April 4, 2012
Transformational Thought
We all have sensitive buttons that, when pushed, result in some pretty sorry and regrettable responses. One hot button we all have is the control button. Whether we see ourselves as leaders with controlling personalities, or at the opposite end, as followers with passive personalities, we all have a need to be in control of some situations.
Most people feel more secure when they are in control. A drive down a steep mountain road doesn’t feel so dangerous when our own hands are on the steering wheel. The passengers will always be more anxious or fearful because they are vulnerable to the driver’s skills and decisions.
Having control over our circumstances is very important to most of us … it allows us to feel more secure, competent, and confident. We usually think, “the more control I have, the better chance I have of minimizing any pain or discomfort in a situation.” But we can't always be in control. In fact, we actually have a lot less influence over external circumstances than we think. When facing situations beyond our control, we may feel helpless, vulnerable, anxious, fearful, angry, or overwhelmed. Those feelings can lead to panic, depression, life-interfering or life-threatening behaviors … even suicidal thoughts.
Nowadays, when just relying on the world, a sense of safety and security may be difficult to find. The good news is there is one way we can always be secure.
God provides a way for us to experience a sense of security at all times. He leaves it up to us. We can either depend on ourselves, panicking or losing hope when we can't control a situation … or we can depend on the Lord. If we choose Jesus and His way for our lives, we can always be secure in His love. We will still experience problems and trials on this earth, but we will begin to view them from His perspective.
When you turn control over to Jesus, you can know that no matter what challenges or trials you face, He will ultimately work them out for your good. Maybe you remember your favorite teacher who gave a tough homework assignment to expand your mind and future, or a great coach who enforced drills knowing you were getting stronger and better equipped to succeed in the big game, or the acting instructor who stretched your comfort zone pushing you to a wonderful and exhilarating performance.
Today, examine whose hands control your steering wheel. During especially stressful situations, are you still trying to control every detail of your life? If your confidence is in yourself, usually self-centered motivators like emotion and fear of pain will direct your steps, and poor decisions will be the norm. Do you experience frustration, fear, or even anger when you can't control what is happening to you? Turn everything over to God. You can trust Him. He is way more equipped to handle life than you are. Then be a good steward of the instructions He gives for your part of the plan. WITHIN REACH will show you how to powerfully submit to God and learn great decision-making from His coaching. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, it seems that every time I turn a situation over to You, I hang on to some little part of it and pull it away from You again. I want to be in control, and yet I know that doesn't always work out. Please forgive me for not trusting You with every area of my life. Help me to trust You more and to leave the control of my life in Your hands. Help me to rest securely in Your love. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to teach me how to trust, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 1:11
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Stepping Stones: Take a Hike!
April 2, 2012
Transformational Thought
Boring. What a terrible word. Who wants to be called boring? The goal of most of our activities is avoiding boredom or a boring person. Spice things up, inject some excitement, change our hairstyle, plan a trip, go back to school, try a new restaurant, repaint a room, get a new girlfriend, quit the job, move to southern California, or dysfunctional options like get high, eat another cookie, watch some porn, or agitate a loved one.
Even though we often try to escape the state of boredom, our natural human tendency is attracted to the elements of sameness and routine while resisting all that is different. We like to go the same places for vacation, eat or drink the “usual” when we go to a restaurant, wear a certain style of clothes all the time, drive the same route to work … we rarely enjoy having others, or God, throw curveballs into any area of life.
We tend to marry and congregate with people who are like us … the same color, culture, political party, religious belief, social level, or income bracket. We tend to mistrust, resist, and even fear, judge, criticize, look down on, or ridicule anyone who is different.
People often judge others by what is seen on the outside. We lump everyone from a particular racial or cultural group into one basket. We shun one another and, at times, even war against each other based solely on racial identity. How sad is that?
You see, because of our fallen state, several character traits lead to these ungodly reactions. To compensate for our inadequacies and insecurities, we falsely elevate ourselves by putting others down. We often fear what we don’t understand. So instead of trying to understand it, we avoid it and label it inferior to us. Because we are psychologically lazy, our willingness to understand others more fully, or to take time to get to know them, is not our natural inclination.
Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't ever see us that way? He loves us regardless of our race or culture, appearance or activities, career or income, deeds or mistakes. He searches every heart. He is interested in what's inside. He visited and hung out with all kinds of people … always looking deeper … looking beyond the surface. Why? Because He always starts with love.
Today, examine what you see first when you engage with another person. Do you see their need for a relationship with God? What makes you tentative about loving them fully? Ask Jesus to help you search other people's hearts and see them through God’s eyes ... as God's creation … designed in His image. Jesus gave His life for people of all races and cultures. He sees everyone through eyes of love and compassion. He looks beyond faults to needs. It is time for us to let go of our prejudices and see others as Jesus does. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Help me to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Reveal to me any prejudices I may have hidden in my heart. Forgive me, and help me to let go of those prejudices and the walls they create. Help me to stop looking at the outside and to truly look deeper into their lives. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who searches all hearts, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
1 Chronicles 28:9
Transformational Thought
Boring. What a terrible word. Who wants to be called boring? The goal of most of our activities is avoiding boredom or a boring person. Spice things up, inject some excitement, change our hairstyle, plan a trip, go back to school, try a new restaurant, repaint a room, get a new girlfriend, quit the job, move to southern California, or dysfunctional options like get high, eat another cookie, watch some porn, or agitate a loved one.
Even though we often try to escape the state of boredom, our natural human tendency is attracted to the elements of sameness and routine while resisting all that is different. We like to go the same places for vacation, eat or drink the “usual” when we go to a restaurant, wear a certain style of clothes all the time, drive the same route to work … we rarely enjoy having others, or God, throw curveballs into any area of life.
We tend to marry and congregate with people who are like us … the same color, culture, political party, religious belief, social level, or income bracket. We tend to mistrust, resist, and even fear, judge, criticize, look down on, or ridicule anyone who is different.
People often judge others by what is seen on the outside. We lump everyone from a particular racial or cultural group into one basket. We shun one another and, at times, even war against each other based solely on racial identity. How sad is that?
You see, because of our fallen state, several character traits lead to these ungodly reactions. To compensate for our inadequacies and insecurities, we falsely elevate ourselves by putting others down. We often fear what we don’t understand. So instead of trying to understand it, we avoid it and label it inferior to us. Because we are psychologically lazy, our willingness to understand others more fully, or to take time to get to know them, is not our natural inclination.
Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't ever see us that way? He loves us regardless of our race or culture, appearance or activities, career or income, deeds or mistakes. He searches every heart. He is interested in what's inside. He visited and hung out with all kinds of people … always looking deeper … looking beyond the surface. Why? Because He always starts with love.
Today, examine what you see first when you engage with another person. Do you see their need for a relationship with God? What makes you tentative about loving them fully? Ask Jesus to help you search other people's hearts and see them through God’s eyes ... as God's creation … designed in His image. Jesus gave His life for people of all races and cultures. He sees everyone through eyes of love and compassion. He looks beyond faults to needs. It is time for us to let go of our prejudices and see others as Jesus does. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Help me to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Reveal to me any prejudices I may have hidden in my heart. Forgive me, and help me to let go of those prejudices and the walls they create. Help me to stop looking at the outside and to truly look deeper into their lives. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who searches all hearts, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
1 Chronicles 28:9
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Stepping Stones: Take a Hike!
March 31 – April 1, 2012
Transformational Thought
Spring is in the air, plants are budding, we’re working in the yard, enjoying bright sunny days and evenings, outside sports and activities, and even taking an occasional jog, appreciating and enjoying God’s great creation.
My wife and I really like taking walks together. Hiking is even better than walking. Hiking is a really fun, healthy, adventurous, and growing experience, especially with a guide. Several key elements of a hike include … the intention of the guide and hiker to go on the hike together … coordinated movements modeled by the guide and repeated by the hiker … strategic planning initiated by the guide and followed by the hiker … and most important, trustworthiness of the guide and willingness of the hiker to trust the guide.
Once we come to Christ in faith we begin a walk, actually, an adventurous hike with God on an incredible daily journey. The destination for this lifetime … the Mind of Christ, the Promised Land, the Abundant Life … is described to us in The Holy Bible. Yet we’ve never been there before, nor do we know exactly how to get there. The Bible gives us very concrete instruction but the actual application is initially a challenge to understand. Numerous detours and false paths make the road really hard to follow. It is vital that we learn to trust our Guide, God and the Holy Spirit, in every area of our lives … day in and day out.
We can trust Him because we are assured that when we love God and commit our lives to Him, He works everything … the good and the bad … together for good. We can trust Him because He has demonstrated His great unconditional love for us. We can commit our wayward child to Him because we know He loves that child even more than we do. We can commit our finances to Him because we know that He will work all things for good as we follow Him and trust Him for wisdom. We can trust our loved one's health to Him because of His mercy and love. We can trust God to work His plan in our ministry … and His plan is perfect.
Is there an area of your life that you are clinging to … and worrying about … instead of trusting God? God cares about everything that concerns you. You see, Satan and the self-centered part of us are trying to brainwash us into thinking we really can’t fully trust anyone … that the only one who knows best for me is …. ME! What a detour to destruction that path is.
