an obligation, something to break out for special occasions, instead of a powerful necessary ingredient for daily enrichment and growth as we discussed yesterday.
Like we always say, you have a choice! Make use of the massive power source within you – the Holy Spirit. Invite him to empower your prayers with life. Seek fresh ways to pray and commune with God. Think specifically of your words … why are you praying … what is your attitude … what is your expectation? Ultimately, see God for who He is and you will become excited and intentional, just as you would be if you were meeting your favorite person, celebrity, or athlete.
Today, spend 5 minutes before you pray, just listening to the Holy Spirit talk to you and petition for you. He will start to put in your mind and heart what you need to be praying for. At the end of your prayer, spend 5 minutes just listening for God to show up and dialogue with you. If you drift (like I do at times), give it another try. This is how you develop your spiritual radar for God’s frequency. This will awaken your soul and powerfully enliven your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, teach me how to pray to You. I love living close to You. It satisfies such deep longings in me. I live close to You through prayer. However, I confess, Lord, that I have fallen into a routine with my prayers … and I struggle between being faithful and constant vs. being creative in my communication with You. Because my mind is both fallen and finite, I feel I have such limited ability to be creative in my prayers. I come to You, Lord, with thanksgiving for Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit teach me how to pray in such a way that I get increasingly closer to You and am able to see Your infinite newness everyday. I pray this in the name the one who never sleepwalked through any relationship, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Psalm 57:10-11
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Think You Are Breathing But Are Really Choking?
Transformational Thought
Do you ever watch people swimming like I do at the beach or the pool? Some can stay underwater for just a few seconds, and others can stay under for a long time … up to 90 seconds. I even had a friend who was an Olympic water polo player who could hold his breath for three and a half minutes! But in the end, they all desperately need air and gasp for it when they take that first breath after being underwater.
In life, so many people are slowly asphyxiating. This suffocation is manifested in feeling overwhelmed, lonely, never caught up, unimportant, I need a drink, have to have my coffee to get started, unsafe, worthless, stupid, left out, incompetent, lost in life, glass half empty, never get a break, guilty, shameful, need to eat to soothe, passed over, picked last, picked on, looks just not right, physically mushy build, and for some, flat out hopeless, helpless, and sometimes suicidal. Why? Because they are not spiritually “breathing.”
To pray is to breathe. And people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying … or maybe they have never really lived. Just as the body can’t do without oxygen, our spirit, our essence can’t do without prayer … without breathing in God. His Word is our daily bread and prayer is our daily breath.
Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God, who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of His spiritual world … then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God’s settings so we breathe Him in and connect more powerfully.
We then receive His communications without interference … life becomes easier and more fulfilling. We become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Have you ever experienced that scary choking feeling when something is caught in your throat? Satan wants to deceive us into think we have more important things to breathe in each day. But his elements are actually obstructing our breathing and choking us. Satan gets us to think that spending time talking to God is a waste, as if it were an obstruction we can’t afford in our day. Don’t be so easily tricked.
Today, stop and do this exercise for me. Hold your breath as long as you can. The urgency and powerful way you gasp for air, that is how much you need God every second of your life! Pray deeply, breathe easily … or pray shallowly, choke fearfully. As usual, it’s your choice. What will you do? I pray you choose well, your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father, I praise and honor You, my Lord. I know You have created everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today, I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air and of “life.” Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. I pray this in the name the one who fully and constantly breathed You in, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
Do you ever watch people swimming like I do at the beach or the pool? Some can stay underwater for just a few seconds, and others can stay under for a long time … up to 90 seconds. I even had a friend who was an Olympic water polo player who could hold his breath for three and a half minutes! But in the end, they all desperately need air and gasp for it when they take that first breath after being underwater.
In life, so many people are slowly asphyxiating. This suffocation is manifested in feeling overwhelmed, lonely, never caught up, unimportant, I need a drink, have to have my coffee to get started, unsafe, worthless, stupid, left out, incompetent, lost in life, glass half empty, never get a break, guilty, shameful, need to eat to soothe, passed over, picked last, picked on, looks just not right, physically mushy build, and for some, flat out hopeless, helpless, and sometimes suicidal. Why? Because they are not spiritually “breathing.”
To pray is to breathe. And people are not praying, so they are spiritually dying … or maybe they have never really lived. Just as the body can’t do without oxygen, our spirit, our essence can’t do without prayer … without breathing in God. His Word is our daily bread and prayer is our daily breath.
Prayer is an opening of our hearts to God, who already dwells within us. Praying allows us further connection and understanding of His spiritual world … then our spiritual radar starts to get tuned and tweaked to God’s settings so we breathe Him in and connect more powerfully.
We then receive His communications without interference … life becomes easier and more fulfilling. We become more Christ-like as we know and follow Him more.
Have you ever experienced that scary choking feeling when something is caught in your throat? Satan wants to deceive us into think we have more important things to breathe in each day. But his elements are actually obstructing our breathing and choking us. Satan gets us to think that spending time talking to God is a waste, as if it were an obstruction we can’t afford in our day. Don’t be so easily tricked.
Today, stop and do this exercise for me. Hold your breath as long as you can. The urgency and powerful way you gasp for air, that is how much you need God every second of your life! Pray deeply, breathe easily … or pray shallowly, choke fearfully. As usual, it’s your choice. What will you do? I pray you choose well, your life depends on it.
Prayer
Dear Father, I praise and honor You, my Lord. I know You have created everything. Even though I believe in You, at times I cannot breathe. I struggle for air like a swimmer that has gone too deep and now I am rushing to the surface for that gasp of air. Today, I feel like I will not make it to the top. I am learning now that You are my only source of air, my constant source of air and of “life.” Infuse me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Help me regularly dedicate time to breathe You more deeply into my heart. I pray this in the name the one who fully and constantly breathed You in, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:3-4
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deuteronomy 4:7
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Stepping Stones: “Future Gazing” on Your Personal Red Carpet
Transformational Thought
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she excitedly walks forward with pride and jubilant expectation. An extravagant hairdo, head held high, all made up, and in her fanciest dress. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path … only for her ... to honor her ... and it’s designed for her maximum benefit and enjoyment.
Don’t we all want to walk our own personal red carpet? We do and we are. You see, your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path … a plan … your own personal red carpet specifically and specially designed for YOU. Sounds awesome, but there is one catch … even though you get to see the end point, you don’t get to see more than just one step ahead as He reveals it, your life, moment by moment.
Our natural me-centered tendency is to look farther ahead, anticipating and wishing for future moments, neglecting the special “now” moments He designed especially for us. Unrealistic expectations lead to letdowns, worries, hurts, confusion, frustration, and impatience. They clutter the red carpet path. Instead, we should be able to rest in God’s customized and loving path, the carpet designed perfectly for us, allowing us to enjoy each moment to its fullest.
God’s wonder and joy are only accessible in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn’t make mistakes, really loves you, and meets your every need. Attaining this freedom isn’t easy, because our minds often wander to “Future Gazing” at will.
Today, when you find yourself engaging in “Future Gazing,” remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is filled with potholes of self-destruction not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you … rolling out your honored red carpet, designed specifically and especially for you.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior, What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me, Lord, how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I “Future Gaze”, all I am really doing is exercising my imagination. It is impossible for me to know and anticipate what my future on Earth will hold for me. Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence. I pray this in the name the One who died for the perfect ending point of my red carpet, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she excitedly walks forward with pride and jubilant expectation. An extravagant hairdo, head held high, all made up, and in her fanciest dress. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path … only for her ... to honor her ... and it’s designed for her maximum benefit and enjoyment.
Don’t we all want to walk our own personal red carpet? We do and we are. You see, your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path … a plan … your own personal red carpet specifically and specially designed for YOU. Sounds awesome, but there is one catch … even though you get to see the end point, you don’t get to see more than just one step ahead as He reveals it, your life, moment by moment.
Our natural me-centered tendency is to look farther ahead, anticipating and wishing for future moments, neglecting the special “now” moments He designed especially for us. Unrealistic expectations lead to letdowns, worries, hurts, confusion, frustration, and impatience. They clutter the red carpet path. Instead, we should be able to rest in God’s customized and loving path, the carpet designed perfectly for us, allowing us to enjoy each moment to its fullest.
God’s wonder and joy are only accessible in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn’t make mistakes, really loves you, and meets your every need. Attaining this freedom isn’t easy, because our minds often wander to “Future Gazing” at will.
Today, when you find yourself engaging in “Future Gazing,” remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is filled with potholes of self-destruction not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you … rolling out your honored red carpet, designed specifically and especially for you.
Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior, What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me, Lord, how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I “Future Gaze”, all I am really doing is exercising my imagination. It is impossible for me to know and anticipate what my future on Earth will hold for me. Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence. I pray this in the name the One who died for the perfect ending point of my red carpet, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Monday, May 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: “Thank You” Therapy
Transformational Thought
Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life. It implies you need them, owe them … that they are one up on you.
In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive “healing” reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don’t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence. These make sure we … 1. have a plan, and 2. are not being dependent on other people’s plans because we know what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a plan different from ours?
When our plan, strategy, or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices are … 1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed that we didn’t get what we wanted and thought was best, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful is not our natural me-centered response, so it’s much more difficult to summon up. But it really is a much healthier response for you to improve your relationship with GOD, others, and even yourself.
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day. For each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.
Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! Thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is: the Author of your life and your faith. So what will you choose today when life goes differently than you want … frustration and angst, or thankfulness and peace? As always, your decision, so choose well. It’s easier than you think … try it today.
Prayer
Dear Father God,I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to You that sometimes my prayers are hollow … I can say them without feeling thankful at all … especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything … even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You, Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name the One who always was thankful and accepted His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life. It implies you need them, owe them … that they are one up on you.
In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive “healing” reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don’t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence. These make sure we … 1. have a plan, and 2. are not being dependent on other people’s plans because we know what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a plan different from ours?
When our plan, strategy, or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices are … 1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed that we didn’t get what we wanted and thought was best, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful is not our natural me-centered response, so it’s much more difficult to summon up. But it really is a much healthier response for you to improve your relationship with GOD, others, and even yourself.