Today, examine your daily hike. Where are you going and who is your guide? These are the 2 most important questions you need to ask. If you are your own guide, or if you are following your own map and system, or the world’s system … you are lost! Keep your eyes on Him. Love and trust Him. He will go before you … He will guide you … He will strengthen you … and He will work all things for good. Edging Forward is designed to help you follow God as your guide, edging forward one stepping stone at a time in your everyday hike to the Promised Land. Choosing the guide is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I have been worrying about this situation and trying to fix it myself. My way hasn't worked. I commit this situation and my hike to You and trust You for the answer. I want You to be my Guide and no other. Help me to resist being my own guide, because I now know my own path leads to the wrong places. No matter how things look now, I trust You to work all things together for good and get me to the right place … the Mind of Christ. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I strive to trust completely, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13,14
Transformational Thought
Spring is in the air, plants are budding, we’re working in the yard, enjoying bright sunny days and evenings, outside sports and activities, and even taking an occasional jog, appreciating and enjoying God’s great creation.
My wife and I really like taking walks together. Hiking is even better than walking. Hiking is a really fun, healthy, adventurous, and growing experience, especially with a guide. Several key elements of a hike include … the intention of the guide and hiker to go on the hike together … coordinated movements modeled by the guide and repeated by the hiker … strategic planning initiated by the guide and followed by the hiker … and most important, trustworthiness of the guide and willingness of the hiker to trust the guide.
Once we come to Christ in faith we begin a walk, actually, an adventurous hike with God on an incredible daily journey. The destination for this lifetime … the Mind of Christ, the Promised Land, the Abundant Life … is described to us in The Holy Bible. Yet we’ve never been there before, nor do we know exactly how to get there. The Bible gives us very concrete instruction but the actual application is initially a challenge to understand. Numerous detours and false paths make the road really hard to follow. It is vital that we learn to trust our Guide, God and the Holy Spirit, in every area of our lives … day in and day out.
We can trust Him because we are assured that when we love God and commit our lives to Him, He works everything … the good and the bad … together for good. We can trust Him because He has demonstrated His great unconditional love for us. We can commit our wayward child to Him because we know He loves that child even more than we do. We can commit our finances to Him because we know that He will work all things for good as we follow Him and trust Him for wisdom. We can trust our loved one's health to Him because of His mercy and love. We can trust God to work His plan in our ministry … and His plan is perfect.
Is there an area of your life that you are clinging to … and worrying about … instead of trusting God? God cares about everything that concerns you. You see, Satan and the self-centered part of us are trying to brainwash us into thinking we really can’t fully trust anyone … that the only one who knows best for me is …. ME! What a detour to destruction that path is.
Today, examine your daily hike. Where are you going and who is your guide? These are the 2 most important questions you need to ask. If you are your own guide, or if you are following your own map and system, or the world’s system … you are lost! Keep your eyes on Him. Love and trust Him. He will go before you … He will guide you … He will strengthen you … and He will work all things for good. Edging Forward is designed to help you follow God as your guide, edging forward one stepping stone at a time in your everyday hike to the Promised Land. Choosing the guide is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I have been worrying about this situation and trying to fix it myself. My way hasn't worked. I commit this situation and my hike to You and trust You for the answer. I want You to be my Guide and no other. Help me to resist being my own guide, because I now know my own path leads to the wrong places. No matter how things look now, I trust You to work all things together for good and get me to the right place … the Mind of Christ. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I strive to trust completely, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13,14
Friday, March 30, 2012
Stepping Stones: Step One Through Infinity is Trust
March 30, 2012
Transformational Thought
We trust in many things to save us. The strength of a chair to save us from falling. The power of a bridge to support our weight so we don’t plummet to the river below. The ability of an oncoming driver to stay on his side of the yellow line to prevent us from crashing. Trust that our parents will protect us from many dangers.
Webster defines trust as "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something." When we trust in Jesus, we believe that He is God's Son and that His sacrifice pays the price for our sin. We are relying on and trusting God’s character … and His ability to do what He has promised. Ultimately, we are trusting His character and integrity to be who He promised, and we trust His power and strength to overcome all harms. Ultimately, we trust the truth of His love for us - that He would bring all these attributes to bear for our ultimate fulfillment.
Trusting in Christ is the foundation, the first step to a relationship with God. Faith that Christ paid the penalty that was due for all our sins. Realizing nothing else could erase the barrier of sin that stands between God’s holiness and us. Saving trust is the greatest coping mechanism we can ever use, as it restores our relationship with God forever, and assures our eternal place in Heaven with Him.
Satan is working hard to get us to believe one of two things. 1 - We really aren’t that bad, don’t need a God (even if He does exist), and can earn God’s favor or become a god through self-help or by doing lots of good deeds. 2 - We are so wretched that God doesn’t love us or can’t save us from our sins, or we have to work to re-earn His favor instead of trusting in Jesus’ death for our payment. Then, if we do trust Jesus for salvation, we get complacent and start trusting other worldly elements, like ourselves, for our daily safety.
Today's scripture is one of many that explain the gospel message. We all fall short of God's standard … we all have sinned … and so none of us can have a relationship with God on our own merit or power. The good news is that God loved us enough to send his Son Jesus to make a way for us. Jesus died on the cross and paid the price for every sin committed by man … past, present and future. That is the incomparable power of the Cross. Our responsibility is to trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When we do this, we are made right with God and can enjoy a personal relationship with him. We cannot, nor do we need to add to the Cross. And thankfully, nothing we do can undo the power of the Cross once we have trusted in Him.
Today, ask yourself these questions: Have I trusted in Jesus? Have I received His love and His sacrifice for my sin? If I have, do I express that in my attitudes, perceptions, and actions each day? What is the evidence I trust in God and not in my intellect, bank account, friends, looks, health, etc? If I lost any or all of these things would I still trust in God? He loves you with a love you can't even begin to comprehend. And He is trustworthy. He will never leave you. He will never disappoint you. He will always love you. In this world of uncertainty, there is no hope. But in Jesus there is every hope. That, you can trust in. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I realize that I am not worthy to be in Your presence. But I believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin and that through Him I can come to You. I receive Him now as my savior. Help me make sure this is not my last step, but just the first step of my growing trust in You … for all my daily matters in this world, not just for my life in Heaven. Please forgive my sins. I want to follow and trust in Jesus. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to set me free, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Romans 3:22-23
Transformational Thought
We trust in many things to save us. The strength of a chair to save us from falling. The power of a bridge to support our weight so we don’t plummet to the river below. The ability of an oncoming driver to stay on his side of the yellow line to prevent us from crashing. Trust that our parents will protect us from many dangers.
Webster defines trust as "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something." When we trust in Jesus, we believe that He is God's Son and that His sacrifice pays the price for our sin. We are relying on and trusting God’s character … and His ability to do what He has promised. Ultimately, we are trusting His character and integrity to be who He promised, and we trust His power and strength to overcome all harms. Ultimately, we trust the truth of His love for us - that He would bring all these attributes to bear for our ultimate fulfillment.
Trusting in Christ is the foundation, the first step to a relationship with God. Faith that Christ paid the penalty that was due for all our sins. Realizing nothing else could erase the barrier of sin that stands between God’s holiness and us. Saving trust is the greatest coping mechanism we can ever use, as it restores our relationship with God forever, and assures our eternal place in Heaven with Him.
Satan is working hard to get us to believe one of two things. 1 - We really aren’t that bad, don’t need a God (even if He does exist), and can earn God’s favor or become a god through self-help or by doing lots of good deeds. 2 - We are so wretched that God doesn’t love us or can’t save us from our sins, or we have to work to re-earn His favor instead of trusting in Jesus’ death for our payment. Then, if we do trust Jesus for salvation, we get complacent and start trusting other worldly elements, like ourselves, for our daily safety.
Today's scripture is one of many that explain the gospel message. We all fall short of God's standard … we all have sinned … and so none of us can have a relationship with God on our own merit or power. The good news is that God loved us enough to send his Son Jesus to make a way for us. Jesus died on the cross and paid the price for every sin committed by man … past, present and future. That is the incomparable power of the Cross. Our responsibility is to trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When we do this, we are made right with God and can enjoy a personal relationship with him. We cannot, nor do we need to add to the Cross. And thankfully, nothing we do can undo the power of the Cross once we have trusted in Him.
Today, ask yourself these questions: Have I trusted in Jesus? Have I received His love and His sacrifice for my sin? If I have, do I express that in my attitudes, perceptions, and actions each day? What is the evidence I trust in God and not in my intellect, bank account, friends, looks, health, etc? If I lost any or all of these things would I still trust in God? He loves you with a love you can't even begin to comprehend. And He is trustworthy. He will never leave you. He will never disappoint you. He will always love you. In this world of uncertainty, there is no hope. But in Jesus there is every hope. That, you can trust in. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I realize that I am not worthy to be in Your presence. But I believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin and that through Him I can come to You. I receive Him now as my savior. Help me make sure this is not my last step, but just the first step of my growing trust in You … for all my daily matters in this world, not just for my life in Heaven. Please forgive my sins. I want to follow and trust in Jesus. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to set me free, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Romans 3:22-23
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Stepping Stones: God: The Ultimate Insurance
March 29, 2012
Transformational Thought
Martine, the kids and I are always chuckling at the many goofy insurance commercials on TV these days. The Geico commercials with the caveman and the stack of money with eyes are funny. We are partial to “Nationwide is on our side” as our daughters have had a couple accidents and Nationwide has been on our side. One time-honored classic is “The Good Hands People” of Allstate. They ask us to trust them, to submit and put our lives in their hands when potentially serious, life-endangering circumstances strike.
To submit a significant area of life to someone else, you really have to trust them, interview them, get other people’s feedback and check their track record. But you don’t really know until you give them an audition.
You see, God is the ultimate insurance company. Some say He sells fire insurance to save us from the fiery furnace of Hell. He also provides protection techniques to help us avoid “accidents” as well as services for navigating the system and restoring our property to it’s pristine condition when an “accident” does occur.
In order to fully submit our lives to God, we have to trust Him from the bottoms of our hearts. Trust His unconditional love. Trust that His way and instructions really are the best. Trust that He is able to deliver what He promises. Trust that listening to Him and obeying Him will keep us on track.
How do we build that kind of trust? By getting to know Him better … through prayer … through studying and meditating on the Bible … by being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, audition Him, experience His love and then look back and remember how He has loved us and helped us in the past. Recognize that His way has always proved to be the right way. When you look back at situations that didn’t work out despite your trust in God, I bet you inserted some of your plan in place of His, or used your own value system or time line instead of His to evaluate the results.
Even if you aren’t sure and haven’t been swayed by the preponderance of evidence, what are your other alternatives? Trust yourself? You know how much you mess up. Trust anyone else in this world or any other system? Not like there’s a great list of alternatives to choose from. Sure, you know a lot of nice people. And on the outside, they seem to have it together pretty well. But on the inside? Who knows?
Nobody has the big trustworthy hands of our Heavenly Father.
Today, listen for God’s voice and guidance in everything you do, everywhere you go. Slow down your thinking as you contemplate a few situations in your head. Ask, “What Godly principles are in this interaction or situation?” Are you submitting to His plan above all else? Is He truly at the center of your life? You will have much more peace when you know you have the best insurance company looking after your every step! Life is your decision, His insurance company or yours, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive me for all the times I’ve attempted to figure things out on my own … instead of relying on You. I do trust You … when life is going well and no curveballs are coming at me. Help me to trust You when adversity comes out of the blue. Teach me to tune into Your voice in everything I do and everywhere I go. Help me to seek Your will at all times and Your plan above my own desires. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whose insurance policy covered all my sin covered with no deductible, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Proverbs 3:5-7
Transformational Thought
Martine, the kids and I are always chuckling at the many goofy insurance commercials on TV these days. The Geico commercials with the caveman and the stack of money with eyes are funny. We are partial to “Nationwide is on our side” as our daughters have had a couple accidents and Nationwide has been on our side. One time-honored classic is “The Good Hands People” of Allstate. They ask us to trust them, to submit and put our lives in their hands when potentially serious, life-endangering circumstances strike.
To submit a significant area of life to someone else, you really have to trust them, interview them, get other people’s feedback and check their track record. But you don’t really know until you give them an audition.
You see, God is the ultimate insurance company. Some say He sells fire insurance to save us from the fiery furnace of Hell. He also provides protection techniques to help us avoid “accidents” as well as services for navigating the system and restoring our property to it’s pristine condition when an “accident” does occur.
In order to fully submit our lives to God, we have to trust Him from the bottoms of our hearts. Trust His unconditional love. Trust that His way and instructions really are the best. Trust that He is able to deliver what He promises. Trust that listening to Him and obeying Him will keep us on track.
How do we build that kind of trust? By getting to know Him better … through prayer … through studying and meditating on the Bible … by being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, audition Him, experience His love and then look back and remember how He has loved us and helped us in the past. Recognize that His way has always proved to be the right way. When you look back at situations that didn’t work out despite your trust in God, I bet you inserted some of your plan in place of His, or used your own value system or time line instead of His to evaluate the results.
Even if you aren’t sure and haven’t been swayed by the preponderance of evidence, what are your other alternatives? Trust yourself? You know how much you mess up. Trust anyone else in this world or any other system? Not like there’s a great list of alternatives to choose from. Sure, you know a lot of nice people. And on the outside, they seem to have it together pretty well. But on the inside? Who knows?
Nobody has the big trustworthy hands of our Heavenly Father.
Today, listen for God’s voice and guidance in everything you do, everywhere you go. Slow down your thinking as you contemplate a few situations in your head. Ask, “What Godly principles are in this interaction or situation?” Are you submitting to His plan above all else? Is He truly at the center of your life? You will have much more peace when you know you have the best insurance company looking after your every step! Life is your decision, His insurance company or yours, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive me for all the times I’ve attempted to figure things out on my own … instead of relying on You. I do trust You … when life is going well and no curveballs are coming at me. Help me to trust You when adversity comes out of the blue. Teach me to tune into Your voice in everything I do and everywhere I go. Help me to seek Your will at all times and Your plan above my own desires. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whose insurance policy covered all my sin covered with no deductible, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Proverbs 3:5-7
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Stepping Stones: Why Settle for “Normal”?
March 28, 2012
Transformational Thought
Wanting to fit in or be accepted by others is a natural urge. We tend to follow the pursuits of those around us to connect or to find answers that we can’t uncover on our own. Sometimes answers come in the form of strategies our peers use to manage life and the spiritual warfare we wage on a daily basis.
It’s so easy to be influenced by (and even brainwashed into the belief) that the world’s view and thinking is accurate. Television programs subtly … and more and more recently, not so subtly … dishonor God. They present sinful attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles as normal … over and over again through months, years, and even decades now. Without realizing it, we can gradually begin accepting sinful behavior as “normal.” The constant exposure, validation, and normalizing of evil behavior results in becoming desensitized to it.
Other influences … friends, employers, books, movies, family ... shape our thinking as well. One real danger has been introduced in the form of books and movies that claim to be Christian and use “Christian-ese” words. But in fact, they teach things that are totally unscriptural. Usually good teaching is mixed in with the deceptive teaching, drawing many Christians into accepting the whole because of some carefully placed Biblical truths. Jesus warned us to be careful … that even the elect could be deceived.
Remember we are in a spiritual battle and our foe is formidable and has studied us for thousands of years. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Satan is incredible. He will always come up with subtle strategies and methods to veer us away from God. He is also very patient. He doesn’t care if he steers you away from God only one degree per month at first. Then after a number of months, you hit that slippery slope and are in a free fall.
So how can we avoid being pulled by the world’s influences? By letting God transform us into a new person. But it’s not all up to Him. If it were, all Christians would be perfect … and I’ve met a bunch of you and know that just ain’t true! You see, we play a big part in this transformation process because God gave us free will and we need to be great stewards of it. We need to change the way we view our lives and our circumstances, and dissect our motivations. Then your decision-making will be Godly and transformation will occur exponentially in your spirit and mind, even rewiring your brain chemistry! Renewing the mind.
To develop the mind of Christ we must continually transform our mind, will, intellect and emotions. The transformation occurs by immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and then obeying it. We have to apply it, becoming Godly decision-makers for transformation to occur. This is why I am so relentless about teaching decision-making strategies and skills.
Today, measure every influence in the light of God’s Word … and reject those that don’t line up. Quit watching that television program. Don’t read that book. Choose what is right over what is easy or popular, or what feels good. Be willing to take a stand. Don’t be “normal”. Be special in Him and for Him. Life is your decision, so choose well and be transformed.
Prayer
Dear God, Open my eyes to the wrong influences in my life. Transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. Give me a deeper understanding of Your Word. Help me to live in obedience to Your will, and to make right choices even when they are difficult. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who never settled for normal, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think and renewing your mind. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Transformational Thought
Wanting to fit in or be accepted by others is a natural urge. We tend to follow the pursuits of those around us to connect or to find answers that we can’t uncover on our own. Sometimes answers come in the form of strategies our peers use to manage life and the spiritual warfare we wage on a daily basis.
It’s so easy to be influenced by (and even brainwashed into the belief) that the world’s view and thinking is accurate. Television programs subtly … and more and more recently, not so subtly … dishonor God. They present sinful attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles as normal … over and over again through months, years, and even decades now. Without realizing it, we can gradually begin accepting sinful behavior as “normal.” The constant exposure, validation, and normalizing of evil behavior results in becoming desensitized to it.
Other influences … friends, employers, books, movies, family ... shape our thinking as well. One real danger has been introduced in the form of books and movies that claim to be Christian and use “Christian-ese” words. But in fact, they teach things that are totally unscriptural. Usually good teaching is mixed in with the deceptive teaching, drawing many Christians into accepting the whole because of some carefully placed Biblical truths. Jesus warned us to be careful … that even the elect could be deceived.
Remember we are in a spiritual battle and our foe is formidable and has studied us for thousands of years. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Satan is incredible. He will always come up with subtle strategies and methods to veer us away from God. He is also very patient. He doesn’t care if he steers you away from God only one degree per month at first. Then after a number of months, you hit that slippery slope and are in a free fall.
So how can we avoid being pulled by the world’s influences? By letting God transform us into a new person. But it’s not all up to Him. If it were, all Christians would be perfect … and I’ve met a bunch of you and know that just ain’t true! You see, we play a big part in this transformation process because God gave us free will and we need to be great stewards of it. We need to change the way we view our lives and our circumstances, and dissect our motivations. Then your decision-making will be Godly and transformation will occur exponentially in your spirit and mind, even rewiring your brain chemistry! Renewing the mind.
To develop the mind of Christ we must continually transform our mind, will, intellect and emotions. The transformation occurs by immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and then obeying it. We have to apply it, becoming Godly decision-makers for transformation to occur. This is why I am so relentless about teaching decision-making strategies and skills.
Today, measure every influence in the light of God’s Word … and reject those that don’t line up. Quit watching that television program. Don’t read that book. Choose what is right over what is easy or popular, or what feels good. Be willing to take a stand. Don’t be “normal”. Be special in Him and for Him. Life is your decision, so choose well and be transformed.
Prayer
Dear God, Open my eyes to the wrong influences in my life. Transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. Give me a deeper understanding of Your Word. Help me to live in obedience to Your will, and to make right choices even when they are difficult. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who never settled for normal, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think and renewing your mind. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Stepping Stones: “You CAN Handle the Truth!”