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day. For each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.
Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! Thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is: the Author of your life and your faith. So what will you choose today when life goes differently than you want … frustration and angst, or thankfulness and peace? As always, your decision, so choose well. It’s easier than you think … try it today.
Prayer
Dear Father God,I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to You that sometimes my prayers are hollow … I can say them without feeling thankful at all … especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything … even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You, Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name the One who always was thankful and accepted His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: God Wants Your Heart, Not Just Your Obedience
Transformational Thought
Sadly, the more I mature and learn, the more I realize how many mistakes I made growing up and during my early adult years. Giving into peer pressure, lying, cutting corners, getting my value from others’ opinions, sexual sins, alcohol and drug use, car accidents, financial blunders, listening to my emotions, even committing aggravated assault. They all flow from not trusting God and applying His instruction manual, and using my “Manual According to Karl” instead.
Wow, God’s grace is so amazing … protecting me from so many more consequences than I did experience … and actually allowing me to grow and minister to others. If you didn’t believe in miracles before, hopefully you do now.
I really want to save my 3 girls from the misery and frustration I experienced. In my zealous, dogged instruction of decision-making skills, I sometimes forget the most important aspect. My girls and I really want and need a strong relationship with each other. Unfortunately, all my criticism, judgment, correction, pushing, and demand for a higher standard, although from good intentions, have stood in the way of recognizing their greater need for me to be loving, caring, and soothing to them.
You see, without the relationship, all the education and pushing I do to help them be the one God desires, can be largely wasted energy. That is why Jesus died for us first. Then having a relationship with God empowers and enlightens us to absorb and apply His instruction for obedience. God doesn’t demand our obedience before deciding to have a relationship with us based on our successful level of obedience.
Glorifying and enjoying God, spending time with and growing in your relationship with Him should be the highest priority in your life. Maintaining a tidy, structured obedient life should be a secondary priority, not the top priority.
Today, give up trying to stay in control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks that waste your precious energy. Focus on building relationships … first with God and then with others. With strong relationships, the “obedience” … doing the right things part of living … will quickly follow as you apply His instructions.
Prayer
Oh Father, I declare to You, my Lord, that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I realize I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire of my heart: to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness. I pray this in the name of the one who was able to relate to and obey You perfectly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:40-42
Sadly, the more I mature and learn, the more I realize how many mistakes I made growing up and during my early adult years. Giving into peer pressure, lying, cutting corners, getting my value from others’ opinions, sexual sins, alcohol and drug use, car accidents, financial blunders, listening to my emotions, even committing aggravated assault. They all flow from not trusting God and applying His instruction manual, and using my “Manual According to Karl” instead.
Wow, God’s grace is so amazing … protecting me from so many more consequences than I did experience … and actually allowing me to grow and minister to others. If you didn’t believe in miracles before, hopefully you do now.
I really want to save my 3 girls from the misery and frustration I experienced. In my zealous, dogged instruction of decision-making skills, I sometimes forget the most important aspect. My girls and I really want and need a strong relationship with each other. Unfortunately, all my criticism, judgment, correction, pushing, and demand for a higher standard, although from good intentions, have stood in the way of recognizing their greater need for me to be loving, caring, and soothing to them.
You see, without the relationship, all the education and pushing I do to help them be the one God desires, can be largely wasted energy. That is why Jesus died for us first. Then having a relationship with God empowers and enlightens us to absorb and apply His instruction for obedience. God doesn’t demand our obedience before deciding to have a relationship with us based on our successful level of obedience.
Glorifying and enjoying God, spending time with and growing in your relationship with Him should be the highest priority in your life. Maintaining a tidy, structured obedient life should be a secondary priority, not the top priority.
Today, give up trying to stay in control and keeping everyone happy. These are impossible tasks that waste your precious energy. Focus on building relationships … first with God and then with others. With strong relationships, the “obedience” … doing the right things part of living … will quickly follow as you apply His instructions.
Prayer
Oh Father, I declare to You, my Lord, that glorifying You is a much higher priority than maintaining order in my life. I know if I focus on You, I will have the appropriate order. While I make this commitment to You, I realize I do spend too much energy on keeping things under control. When I do this, I lose sight of You. I want my life to display the deep desire of my heart: to glorify You in carefree cheerfulness. I pray this in the name of the one who was able to relate to and obey You perfectly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:40-42
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Stepping Stones: Loneliness: Trusting Your Feelings Instead of God
Transformational Thought
My girls are such a blessing to me and are always surprising me with a variety of remarks that seem to slip out at the most random and cool times. Sometimes, I don’t think the lessons I am trying to get across to them actually sink in. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, their surprising statements pop out.
Tidbits like, “Dad, it seemed like you were in the room with me,” … “I felt like you were watching me,” … “I know you were there to protect me,” … “I heard you talking to me in my head,” and my favorite, “I found myself using exactly what you told me when I was little.” The interesting and amazing part is, I wasn’t even with them when they “experienced” my presence in their situations. I have tried to master the “being in two places at the same time” superpower, but you would have seen me on Oprah if I did.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could have a Father who was omnipresent (everywhere), created you, gave you life, loves you, pursues you through the ages and into the depths of your heart, perseveres despite your repeated rejections of Him, promises to always be with you, and never leaves your side?
You guessed it. You do have that Father. You are never alone. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel, distant and disinterested in your needs and troubles. He is intimately close to you. Don’t let Satan’s lie get in your head and trick you into thinking God stranded you. Don’t let your feelings become your reality. Just because you feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.
Today, try to be mindful of the direct connection between loneliness and your lack of awareness of how close God is to you. You’ll be surprised when you start to believe and then have faith in His promises to be by your side. You are much better off believing His promises and instruction instead of your feelings. Remember how many times your feelings tricked you in the past? Where will you place your faith, in your feelings or in God? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of Your nearness I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize You I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face … and to know that the only thing I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You, Lord, with my ever-so-human emptiness. Fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. I pray this in the name the one who is always in Your presence, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
My girls are such a blessing to me and are always surprising me with a variety of remarks that seem to slip out at the most random and cool times. Sometimes, I don’t think the lessons I am trying to get across to them actually sink in. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, their surprising statements pop out.
Tidbits like, “Dad, it seemed like you were in the room with me,” … “I felt like you were watching me,” … “I know you were there to protect me,” … “I heard you talking to me in my head,” and my favorite, “I found myself using exactly what you told me when I was little.” The interesting and amazing part is, I wasn’t even with them when they “experienced” my presence in their situations. I have tried to master the “being in two places at the same time” superpower, but you would have seen me on Oprah if I did.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could have a Father who was omnipresent (everywhere), created you, gave you life, loves you, pursues you through the ages and into the depths of your heart, perseveres despite your repeated rejections of Him, promises to always be with you, and never leaves your side?
You guessed it. You do have that Father. You are never alone. Your God is closer to you than you dare believe. He is not sitting up in heaven at the control panel, distant and disinterested in your needs and troubles. He is intimately close to you. Don’t let Satan’s lie get in your head and trick you into thinking God stranded you. Don’t let your feelings become your reality. Just because you feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.
Today, try to be mindful of the direct connection between loneliness and your lack of awareness of how close God is to you. You’ll be surprised when you start to believe and then have faith in His promises to be by your side. You are much better off believing His promises and instruction instead of your feelings. Remember how many times your feelings tricked you in the past? Where will you place your faith, in your feelings or in God? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You to thank You for Your mercy and grace. I deeply desire to experience Your closeness and presence in my life. When I am aware of Your nearness I feel peaceful and content. When I fail to recognize You I feel frightened, vulnerable and lonely. Let my feelings of loneliness be a constant reminder that I need to seek Your face … and to know that the only thing I should fear is losing my connection with You. I come to You, Lord, with my ever-so-human emptiness. Fill me with Your divine presence. Fill me with life to the fullest. I pray this in the name the one who is always in Your presence, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Psalm 41:12
Friday, May 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: Prayer is Power Journaling
Transformational Thought
As a psychiatrist, I often see patients who struggle with fears, wounds, hurts, distortions, unresolved conflicts, and misinterpretations, which profoundly interfere with their ability to live the abundant life Christ’s death made available to us. They also miss out on achieving their God-given potential.
In the beginning of their work with me, the struggles are often very vague and difficult for them to specifically describe and put their finger on. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these struggles which seem unstructured and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful, actually essential for most at the start of their personal transformation process, is journaling. When I ask patients to journal about their area of struggle, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I won’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue,” or “You’ll never have time to read all I write.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to be very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, the logical progression of the issue, and how much simpler the issue really is. As a result of the process, journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about ourselves and our hearts.
Prayer accomplishes the same results (and more) through the same process. As we really think about what to pray for and why, we are verbally journaling with God. God wants us to come to Him in prayer, and one reason is it makes us analyze our situations and ourselves in a meaningful and revealing way.
God’s Holy Bible tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise: His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. How much more incentive do you need to pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer you repeat out of habit. Do some real mental prep and inventory. Even get out a pen and paper and journal about what you pray for and why. Record God’s answers to your prayers. Watch it play out over time. You will learn so much about God, His wisdom, and what to really pray for. Your eyes will be opened to see your real heart and desires. Do they align with God’s? Why or why not?
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And when I bring my requests and petitions, You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that when you say “no” it’s because You’re planning something better for me, not because You are punishing or withholding. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinder my intimacy with You. Help me to better understand what is in my heart and learn to put You in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
As a psychiatrist, I often see patients who struggle with fears, wounds, hurts, distortions, unresolved conflicts, and misinterpretations, which profoundly interfere with their ability to live the abundant life Christ’s death made available to us. They also miss out on achieving their God-given potential.
In the beginning of their work with me, the struggles are often very vague and difficult for them to specifically describe and put their finger on. This contributes to the overwhelming and confused feelings most people experience as a result of these struggles which seem unstructured and never-ending.