March 27, 2012
Transformational Thought
Why do people lie? That question is probably older than time itself. People seem to lie for a variety of reasons. I’ve heard people admit to lying because it was “just too complicated” to tell the truth. Letting that simple white lie out of our mouths is sometimes much easier than having to tell the truth, answer a bunch of questions about it, and perhaps commit to many minutes or hours of discussion on the topic. Why not just let out a little lie and simplify everything? Sure, it is expedient at times to lie about a situation.
Another reason people lie is that they are afraid the truth might require revealing something about themselves that they are afraid to share. We spend so much time trying to control people’s perception of us, preventing others from learning something about us that would make them think we are not all that we claim to be. Perhaps someone might learn some dark little secret about us we don’t want them to know. Again, why not just tell a little lie so we don’t have to let people get too close to who we really are? Yes, we can definitely hide our little imperfections and dark sides by conveniently lying about them.
I’ve also heard that people lie in order to control others. If I just spin this little lie, maybe I can gain an advantage over my co-worker for that promotion. Or, by telling this small lie I can appear to know something that others do not know and therefore appear to be the expert. In these situations, lying becomes a way to “get ahead in life” by making myself appear better or by making others appear worse. Why shouldn’t I be looking out for myself, right? Certainly, if I don’t look out for myself, no one will look out for me. Either way, lying is a way of controlling other people’s lives for my own benefit.
In one of my favorite movie quotes of all time, Jack Nicholson, the brash, well-decorated Colonel from “A Few Good Men” responds to defense attorney Tom Cruise’s cross examination in a surprising and memorable way. When Tom Cruise demands over and over, “I just want the truth!” Jack Nicholson replies with that famous line, “You want the truth? Well, YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”
Well, in fact “you CAN handle the truth!” And not only can you handle it, but others can as well. Open, honest communication not only brings healing to relationships but it also builds bridges over chasms that have formed between individuals, organizations, and even nations. You will also find that telling the truth simplifies life and helps to build self-esteem, self-confidence, and an overall better opinion of oneself. Try it and see!
Remember when Peter lied, and denied Christ three times? Wow, how he must have felt. We know he would have wanted to rewind life and get a second chance at that decision. How about you? How many lies do you wish you could take back? How many truths?
So, today, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to tell that little white lie, for whatever reason, resist that urge and just tell the truth. Be careful not to use the truth as a weapon, or to make someone feel hurt, but instead think of and behave like Jesus, the Ultimate Truth. Prayerfully seek the Father’s guidance and fully commit to a life of living like Jesus, the Ultimate Truth. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my desire today is to live a life of honesty and integrity in my words and in my actions. I confess that I have lied, not only to myself, but to my friends and family members willingly and for reasons that I thought were valid and justified. However, today, Father, I want to turn a new page on my life and wish to live for the truth. Give me the courage I need to be honest and speak the truth in love, and allow me the wisdom and the patience to deal with the complexities this may cause. Help me always to be honest and authentic as I attempt to live like Your son, the Ultimate Truth, who lives and reigns with You in heaven now and forever. In His name I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:16-17
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
Transformational Thought
Why do people lie? That question is probably older than time itself. People seem to lie for a variety of reasons. I’ve heard people admit to lying because it was “just too complicated” to tell the truth. Letting that simple white lie out of our mouths is sometimes much easier than having to tell the truth, answer a bunch of questions about it, and perhaps commit to many minutes or hours of discussion on the topic. Why not just let out a little lie and simplify everything? Sure, it is expedient at times to lie about a situation.
Another reason people lie is that they are afraid the truth might require revealing something about themselves that they are afraid to share. We spend so much time trying to control people’s perception of us, preventing others from learning something about us that would make them think we are not all that we claim to be. Perhaps someone might learn some dark little secret about us we don’t want them to know. Again, why not just tell a little lie so we don’t have to let people get too close to who we really are? Yes, we can definitely hide our little imperfections and dark sides by conveniently lying about them.
I’ve also heard that people lie in order to control others. If I just spin this little lie, maybe I can gain an advantage over my co-worker for that promotion. Or, by telling this small lie I can appear to know something that others do not know and therefore appear to be the expert. In these situations, lying becomes a way to “get ahead in life” by making myself appear better or by making others appear worse. Why shouldn’t I be looking out for myself, right? Certainly, if I don’t look out for myself, no one will look out for me. Either way, lying is a way of controlling other people’s lives for my own benefit.
In one of my favorite movie quotes of all time, Jack Nicholson, the brash, well-decorated Colonel from “A Few Good Men” responds to defense attorney Tom Cruise’s cross examination in a surprising and memorable way. When Tom Cruise demands over and over, “I just want the truth!” Jack Nicholson replies with that famous line, “You want the truth? Well, YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”
Well, in fact “you CAN handle the truth!” And not only can you handle it, but others can as well. Open, honest communication not only brings healing to relationships but it also builds bridges over chasms that have formed between individuals, organizations, and even nations. You will also find that telling the truth simplifies life and helps to build self-esteem, self-confidence, and an overall better opinion of oneself. Try it and see!
Remember when Peter lied, and denied Christ three times? Wow, how he must have felt. We know he would have wanted to rewind life and get a second chance at that decision. How about you? How many lies do you wish you could take back? How many truths?
So, today, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to tell that little white lie, for whatever reason, resist that urge and just tell the truth. Be careful not to use the truth as a weapon, or to make someone feel hurt, but instead think of and behave like Jesus, the Ultimate Truth. Prayerfully seek the Father’s guidance and fully commit to a life of living like Jesus, the Ultimate Truth. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my desire today is to live a life of honesty and integrity in my words and in my actions. I confess that I have lied, not only to myself, but to my friends and family members willingly and for reasons that I thought were valid and justified. However, today, Father, I want to turn a new page on my life and wish to live for the truth. Give me the courage I need to be honest and speak the truth in love, and allow me the wisdom and the patience to deal with the complexities this may cause. Help me always to be honest and authentic as I attempt to live like Your son, the Ultimate Truth, who lives and reigns with You in heaven now and forever. In His name I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:16-17
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
Monday, March 26, 2012
Stepping Stones: Become a Living Sacrifice, It’s Easier Than You Think
March 26, 2012
Transformational Thought
Through the years, before Jesus died on the cross, God called the Israelites to offer animals as sacrifices for their sin. Sacrifice was a symbol for the coming Jesus who would one day die for our sins. Sacrifice also showed the people they needed to be obedient to God and His instructions. The act of sacrifice acknowledged God as the holy ruler of everything. Because sacrifices were offered at regular time intervals, they also provided a way for God’s people to develop some spiritual disciplines.
Then Jesus came and gave his own life on the cross to pay the ultimate everlasting sacrifice for our sins. Just before He died, Jesus said, “It is finished.” He died for all sins … past, present, and future. We no longer have to offer sacrifices to pay for our sins. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and make him Lord of our lives, our sins are transferred to Jesus’ account and are forgiven. PAID IN FULL! The really cool bonus is that Jesus’ righteousness, His perfection, is credited to our account.
But you see, we are called to be a living sacrifice. We die to ourselves and surrender our lives to Him. He wants us to turn the control of our minds and bodies over to His care. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done; not my kingdom come, my will be done. He views the total submission of our lives to His control as our ultimate act, our living sacrifice. Paul calls it our spiritual worship.
A living sacrifice sounds so formal and daunting. But a living sacrifice is simply committing your body, that is your actions, conduct or behavior to God. What are your actions? Actions are just the final step of your heart, attitude, viewpoint, and values. All this together, including the end action (which can be an internal one that nobody sees, or an external one that others do see) is the decision-making process. The reason I pound away at the importance of decision-making, is that it is spiritual worship. Godly decisions are an awesome form of worship. Garbage decisions occur when you worship yourself or something other than God.
Most of us like to feel in control. The thought of turning control over to someone else, even a loving and caring God, might seem frightening, risky, or just unappealing. What we need to remember is that God is a merciful and compassionate God. He wants what is best for us … and only He knows what that really is. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We aren’t. How much better to submit to His control and trust His plan than to stick to an attitude that declares, “I can do it myself.”
Today, are you struggling with a temptation … a problem … a challenge area in your life? Sacrifice your agenda for God’s. Why not? Look what your way has gotten you. Apply God’s agenda for one week; really practice it daily. Ask others for their prayer, encouragement and accountability in this quest. See the power of God when you submit completely to His plan. Be a Godly living sacrifice. Remember, spiritual worship is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Holy God, I thank You for Jesus. I thank You that through Him, my sins are forgiven. I have committed my life to You and claim to make You Lord of every area of my life. But so many times I try to take control again. I know this shows a lack of trust in You. Please forgive me. May my body … all that I am … be a living sacrifice to You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who was the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN
The Truth
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
Transformational Thought
Through the years, before Jesus died on the cross, God called the Israelites to offer animals as sacrifices for their sin. Sacrifice was a symbol for the coming Jesus who would one day die for our sins. Sacrifice also showed the people they needed to be obedient to God and His instructions. The act of sacrifice acknowledged God as the holy ruler of everything. Because sacrifices were offered at regular time intervals, they also provided a way for God’s people to develop some spiritual disciplines.
Then Jesus came and gave his own life on the cross to pay the ultimate everlasting sacrifice for our sins. Just before He died, Jesus said, “It is finished.” He died for all sins … past, present, and future. We no longer have to offer sacrifices to pay for our sins. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and make him Lord of our lives, our sins are transferred to Jesus’ account and are forgiven. PAID IN FULL! The really cool bonus is that Jesus’ righteousness, His perfection, is credited to our account.