One discipline I find really helpful, actually essential for most at the start of their personal transformation process, is journaling. When I ask patients to journal about their area of struggle, a common response is, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I won’t have enough paper to write about the whole issue,” or “You’ll never have time to read all I write.”
Once they start writing about it, they are forced to be very concrete, practical, and methodical as they dig in to the elements of the issue. They are always amazed at the insights they get, how little paper they end up using, the logical progression of the issue, and how much simpler the issue really is. As a result of the process, journaling reveals some very deep truths and insights about ourselves and our hearts.
Prayer accomplishes the same results (and more) through the same process. As we really think about what to pray for and why, we are verbally journaling with God. God wants us to come to Him in prayer, and one reason is it makes us analyze our situations and ourselves in a meaningful and revealing way.
God’s Holy Bible tells us repeatedly to bring our petitions to Him through prayers with thanksgiving. Regardless of how He answers your prayers, each prayer transaction comes with this promise: His peace will guard your heart and mind and will keep Him close to you. How much more incentive do you need to pray more!
Today, pray more, and not just that rote, vague, superficial prayer you repeat out of habit. Do some real mental prep and inventory. Even get out a pen and paper and journal about what you pray for and why. Record God’s answers to your prayers. Watch it play out over time. You will learn so much about God, His wisdom, and what to really pray for. Your eyes will be opened to see your real heart and desires. Do they align with God’s? Why or why not?
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You with an open, thankful heart. And when I bring my requests and petitions, You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Help me learn and believe that when you say “no” it’s because You’re planning something better for me, not because You are punishing or withholding. I pray today that I may increase my intimacy with You. Please help me remove all the aspects of my life that hinder my intimacy with You. Help me to better understand what is in my heart and learn to put You in the center. I pray this in the name the one who knew His heart exactly, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: From Turtle to God
May 26, 2011
Transformational Thought
I was on vacation last week and had the privilege of witnessing one of the coolest and most hilarious sights ever. We were at a Myrtle Beach high-rise with a “lazy river” where you could leisurely ride around on an inner tube. Well, my 10 y.o., GiGi, decorated a little turtle and entered “Kevin” in the turtle race in the lazy river. Twelve noon was post time. The activities director dumped about 50 decorated plastic turtles into the river … and the race was on!
The excitement of the kids was so infectious that many of us parents got caught up in the “for all the marbles” turtle race on this muggy, 93-degree day. Even innocent bystanders, the people with no turtles in the race, were excited and interested in the outcome. People were hootin’ and cheerin’, running around the river to see where their turtle was … it was hilarious. I actually shouted to another excited father, “O baby, competition, you gotta love it!”
I’ve loved sports, ever since I could remember. Sports have clear goals, structure, expectations, excitement, winning, second and third chances, attention, escape from reality, rewards, measurable advancement, teamwork, camaraderie, and so much more if you really excel at sports. I was blessed to have many successful and exciting experiences in athletics.
But you see, even though sports were a positive activity in many ways for me, I also developed a dependency, an addiction, for them. I turned to them when I felt low, insecure, lonely, inadequate in another area, or when I was confused or overwhelmed, especially socially. Sports brought me relief from my discomfort. But unbeknownst to me, this really stunted my spiritual growth, because I should have been turning to God and His Holy Bible instead.
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe in Christ as your Savior, and then Receive the invitation from God to have an eternal relationship with Him, He works constantly to wean you off all other dependencies. A big part of Becoming a real disciple of Christ is letting your security rest in Him alone … not in other things, people, or circumstances.
Today, reflect on some positive or stress-relieving activities in your life. Have you started to rely too much on them? Activities like work, food, hobbies? Or your spouse, kids, intellect, problem-solving skills? Yes, the list is endless. Do you turn to them before you turn to God? Turn to Him first today. He forms the foundation of your happiness first and then uses the other activities to provide satisfaction and fulfillment to help you grow.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for all that I have. I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day, this physical world becomes a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my Savior. But I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You. I pray this in the name the one who depended solely on You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
Transformational Thought
I was on vacation last week and had the privilege of witnessing one of the coolest and most hilarious sights ever. We were at a Myrtle Beach high-rise with a “lazy river” where you could leisurely ride around on an inner tube. Well, my 10 y.o., GiGi, decorated a little turtle and entered “Kevin” in the turtle race in the lazy river. Twelve noon was post time. The activities director dumped about 50 decorated plastic turtles into the river … and the race was on!
The excitement of the kids was so infectious that many of us parents got caught up in the “for all the marbles” turtle race on this muggy, 93-degree day. Even innocent bystanders, the people with no turtles in the race, were excited and interested in the outcome. People were hootin’ and cheerin’, running around the river to see where their turtle was … it was hilarious. I actually shouted to another excited father, “O baby, competition, you gotta love it!”
I’ve loved sports, ever since I could remember. Sports have clear goals, structure, expectations, excitement, winning, second and third chances, attention, escape from reality, rewards, measurable advancement, teamwork, camaraderie, and so much more if you really excel at sports. I was blessed to have many successful and exciting experiences in athletics.