But you see, we are called to be a living sacrifice. We die to ourselves and surrender our lives to Him. He wants us to turn the control of our minds and bodies over to His care. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done; not my kingdom come, my will be done. He views the total submission of our lives to His control as our ultimate act, our living sacrifice. Paul calls it our spiritual worship.
A living sacrifice sounds so formal and daunting. But a living sacrifice is simply committing your body, that is your actions, conduct or behavior to God. What are your actions? Actions are just the final step of your heart, attitude, viewpoint, and values. All this together, including the end action (which can be an internal one that nobody sees, or an external one that others do see) is the decision-making process. The reason I pound away at the importance of decision-making, is that it is spiritual worship. Godly decisions are an awesome form of worship. Garbage decisions occur when you worship yourself or something other than God.
Most of us like to feel in control. The thought of turning control over to someone else, even a loving and caring God, might seem frightening, risky, or just unappealing. What we need to remember is that God is a merciful and compassionate God. He wants what is best for us … and only He knows what that really is. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We aren’t. How much better to submit to His control and trust His plan than to stick to an attitude that declares, “I can do it myself.”
Today, are you struggling with a temptation … a problem … a challenge area in your life? Sacrifice your agenda for God’s. Why not? Look what your way has gotten you. Apply God’s agenda for one week; really practice it daily. Ask others for their prayer, encouragement and accountability in this quest. See the power of God when you submit completely to His plan. Be a Godly living sacrifice. Remember, spiritual worship is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Holy God, I thank You for Jesus. I thank You that through Him, my sins are forgiven. I have committed my life to You and claim to make You Lord of every area of my life. But so many times I try to take control again. I know this shows a lack of trust in You. Please forgive me. May my body … all that I am … be a living sacrifice to You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who was the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN
The Truth
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Stepping Stones: “I need to wait until I …”
March 24-25, 2012
Transformational Thought
True or False?
“It’s freezing! Don’t go outside without a coat. You’ll catch a cold!”
“Don’t crack your knuckles like that! You’ll get arthritis!”
“Shaving causes hair to grow back faster and thicker.”
“You only use 10% of your brain”
“The rhythm method of birth control always works.”
These are all false. Yes, many of us have believed these to be true, but they aren’t. They are common myths and life is filled with many other myths. In general, a myth is a widely held but incorrect belief. Even though Christianity is about the truth, many myths actually exist in Christianity. These beliefs actually impede or even derail healthy Christian behavior and growth.
A prevalent myth among Christians is the belief that we need to wait for something in order to further our faith. Like, wait until I … learn more … mature more … am done hurting … find the right Bible …find that great teacher who really connects with me … get done with that big work project … get the kids off to kindergarten … get the kids into college … get back from vacation … get in a good small group … just get a couple things off my plate … give up my addiction… have time … have more time…really sense God’s presence and guidance … have my next crisis … have someone to mentor me … can take a class … tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Get the picture?
How many of these have you used? Yeah, me too! I even have a few I’m too embarrassed to let you see. I bet you do, too. Quick reality check: do you think these reflect God’s timeline or Satan’s? And don’t say “God is in control of everything and the timeline is always His timeline.” He wants us to grow in our faith NOW. Sure, He can use our feet-dragging in powerful ways, but He calls us to grow in every circumstance, not just when we feel like it.
Today’s scripture tells us that we can do immensely more than we can imagine … according to His power that is at work within us. We don’t need to wait … in fact we can’t wait. We are already behind. People are dying each day, and even though we don’t save them, God wants to use us to advance His kingdom. Your lack of growth dims His glory and leads to your further suffering.
Today, push the myths out of your mind and take that next step toward living the life of Christ. Start to grow your faith now by doing one thing a little more than usual. Pray for an extra 3 minutes, listen to God for 2 extra minutes, or read the Holy Bible for an extra 5 minutes. Honor God in your parenting. Resist that extra cookie or drink. Cut down your coffee. Control your emotions for 5 extra seconds. A little more is possible … now. Be disciplined with this and you will definitely see the benefit quickly. Edging Forward helps you move forward one step at a time. Quit being lazy and using lame excuses (I was the master of sophisticated but lame excuses). You are only hurting yourself. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit and confess that I let so many myths and falsehoods keep me away from doing Your work … and ultimately they keep me away from You. I ask that You fill me with the Holy Spirit and the gift of discernment to help me eliminate non-productive myths. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whom you sent to testify to the truth, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true."
John 18:37
Transformational Thought
True or False?
“It’s freezing! Don’t go outside without a coat. You’ll catch a cold!”
“Don’t crack your knuckles like that! You’ll get arthritis!”
“Shaving causes hair to grow back faster and thicker.”
“You only use 10% of your brain”
“The rhythm method of birth control always works.”
These are all false. Yes, many of us have believed these to be true, but they aren’t. They are common myths and life is filled with many other myths. In general, a myth is a widely held but incorrect belief. Even though Christianity is about the truth, many myths actually exist in Christianity. These beliefs actually impede or even derail healthy Christian behavior and growth.
A prevalent myth among Christians is the belief that we need to wait for something in order to further our faith. Like, wait until I … learn more … mature more … am done hurting … find the right Bible …find that great teacher who really connects with me … get done with that big work project … get the kids off to kindergarten … get the kids into college … get back from vacation … get in a good small group … just get a couple things off my plate … give up my addiction… have time … have more time…really sense God’s presence and guidance … have my next crisis … have someone to mentor me … can take a class … tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Get the picture?
How many of these have you used? Yeah, me too! I even have a few I’m too embarrassed to let you see. I bet you do, too. Quick reality check: do you think these reflect God’s timeline or Satan’s? And don’t say “God is in control of everything and the timeline is always His timeline.” He wants us to grow in our faith NOW. Sure, He can use our feet-dragging in powerful ways, but He calls us to grow in every circumstance, not just when we feel like it.
Today’s scripture tells us that we can do immensely more than we can imagine … according to His power that is at work within us. We don’t need to wait … in fact we can’t wait. We are already behind. People are dying each day, and even though we don’t save them, God wants to use us to advance His kingdom. Your lack of growth dims His glory and leads to your further suffering.
Today, push the myths out of your mind and take that next step toward living the life of Christ. Start to grow your faith now by doing one thing a little more than usual. Pray for an extra 3 minutes, listen to God for 2 extra minutes, or read the Holy Bible for an extra 5 minutes. Honor God in your parenting. Resist that extra cookie or drink. Cut down your coffee. Control your emotions for 5 extra seconds. A little more is possible … now. Be disciplined with this and you will definitely see the benefit quickly. Edging Forward helps you move forward one step at a time. Quit being lazy and using lame excuses (I was the master of sophisticated but lame excuses). You are only hurting yourself. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit and confess that I let so many myths and falsehoods keep me away from doing Your work … and ultimately they keep me away from You. I ask that You fill me with the Holy Spirit and the gift of discernment to help me eliminate non-productive myths. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whom you sent to testify to the truth, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true."
John 18:37
Friday, March 23, 2012
Stepping Stones: Facing the Truth
March 23, 2012
Transformational Thought
Forgiveness requires that we face the truth: the truth that it was necessary for Christ to die to pay the price tag for our sins; the truth of our own sinful behavior and desperate need; the truth that if we are ever to be free, we must receive Christ's forgiveness; the truth that we need to extend the powerful gift of grace to others and forgive those who have hurt us.
In order to experience true freedom in Christ, we must forgive those who have caused us harm or disappointment … even when that means forgiving ourselves.
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But when we confess our sin to Him, God treats us much better than we deserve. And because of Christ Jesus, He freely accepts us back and sets us free from the grip of sin. How can we do less? Are we more powerful than God? Do we have a higher standard than God? Are we more upset about sin than God is?
We have both the reason and responsibility to forgive others because we are forgiven by the Lord. Forgiveness is a choice we make. When we forgive, it shows that we understand who we are, who God is, and what He really did for us on the cross.
Sometimes it is hard to let go. In fact, when we have been deeply hurt, it may not be possible to forgive … on our own. But it is important to remember that we don't have to do it alone. With Him as our model and source of power, and having accepted His forgiveness, we can then forgive others. We can actually enjoy the freedom and blessing God has for us by forgiving them and freeing ourselves from the power they had over us before we extended forgiveness.
Our goal should be to glorify God, not to glorify ourselves. But glorifying ourselves is actually what we do when we prioritize our pride, hurt, bitterness, revenge, spite, and other feelings above God. Shift your focus to His love and power. It will be the best lenses you can wear.
Today, identify a relationship in which you need to reach out and forgive. If you are struggling to forgive that person, ask Jesus to help You. Then look at whether you really understand and have accepted who you are, the sins you have committed, what you did to deserve God’s forgiveness, and whether you realize the unfair pain and sacrifice Jesus endured for you. Hopefully, the gift of forgiveness you received will help empower you to offer the same forgiveness to others. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I've kept these feelings of resentment and unforgiveness buried much too long. I know I didn’t deserve Your forgiveness of me. Help me understand why I should offer forgiveness readily to others. Help me to face the truth. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Help me to show the same to others, even those who have hurt me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One to who paid for all my sins, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
Transformational Thought
Forgiveness requires that we face the truth: the truth that it was necessary for Christ to die to pay the price tag for our sins; the truth of our own sinful behavior and desperate need; the truth that if we are ever to be free, we must receive Christ's forgiveness; the truth that we need to extend the powerful gift of grace to others and forgive those who have hurt us.
In order to experience true freedom in Christ, we must forgive those who have caused us harm or disappointment … even when that means forgiving ourselves.
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But when we confess our sin to Him, God treats us much better than we deserve. And because of Christ Jesus, He freely accepts us back and sets us free from the grip of sin. How can we do less? Are we more powerful than God? Do we have a higher standard than God? Are we more upset about sin than God is?
We have both the reason and responsibility to forgive others because we are forgiven by the Lord. Forgiveness is a choice we make. When we forgive, it shows that we understand who we are, who God is, and what He really did for us on the cross.
Sometimes it is hard to let go. In fact, when we have been deeply hurt, it may not be possible to forgive … on our own. But it is important to remember that we don't have to do it alone. With Him as our model and source of power, and having accepted His forgiveness, we can then forgive others. We can actually enjoy the freedom and blessing God has for us by forgiving them and freeing ourselves from the power they had over us before we extended forgiveness.
Our goal should be to glorify God, not to glorify ourselves. But glorifying ourselves is actually what we do when we prioritize our pride, hurt, bitterness, revenge, spite, and other feelings above God. Shift your focus to His love and power. It will be the best lenses you can wear.
Today, identify a relationship in which you need to reach out and forgive. If you are struggling to forgive that person, ask Jesus to help You. Then look at whether you really understand and have accepted who you are, the sins you have committed, what you did to deserve God’s forgiveness, and whether you realize the unfair pain and sacrifice Jesus endured for you. Hopefully, the gift of forgiveness you received will help empower you to offer the same forgiveness to others. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I've kept these feelings of resentment and unforgiveness buried much too long. I know I didn’t deserve Your forgiveness of me. Help me understand why I should offer forgiveness readily to others. Help me to face the truth. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Help me to show the same to others, even those who have hurt me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One to who paid for all my sins, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Stepping Stones: You Can Triumph Over Fear
March 22, 2012
Transformational Thought
Fear is a powerful emotion and is often difficult to control. It can freeze us in our tracks and make it hard to protect ourselves. It attacks our ability to trust and compromises our ability to relax in relationships. It takes over our thought and decision-making processes, interfering with our ability to focus and learn. And those are just some of the effects of the fears we know about.
We often repress intense fears. We push them down and cover them up with other emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety. We overcompensate with pride, arrogance, and a laid-back attitude. If we grow up with unrecognized fear as a major organizer of our emotional life, we can have difficulty developing trusting relationships. Even when we do connect with people, we have trouble being natural or genuine with them. Sometimes we let them in partially, but build a hard-to-see inner wall, which is difficult for them to get through.
Satan wants us to be afraid of people. He doesn’t want us to be vulnerable in relationships. Instead he wants us to cover up and react in ways that pull us away from relationships for self-preservation. As we practice these responses over and over in those first 15 years of life, we get very good at them. Then when it’s time to start to really open up to God in deep and meaningful ways, those repressed and intense fears put us on guard so we resist giving ourselves to God.
You see, we don’t want to be hurt again, so we find other ways to cover up. We distance ourselves from dependence on God by being aloof to Him, being angry for what He hasn’t given us or our loved ones, feeling bitter about His “unfairness”, blaming Him for all the mistakes we made, and many other behaviors as well. It’s just where Satan wants us! In fact, it’s part of Satan’s battle strategy. We get sucked right into it, hook, line, and sinker.
Are you plagued with fear? Today's scripture makes it clear that God is telling us we can triumph over fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. He also tells us in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love drives away fear. God's love is perfect, and He loves you. As you grasp hold of that truth, you will be able to trust Him more. When you begin to understand how much He loves you, the power of the things you fear will melt in comparison to the omnipotence of God. It’s like fear melting away when a loving parent comes into your darkened room during a thunderstorm to hold you and give you security.
Today, talk to God about everything. Believe that He loves you … and thank Him for His love. Recognize that His strength is stronger than any fear. Only then will you be able to walk in peace, not fear. Remember that this is not a one-time event. We need to give all our cares and fears to Him daily, and commit to trusting in His love. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. And please direct me to be a better steward of these gifts. Help me to trust You more and to accept Your perfect love. I know that only then can I overcome fear. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One sent to forgive my sins and remove my fear, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Transformational Thought
Fear is a powerful emotion and is often difficult to control. It can freeze us in our tracks and make it hard to protect ourselves. It attacks our ability to trust and compromises our ability to relax in relationships. It takes over our thought and decision-making processes, interfering with our ability to focus and learn. And those are just some of the effects of the fears we know about.
We often repress intense fears. We push them down and cover them up with other emotions like anger, depression, and anxiety. We overcompensate with pride, arrogance, and a laid-back attitude. If we grow up with unrecognized fear as a major organizer of our emotional life, we can have difficulty developing trusting relationships. Even when we do connect with people, we have trouble being natural or genuine with them. Sometimes we let them in partially, but build a hard-to-see inner wall, which is difficult for them to get through.
Satan wants us to be afraid of people. He doesn’t want us to be vulnerable in relationships. Instead he wants us to cover up and react in ways that pull us away from relationships for self-preservation. As we practice these responses over and over in those first 15 years of life, we get very good at them. Then when it’s time to start to really open up to God in deep and meaningful ways, those repressed and intense fears put us on guard so we resist giving ourselves to God.
You see, we don’t want to be hurt again, so we find other ways to cover up. We distance ourselves from dependence on God by being aloof to Him, being angry for what He hasn’t given us or our loved ones, feeling bitter about His “unfairness”, blaming Him for all the mistakes we made, and many other behaviors as well. It’s just where Satan wants us! In fact, it’s part of Satan’s battle strategy. We get sucked right into it, hook, line, and sinker.
Are you plagued with fear? Today's scripture makes it clear that God is telling us we can triumph over fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. He also tells us in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love drives away fear. God's love is perfect, and He loves you. As you grasp hold of that truth, you will be able to trust Him more. When you begin to understand how much He loves you, the power of the things you fear will melt in comparison to the omnipotence of God. It’s like fear melting away when a loving parent comes into your darkened room during a thunderstorm to hold you and give you security.
Today, talk to God about everything. Believe that He loves you … and thank Him for His love. Recognize that His strength is stronger than any fear. Only then will you be able to walk in peace, not fear. Remember that this is not a one-time event. We need to give all our cares and fears to Him daily, and commit to trusting in His love. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. And please direct me to be a better steward of these gifts. Help me to trust You more and to accept Your perfect love. I know that only then can I overcome fear. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One sent to forgive my sins and remove my fear, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Stepping Stones: A Quick Fix: I Instead of You
March 21, 2012
Transformational Thought
We all struggle with communicating clearly. For some of us, ineffective communication frequently gets us in trouble. Sometimes we have so much in our heads that it’s hard to say it all in a couple sentences. Or it’s complicated so we get confused and overwhelmed. Other times, we’re emotionally overloaded. We have trouble asserting ourselves in a healthy way and we become aggressive and verbally attack others.
As in any area of life, some quick tips and helpful techniques allow a more healthy process to occur during difficult circumstances. One of these tips is communicating with “I” messages rather than “you” messages. This can be an easy key to facilitate successful communication and eliminate some obstacles when navigating conflict in any relationship.
“You” messages sound like this: You just don't care…You are a problem… Can't you…? You are sooo…. Generally “you” messages attack, put the other person on the defensive, and attribute to others things they didn’t really do and motives they didn’t really have. You don’t know for sure what was going on inside them, so you are jumping to conclusions.
“I” messages deal with items you do know. They convey what you feel or what you experienced. Here are some examples: I feel very angry because… I feel rejected when… When I get interrupted, I feel ….
Instead of “When you blew me off and forgot to pick me up on time, you rejected me,” you can say “When I didn’t get picked up on time, I felt unimportant.” You aren’t saying what the other person felt or why, you are just stating the situation as you know and experienced it. Hopefully, the other person can do the same and you can share what is in each other’s heart instead of holding a blame and judgment fest.
When we are hurt or feel attacked, we often feel the need to go on the offensive instead of just listening and communicating what we do know.
“I” messages communicate honesty and openness. The Bible teaches us to build up, not tear down. Using “I” messages, we are less likely to harm and break down others, while still allowing ourselves to be open, honest, transparent, and vulnerable.
Today, monitor your speech. How many times do you use “you” statements? Try practicing even in good circumstances. “When the door is opened for me, I feel special. Thanks for holding the door for me!” Then you will be more apt to use “I” statements in the more difficult times when communication is essential. During a conflict, you can also ask the other party to use “I” statements to tell you what happened and how they felt in the situation. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to be more gracious in communicating with my spouse and loved ones. The ones I care about the most seem to be the ones I get most upset with and make accusatory statements to. Help me understand myself better and take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth, for my feelings, and most importantly, what is in my heart. Help me to build up and not tear down. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, and not cut them out.
Colossians 4:6
Transformational Thought
We all struggle with communicating clearly. For some of us, ineffective communication frequently gets us in trouble. Sometimes we have so much in our heads that it’s hard to say it all in a couple sentences. Or it’s complicated so we get confused and overwhelmed. Other times, we’re emotionally overloaded. We have trouble asserting ourselves in a healthy way and we become aggressive and verbally attack others.
As in any area of life, some quick tips and helpful techniques allow a more healthy process to occur during difficult circumstances. One of these tips is communicating with “I” messages rather than “you” messages. This can be an easy key to facilitate successful communication and eliminate some obstacles when navigating conflict in any relationship.
“You” messages sound like this: You just don't care…You are a problem… Can't you…? You are sooo…. Generally “you” messages attack, put the other person on the defensive, and attribute to others things they didn’t really do and motives they didn’t really have. You don’t know for sure what was going on inside them, so you are jumping to conclusions.