But you see, even though sports were a positive activity in many ways for me, I also developed a dependency, an addiction, for them. I turned to them when I felt low, insecure, lonely, inadequate in another area, or when I was confused or overwhelmed, especially socially. Sports brought me relief from my discomfort. But unbeknownst to me, this really stunted my spiritual growth, because I should have been turning to God and His Holy Bible instead.
God wants you to be all His. Once you Believe in Christ as your Savior, and then Receive the invitation from God to have an eternal relationship with Him, He works constantly to wean you off all other dependencies. A big part of Becoming a real disciple of Christ is letting your security rest in Him alone … not in other things, people, or circumstances.
Today, reflect on some positive or stress-relieving activities in your life. Have you started to rely too much on them? Activities like work, food, hobbies? Or your spouse, kids, intellect, problem-solving skills? Yes, the list is endless. Do you turn to them before you turn to God? Turn to Him first today. He forms the foundation of your happiness first and then uses the other activities to provide satisfaction and fulfillment to help you grow.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank You for all that I have. I thank You for the security You provide for my life. Day by day, this physical world becomes a more frightening place, such an insecure place. I accept You as my God and my Savior. But I humbly admit to You that I am not yet weaned from other dependencies. Help me let go of them as I grasp more firmly to You. I pray this in the name the one who depended solely on You, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Stepping Stones: Thirsty? Beware What You Drink
Transformational Thought
Our family was at the beach last week with my parents, brother and sister, and their families. We had a great time in the ocean and enjoyed various activities in the area. But one of our favorite activities in the evening, after a belly-busting dinner and some family devotions, is playing some board games or cards together. Stories of our childhood entertain our kids, and we all have funny comments or observations about our different perspectives and little secrets of growing up in our “interesting” family.
By the end of the night though, I was so bloated. Why? Because I drank so much limeade and soda. I hardly ever drink very much, so why now? After playing and sweating on the beach and being in the salt water all day, then eating a bunch of salty snacks and a huge salty dinner, I was dehydrated and didn’t even know it. Being so thirsty, over the course of a couple hours, I progressively and unintentionally guzzled so much that I was actually uncomfortable.
This is how our spiritual life often plays out. The world around us is so active, always speeding up and filled with options. As we get older, the activities are more complex and require more time, attention, and energy, and have more pressure associated with them. We become so engaged in them that both the enjoyable and the unpleasant activities alike can be draining.
As a result, without realizing it, we get spiritually thirsty for purpose, value, connection, attention, achievement, peace, love, and direction among other things. Unfortunately, this world offers more distractions than you can fit into one lifetime. We are thirsty, and at times, because of those distractions, we don’t even realize we are dehydrated. So, to unknowingly quench this thirst we start to unconsciously look to the world’s nectar and juices … idols. These idols provide some temporary relief … we get bloated and uncomfortable. Yet the thirst remains because the idol will never fulfill the need.
Today, try to understand that your deepest desire and drive is for a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. His joy and peace is the only way to satisfy your thirst. Take a look at some of the attitudes or objects you turn to … food, alcohol, attention, gossip, isolation, control, anger, shopping, status, money … when you are “thirsty” and need something. You are drinking for sure, but drinking the wrong thing will bring so much pain. Drinking the Living Water will bring all you will ever desire.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty … my soul is thirsty. At times I confuse this thirst with just being tired or stressed out. So I start searching for relief, or at least for some distractions. I know that all the while You are standing next to me … ready to quench my thirst. My soul thirsts for You, Lord. Allow Your gifts of Joy and Peace to enhance my awareness of You. I pray this in the name the only one who can quench my thirst, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah
Psalm 143:6
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2
Jesus said to her, "Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:13-14
Our family was at the beach last week with my parents, brother and sister, and their families. We had a great time in the ocean and enjoyed various activities in the area. But one of our favorite activities in the evening, after a belly-busting dinner and some family devotions, is playing some board games or cards together. Stories of our childhood entertain our kids, and we all have funny comments or observations about our different perspectives and little secrets of growing up in our “interesting” family.
By the end of the night though, I was so bloated. Why? Because I drank so much limeade and soda. I hardly ever drink very much, so why now? After playing and sweating on the beach and being in the salt water all day, then eating a bunch of salty snacks and a huge salty dinner, I was dehydrated and didn’t even know it. Being so thirsty, over the course of a couple hours, I progressively and unintentionally guzzled so much that I was actually uncomfortable.
This is how our spiritual life often plays out. The world around us is so active, always speeding up and filled with options. As we get older, the activities are more complex and require more time, attention, and energy, and have more pressure associated with them. We become so engaged in them that both the enjoyable and the unpleasant activities alike can be draining.
As a result, without realizing it, we get spiritually thirsty for purpose, value, connection, attention, achievement, peace, love, and direction among other things. Unfortunately, this world offers more distractions than you can fit into one lifetime. We are thirsty, and at times, because of those distractions, we don’t even realize we are dehydrated. So, to unknowingly quench this thirst we start to unconsciously look to the world’s nectar and juices … idols. These idols provide some temporary relief … we get bloated and uncomfortable. Yet the thirst remains because the idol will never fulfill the need.
Today, try to understand that your deepest desire and drive is for a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. His joy and peace is the only way to satisfy your thirst. Take a look at some of the attitudes or objects you turn to … food, alcohol, attention, gossip, isolation, control, anger, shopping, status, money … when you are “thirsty” and need something. You are drinking for sure, but drinking the wrong thing will bring so much pain. Drinking the Living Water will bring all you will ever desire.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thirsty … my soul is thirsty. At times I confuse this thirst with just being tired or stressed out. So I start searching for relief, or at least for some distractions. I know that all the while You are standing next to me … ready to quench my thirst. My soul thirsts for You, Lord. Allow Your gifts of Joy and Peace to enhance my awareness of You. I pray this in the name the only one who can quench my thirst, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah
Psalm 143:6
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:1-2
Jesus said to her, "Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:13-14
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You the Sour Apple on Your Family Tree?
Transformational Thought
The other day, we were enjoying a time of celebration with some friends and family. While most of the discussion was frivolous, fun, and positive, one of my relatives had many negative and pessimistic comments that impacted some people’s enjoyment of the occasion.
Everybody has a couple of sour apples on their family tree … you know, the ones who are grumpy no matter what the circumstances. Sure, they are cranky and negative when facing adversity or stressful situations. But sometimes they are grumpy even when the situation is neutral or positive, because that is just their view of life.
Why do we get grumpy? One common reason is that situations, people, things, life, aren’t going the way we planned. We feel hurt … we have to accept a different plan or agenda … we are disrupted or become uncomfortable. It’s amazing how we subliminally develop such a sense of entitlement … that an event or our entire day should always go our way … that all our wishes and demands, get granted. How dare God not grant all our wishes and desires?
So when events or circumstances don’t go our way, why do we respond with negativity, nastiness, and grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? Negativity will just push people away and increase their negativity toward you. But sometimes the feeling is so strong, it flows out unfiltered and we don’t realize its impact. We also get attached to our need to immediately feel better, and in some odd, weird way, being grumpy gives us a sense of control, power, and attention. In reality, what we think is a self-protective response is actually a self-destructive response.
Today, if you feel nastiness coming on and you are tempted to grumble, try this: go to God and talk it out. Ask Him to reveal to you why He gave you something different than what you expected or wanted. Get in His word and seek Him. As you open up to Him, He will put His thoughts in Your mind and His song in your heart. The key … open up to Him! Stop being an entitled and self-centered downer in life.
Prayer
Dear Father, I grumble and complain more than I like to admit. There are so many things that tick me off … so many things I want to be different in me, in others, and in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take it out on others who are close to me. I see now that the longer I focus on these things, the more likely I am to grumble. Even when I get control of my spoken words, my thoughts are full of complaints. Help me talk with You about these matters. I thank You, Lord, for listening and caring. Even if You choose not to change my circumstance, my communion with You alone will put Your song in my heart. I pray this in the name of the one who graciously accepted all You brought into His life, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
The other day, we were enjoying a time of celebration with some friends and family. While most of the discussion was frivolous, fun, and positive, one of my relatives had many negative and pessimistic comments that impacted some people’s enjoyment of the occasion.
Everybody has a couple of sour apples on their family tree … you know, the ones who are grumpy no matter what the circumstances. Sure, they are cranky and negative when facing adversity or stressful situations. But sometimes they are grumpy even when the situation is neutral or positive, because that is just their view of life.
Why do we get grumpy? One common reason is that situations, people, things, life, aren’t going the way we planned. We feel hurt … we have to accept a different plan or agenda … we are disrupted or become uncomfortable. It’s amazing how we subliminally develop such a sense of entitlement … that an event or our entire day should always go our way … that all our wishes and demands, get granted. How dare God not grant all our wishes and desires?
So when events or circumstances don’t go our way, why do we respond with negativity, nastiness, and grumpiness? How is that going to help improve the situation? Negativity will just push people away and increase their negativity toward you. But sometimes the feeling is so strong, it flows out unfiltered and we don’t realize its impact. We also get attached to our need to immediately feel better, and in some odd, weird way, being grumpy gives us a sense of control, power, and attention. In reality, what we think is a self-protective response is actually a self-destructive response.
Today, if you feel nastiness coming on and you are tempted to grumble, try this: go to God and talk it out. Ask Him to reveal to you why He gave you something different than what you expected or wanted. Get in His word and seek Him. As you open up to Him, He will put His thoughts in Your mind and His song in your heart. The key … open up to Him! Stop being an entitled and self-centered downer in life.
Prayer
Dear Father, I grumble and complain more than I like to admit. There are so many things that tick me off … so many things I want to be different in me, in others, and in the world. I realize it is my natural tendency to brood over these things and take it out on others who are close to me. I see now that the longer I focus on these things, the more likely I am to grumble. Even when I get control of my spoken words, my thoughts are full of complaints. Help me talk with You about these matters. I thank You, Lord, for listening and caring. Even if You choose not to change my circumstance, my communion with You alone will put Your song in my heart. I pray this in the name of the one who graciously accepted all You brought into His life, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:3
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Acts 2:28
Monday, May 23, 2011
Stepping Stones: Let Adversity Be Your Tutor
Transformational Thought
When I first started my psychiatric practice, I really struggled with one problem for a while … when patients didn’t show up for their appointments. My mind was stressed as several issues swirled through my head. Were they OK, did they commit suicide, were they in a car accident on their way, I had lost income, would they resent me for having to bill them for a missed appointment, someone who was on my waiting list could have been seen instead and is still in distress.