“I” messages deal with items you do know. They convey what you feel or what you experienced. Here are some examples: I feel very angry because… I feel rejected when… When I get interrupted, I feel ….
Instead of “When you blew me off and forgot to pick me up on time, you rejected me,” you can say “When I didn’t get picked up on time, I felt unimportant.” You aren’t saying what the other person felt or why, you are just stating the situation as you know and experienced it. Hopefully, the other person can do the same and you can share what is in each other’s heart instead of holding a blame and judgment fest.
When we are hurt or feel attacked, we often feel the need to go on the offensive instead of just listening and communicating what we do know.
“I” messages communicate honesty and openness. The Bible teaches us to build up, not tear down. Using “I” messages, we are less likely to harm and break down others, while still allowing ourselves to be open, honest, transparent, and vulnerable.
Today, monitor your speech. How many times do you use “you” statements? Try practicing even in good circumstances. “When the door is opened for me, I feel special. Thanks for holding the door for me!” Then you will be more apt to use “I” statements in the more difficult times when communication is essential. During a conflict, you can also ask the other party to use “I” statements to tell you what happened and how they felt in the situation. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to be more gracious in communicating with my spouse and loved ones. The ones I care about the most seem to be the ones I get most upset with and make accusatory statements to. Help me understand myself better and take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth, for my feelings, and most importantly, what is in my heart. Help me to build up and not tear down. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One you sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, and not cut them out.
Colossians 4:6
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Stepping Stones: Is The Grass Really Greener?
March 20, 2012
Transformational Thought
When Dominique was in elementary school, she saw a friend come into school using a cast and a temporary wheelchair and then transitioning to crutches a few days later. Dominique saw all the attention and special privileges showered on her friend so quickly and dramatically. She wished she could have an injured leg so she could enjoy that “greener” life on the other side. Maybe that is what the saying “green with envy” means.
In a past devotional, we talked about coveting - the desire to have something that isn’t ours. Today, I want to look at coveting from a different angle. Coveting is strongly focusing on something that someone else possesses … so much so that it distracts you from enjoying what God has given you.
The flip side of not coveting what others possess is being content with what you do have. We often spend so much time looking over the fence at another yard and wishing our grass were that green, that we forget to enjoy and play in our own yard. So many wonderful things are in our own backyard and, unfortunately, we get obsessed with wanting the next best trinket or gadget instead of maximizing what we already have. Let’s be grateful for the blessings God has given!
You see, when we covet, the bigger sin we commit is believing that God made a mistake. We think that God doesn’t really know us and doesn’t know what is best for our future growth. Satan wants us to believe God forgot to give us what we need … that He actually withheld what we deserve … that we are worthy of more … that we know the future better than God.
Remember, coveting isn’t just yearning to be a better person. That’s normal and healthy. Coveting is about not being thankful for what you have, not focusing on how to be a great steward of what you have, especially with your most important possession: your relationship with God.
Today, focus on what God has given you, and not on what He gave to someone else. Specifically commit to not paying attention to what other people have. Repeat after me: “God hasn’t given me that now because: 1. I have plenty on my plate; 2. I am not yet equipped to handle it well; 3. It really isn’t good for m3; or 4. My focus will be on it and not God. My grass really is the best shade of green for me, and I will focus on it, be a great steward of it, and enjoy it.” You decide where you focus, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know You know what is best for me. Forgive my disbelief in Your provision and will for me. Help me to submit to Your plan and timeline. I want to focus on what You have blessed me with. I want to resist the temptation to focus on what others have. Thanks for all You have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who focused on You alone, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:3-5, 17-18
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Transformational Thought
When Dominique was in elementary school, she saw a friend come into school using a cast and a temporary wheelchair and then transitioning to crutches a few days later. Dominique saw all the attention and special privileges showered on her friend so quickly and dramatically. She wished she could have an injured leg so she could enjoy that “greener” life on the other side. Maybe that is what the saying “green with envy” means.
In a past devotional, we talked about coveting - the desire to have something that isn’t ours. Today, I want to look at coveting from a different angle. Coveting is strongly focusing on something that someone else possesses … so much so that it distracts you from enjoying what God has given you.
The flip side of not coveting what others possess is being content with what you do have. We often spend so much time looking over the fence at another yard and wishing our grass were that green, that we forget to enjoy and play in our own yard. So many wonderful things are in our own backyard and, unfortunately, we get obsessed with wanting the next best trinket or gadget instead of maximizing what we already have. Let’s be grateful for the blessings God has given!
You see, when we covet, the bigger sin we commit is believing that God made a mistake. We think that God doesn’t really know us and doesn’t know what is best for our future growth. Satan wants us to believe God forgot to give us what we need … that He actually withheld what we deserve … that we are worthy of more … that we know the future better than God.
Remember, coveting isn’t just yearning to be a better person. That’s normal and healthy. Coveting is about not being thankful for what you have, not focusing on how to be a great steward of what you have, especially with your most important possession: your relationship with God.
Today, focus on what God has given you, and not on what He gave to someone else. Specifically commit to not paying attention to what other people have. Repeat after me: “God hasn’t given me that now because: 1. I have plenty on my plate; 2. I am not yet equipped to handle it well; 3. It really isn’t good for m3; or 4. My focus will be on it and not God. My grass really is the best shade of green for me, and I will focus on it, be a great steward of it, and enjoy it.” You decide where you focus, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know You know what is best for me. Forgive my disbelief in Your provision and will for me. Help me to submit to Your plan and timeline. I want to focus on what You have blessed me with. I want to resist the temptation to focus on what others have. Thanks for all You have given me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who focused on You alone, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:3-5, 17-18
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Monday, March 19, 2012
Stepping Stones: Mourn With Those Who Mourn
March 19, 2012
Transformational Thought
Over the weekend, we talked about joy and the ability to rejoice in all circumstances. Well, in this world, sad things do happen. So some of you might be wondering, “How do I experience joy with a thankful attitude when sad or even evil events happen?” Well, it is possible to rejoice and mourn at the same time.
You see, when my daughter went off to college, excitement, joy, sadness and fear were just a part of the complex cocktail of emotions I experienced. Since we are multifaceted beings who wear many hats, every experience will evoke a number of emotions in us, and some of those feelings will contradict each other. I know that when it is time to give each of my 3 daughters in marriage, a flood of feelings will flow in me. They will run the spectrum from fear, sadness, and jealousy, to happiness, pride, excitement and exuberant expectation.
Losing a loved one or experiencing abuse are two of the most difficult situations in which to experience any positive feelings or thankfulness. When God places people alongside us to help us mourn and to keep us connected to Him while Satan is trying to isolate and destroy us, those angels are definitely worthy of thanksgiving. They helped me rejoice in the big picture of God’s plan even though that small chapter had a strong dose of sadness.
Perhaps you sense God calling you to minister to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death. But how? So often we feel helpless and just don't know what to say. We might even avoid contact with the bereaved person because we are afraid we might say or do the wrong thing.
Before entering this area of ministry, we must recognize that authenticity is essential. We dare not play charades or project false images or unrealistic hopes to the newly bereaved person. We should do some reading about the phases involved in the process of grieving … not to put the grieving person into a mold, but to better understand some of the stages that most people experience.
It is important to remember that ministering to a grieving person involves listening more than helping. We need to listen for Satan’s lies and gently bring them back to the truth. We cannot tell them what to do. We cannot fix their problem. But we can be with them. Our presence is more important than words. God calls us to come alongside and mourn with them, to be His tangible hands and audible voice – to share His love and compassion. God will work through you to show them they have value and dignity in His eyes.
‘
They know we cannot perform miracles, take away their loss or make the pain go away. They are just looking for connection … to walk the path with someone … to be shown hope and dignity … to be comforted and held when they feel they can’t function independently in this season of life.
Today, reflect on how you handle the loss of a loved one. What would you want? Has God put a grieving person in your life? How will you reveal Him to them? Take action and make that phone call. Invite God to work through you. Be Lighthouse to another. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Teach me to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. My tendency is to try and "fix" the problem when someone is hurting. Help me remember that I can't fix the problem … can't speak the right words that will make everything better. Help me guard their heart from Satan and point them back to You. But I can be there. I can listen. I can pray. I can be your vehicle of love and compassion. I can mourn with them. May the love and compassion of Jesus flow through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who mourns for us and with us, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see."
Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
John 11:34-36
Transformational Thought
Over the weekend, we talked about joy and the ability to rejoice in all circumstances. Well, in this world, sad things do happen. So some of you might be wondering, “How do I experience joy with a thankful attitude when sad or even evil events happen?” Well, it is possible to rejoice and mourn at the same time.
You see, when my daughter went off to college, excitement, joy, sadness and fear were just a part of the complex cocktail of emotions I experienced. Since we are multifaceted beings who wear many hats, every experience will evoke a number of emotions in us, and some of those feelings will contradict each other. I know that when it is time to give each of my 3 daughters in marriage, a flood of feelings will flow in me. They will run the spectrum from fear, sadness, and jealousy, to happiness, pride, excitement and exuberant expectation.
Losing a loved one or experiencing abuse are two of the most difficult situations in which to experience any positive feelings or thankfulness. When God places people alongside us to help us mourn and to keep us connected to Him while Satan is trying to isolate and destroy us, those angels are definitely worthy of thanksgiving. They helped me rejoice in the big picture of God’s plan even though that small chapter had a strong dose of sadness.
Perhaps you sense God calling you to minister to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death. But how? So often we feel helpless and just don't know what to say. We might even avoid contact with the bereaved person because we are afraid we might say or do the wrong thing.