Who wants problems? Nobody, right? But try thinking about problems differently. An ongoing problem can be like a tutor … a teacher that is always by your side teaching you. Your learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be “teachable”. The bottom line here is whether or not you can trust God to use the “difficulties” in your life for goodness.
If you want to learn all that your God has prepared for you, then you must accept His teaching methods. The more humble you are, the more teachable you are … the more teachable and flexible you are, the more you learn … the more you learn, the better you’ll understand life … the more you understand, the easier life is … the easier life is, the more you’ll glorify God … the more you glorify God, the more peace, contentment, and fulfillment you have as you draw closer to Him and achieve the mind of Christ.
You see, for me, I started looking at why God was allowing cancellations to occur. One major lesson the cancellations taught me – I was a control addict. I needed my agenda to happen my way. When it didn’t, it derailed me. These cancellations were an incredible tutor to me. Now I enjoy cancellations and trust God’s sovereignty, knowing He has something better for me to enjoy or take care of than what I plan during that time slot. He will provide for the safety of the patient and those on the waiting list; He will provide for my finances; and He has plenty of other tasks for me to accomplish in the extra time.
The other cool thing I learned was that God stopped giving me that test so often once I realized what the lesson was and started to “ace” the assignment. This really gave me incentive to dig into other areas of adversity with renewed vigor and insight so I could learn more about God and myself.
Today, remember that God is the potter and you are the clay. How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands? Take inventory. Any recurring problem? Let God tutor you using that adversity. Like it or not, this adversity tutor is relentless, so don’t ignore it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you with embarrassment as I confess that I really don’t like this tutor at all. What I really want is to have my problems taken away before I get stressed, I want to run away from my problems … Haven’t I spent enough time with this teacher? Isn’t there a simpler, less painful way to learn? Father God, I pray to You to help me trust You more … to trust that You intend my problems for something good … to transform me. Beginning today I will try to see my problems as blessings in disguise, stepping stones to my gradual transformation into Your likeness … depending on You, developing Your perspective, and understanding what is really important to You. Help me this day. Empower me to be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory. I pray this in the name of my Perfect Tutor, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
When I first started my psychiatric practice, I really struggled with one problem for a while … when patients didn’t show up for their appointments. My mind was stressed as several issues swirled through my head. Were they OK, did they commit suicide, were they in a car accident on their way, I had lost income, would they resent me for having to bill them for a missed appointment, someone who was on my waiting list could have been seen instead and is still in distress.
Who wants problems? Nobody, right? But try thinking about problems differently. An ongoing problem can be like a tutor … a teacher that is always by your side teaching you. Your learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be “teachable”. The bottom line here is whether or not you can trust God to use the “difficulties” in your life for goodness.
If you want to learn all that your God has prepared for you, then you must accept His teaching methods. The more humble you are, the more teachable you are … the more teachable and flexible you are, the more you learn … the more you learn, the better you’ll understand life … the more you understand, the easier life is … the easier life is, the more you’ll glorify God … the more you glorify God, the more peace, contentment, and fulfillment you have as you draw closer to Him and achieve the mind of Christ.
You see, for me, I started looking at why God was allowing cancellations to occur. One major lesson the cancellations taught me – I was a control addict. I needed my agenda to happen my way. When it didn’t, it derailed me. These cancellations were an incredible tutor to me. Now I enjoy cancellations and trust God’s sovereignty, knowing He has something better for me to enjoy or take care of than what I plan during that time slot. He will provide for the safety of the patient and those on the waiting list; He will provide for my finances; and He has plenty of other tasks for me to accomplish in the extra time.
The other cool thing I learned was that God stopped giving me that test so often once I realized what the lesson was and started to “ace” the assignment. This really gave me incentive to dig into other areas of adversity with renewed vigor and insight so I could learn more about God and myself.
Today, remember that God is the potter and you are the clay. How flexible are you willing to be in His skillful hands? Take inventory. Any recurring problem? Let God tutor you using that adversity. Like it or not, this adversity tutor is relentless, so don’t ignore it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you with embarrassment as I confess that I really don’t like this tutor at all. What I really want is to have my problems taken away before I get stressed, I want to run away from my problems … Haven’t I spent enough time with this teacher? Isn’t there a simpler, less painful way to learn? Father God, I pray to You to help me trust You more … to trust that You intend my problems for something good … to transform me. Beginning today I will try to see my problems as blessings in disguise, stepping stones to my gradual transformation into Your likeness … depending on You, developing Your perspective, and understanding what is really important to You. Help me this day. Empower me to be a Lighthouse, reflecting Your light to others with ever-increasing Glory. I pray this in the name of my Perfect Tutor, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!
The Truth
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
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