Before entering this area of ministry, we must recognize that authenticity is essential. We dare not play charades or project false images or unrealistic hopes to the newly bereaved person. We should do some reading about the phases involved in the process of grieving … not to put the grieving person into a mold, but to better understand some of the stages that most people experience.
It is important to remember that ministering to a grieving person involves listening more than helping. We need to listen for Satan’s lies and gently bring them back to the truth. We cannot tell them what to do. We cannot fix their problem. But we can be with them. Our presence is more important than words. God calls us to come alongside and mourn with them, to be His tangible hands and audible voice – to share His love and compassion. God will work through you to show them they have value and dignity in His eyes.
‘
They know we cannot perform miracles, take away their loss or make the pain go away. They are just looking for connection … to walk the path with someone … to be shown hope and dignity … to be comforted and held when they feel they can’t function independently in this season of life.
Today, reflect on how you handle the loss of a loved one. What would you want? Has God put a grieving person in your life? How will you reveal Him to them? Take action and make that phone call. Invite God to work through you. Be Lighthouse to another. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Teach me to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. My tendency is to try and "fix" the problem when someone is hurting. Help me remember that I can't fix the problem … can't speak the right words that will make everything better. Help me guard their heart from Satan and point them back to You. But I can be there. I can listen. I can pray. I can be your vehicle of love and compassion. I can mourn with them. May the love and compassion of Jesus flow through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who mourns for us and with us, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see."
Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
John 11:34-36
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Stepping Stones: Joy: Always At Your Fingertips
March 17-18, 2012
Transformational Thought
I am very proud to say today’s devotional was written by my 17-year-old daughter Nicole Joy, She wrote this for me as a birthday present. This is an important Stepping Stone that she navigated in her life:
Two summers ago, I was really excited to go with so many of my friends on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Being a plan-driven, list-oriented person, (yes, I take after my dad), I made an excel spreadsheet checklist for everything I was going to bring. It listed out in perfect detail the exact pants, shorts, and T-shirts, and underwear for specific days and activities … then accessories (because I am a teenager) and everything else.
That’s not even the worst! I color-coded it for where it went in which bag! This might seem extreme but it is the way my brain works. I had everything from scissors to extra pens for myself and other people. I am the type of person who never asks anyone for anything because I already have one, or even doubles to lend to others. They’re always the ones asking me, which I don’t mind at all. I love to help people.
I wonder if you can predict where this adventure story is going?
Before we left Calvary Church at 3:30 AM, we prayed for everything to be safe & for the journey to play out as God planned. We each had a backpack, carry-on bag, and suitcase. And we also had a large 40-pound duffel filled with clothes we collected for the kids in the Dominican Republic. When we got to the airport in Santo Domingo, I was just soaking up the different smells in the air as we walked to the luggage check. That was where we were all helping get the 50+ suitcases from the unloading station.
I soon realized mine wasn’t there. We looked around everywhere for it, even on other people’s luggage carts! Long story short, after talking to an attendant, leaving a description and filing a report, we had to get going on the next leg of our journey. On the hour-long bus ride, I was surprisingly not as stressed as I thought I would be. I remembered a verse we had memorized in church from James 1:2-4 (see below). This is when I realized, that I had an opportunity to practice with one of life’s little adversities in life, just as I had learned from this verse ... and it worked. I was shocked at how I was acting, but then I realized how God helped me think and make a good decision. I am really thankful for this.
Plus, after that blessing, the story got better; I received my suitcase late the next day. It had been shipped to Denver, instead of the Dominican Republic.
Today, remember God loves you. He is sovereign, all-powerful, and all knowing. He will bring events or opportunities, what we call trials, into our lives to grow us. Whatever trial you face today, be thankful and rejoice. You will build perseverance and then character. Then you will be unstoppable in your quest for fulfillment, peace and joy. Change your attitude … the lenses you wear as you experience this trial … and you will actually change your stress level and the outcome. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You so much for loving me and growing me … through both good times and “trials”. I want to have the mind of Christ and glorify You in all situations, so others can see You through me. Thanks for being willing to let me be part of Your plan as you minister to others through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who endured the Cross for the joy set before Him, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
Transformational Thought
I am very proud to say today’s devotional was written by my 17-year-old daughter Nicole Joy, She wrote this for me as a birthday present. This is an important Stepping Stone that she navigated in her life:
Two summers ago, I was really excited to go with so many of my friends on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Being a plan-driven, list-oriented person, (yes, I take after my dad), I made an excel spreadsheet checklist for everything I was going to bring. It listed out in perfect detail the exact pants, shorts, and T-shirts, and underwear for specific days and activities … then accessories (because I am a teenager) and everything else.
That’s not even the worst! I color-coded it for where it went in which bag! This might seem extreme but it is the way my brain works. I had everything from scissors to extra pens for myself and other people. I am the type of person who never asks anyone for anything because I already have one, or even doubles to lend to others. They’re always the ones asking me, which I don’t mind at all. I love to help people.
I wonder if you can predict where this adventure story is going?
Before we left Calvary Church at 3:30 AM, we prayed for everything to be safe & for the journey to play out as God planned. We each had a backpack, carry-on bag, and suitcase. And we also had a large 40-pound duffel filled with clothes we collected for the kids in the Dominican Republic. When we got to the airport in Santo Domingo, I was just soaking up the different smells in the air as we walked to the luggage check. That was where we were all helping get the 50+ suitcases from the unloading station.
I soon realized mine wasn’t there. We looked around everywhere for it, even on other people’s luggage carts! Long story short, after talking to an attendant, leaving a description and filing a report, we had to get going on the next leg of our journey. On the hour-long bus ride, I was surprisingly not as stressed as I thought I would be. I remembered a verse we had memorized in church from James 1:2-4 (see below). This is when I realized, that I had an opportunity to practice with one of life’s little adversities in life, just as I had learned from this verse ... and it worked. I was shocked at how I was acting, but then I realized how God helped me think and make a good decision. I am really thankful for this.
Plus, after that blessing, the story got better; I received my suitcase late the next day. It had been shipped to Denver, instead of the Dominican Republic.
Today, remember God loves you. He is sovereign, all-powerful, and all knowing. He will bring events or opportunities, what we call trials, into our lives to grow us. Whatever trial you face today, be thankful and rejoice. You will build perseverance and then character. Then you will be unstoppable in your quest for fulfillment, peace and joy. Change your attitude … the lenses you wear as you experience this trial … and you will actually change your stress level and the outcome. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You so much for loving me and growing me … through both good times and “trials”. I want to have the mind of Christ and glorify You in all situations, so others can see You through me. Thanks for being willing to let me be part of Your plan as you minister to others through me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who endured the Cross for the joy set before Him, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
Friday, March 16, 2012
Stepping Stones: In Song…In Prayer…In Action
March 16, 2012
Transformational Thought
Overcoming distractions and focusing on God become easier when we make worshiping and praising Him our highest priority. But what is worship? And how do we worship God?
Worship can occur in song, in prayer, or in action. People worship in different ways, but the essence of worship is perceiving God accurately and responding appropriately to what we see. Perceive and Respond are 2 of the 6 essential steps in all decisions.
When we perceive God accurately for who He really is as the all-powerful Ruler and Creator of everything, and recognize who we are, our natural response should be praising, loving, thanking, and adoring Him. This adoration can be expressed in many ways. Some people honor Him with words. Some sing. Some raise their hands or kneel before Him. Some remain quiet before Him, just basking in His presence. Some dance or play instruments.
More importantly, worship is how you respond to God in all the other areas of your life outside the “worship time” of the church service or when you hear a “praise and worship song.” Anybody can sing in church. But are you putting God first in all the activities and all the areas of temptation in your life? Some will perform the ultimate act of worship and lay down their lives for proclaiming Jesus as the only way. Are you ready to worship your Savior that faithfully? The rest of us have many important decisions every day about how we will worship God during life’s distractions, adversities, and relationships.
Worship that perceives and responds is the key to experiencing an encounter with God and growing in the knowledge of God. It is the means to a closer and deeper personal relationship with Him. Praise is a declaration of who God is. Worship is an encounter with who God is. God makes Himself known to worshiping people. He calls us to worship Him alone. For only He is holy and can restore us from being broken to being cured in Him.
Today, learn to seek Him and to worship Him … with passion. Just as you express your love to your spouse, parents or children in many different ways, be determined to discover the freedom of worshiping and loving God in different ways. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. There is no right or wrong method … it is the love in your heart and your willingness to respond in all areas of your life that is true worship. Godly decision-making is how you offer up your body as a living sacrifice, and that is your spiritual act of worship. Life really is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do love You and adore You. I praise You for who You are and for all that You have done for me. You are my Father, Daddy, Savior and Deliverer. You are my Comforter, Teacher, Guide, and Protector. I praise You for Your love, Your power, Your goodness and Your grace. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who showed the ultimate spiritual act of worship with His obedience unto death for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.
Deuteronomy 30:16-18
That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
John 4:23-24
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Transformational Thought
Overcoming distractions and focusing on God become easier when we make worshiping and praising Him our highest priority. But what is worship? And how do we worship God?
Worship can occur in song, in prayer, or in action. People worship in different ways, but the essence of worship is perceiving God accurately and responding appropriately to what we see. Perceive and Respond are 2 of the 6 essential steps in all decisions.
When we perceive God accurately for who He really is as the all-powerful Ruler and Creator of everything, and recognize who we are, our natural response should be praising, loving, thanking, and adoring Him. This adoration can be expressed in many ways. Some people honor Him with words. Some sing. Some raise their hands or kneel before Him. Some remain quiet before Him, just basking in His presence. Some dance or play instruments.
More importantly, worship is how you respond to God in all the other areas of your life outside the “worship time” of the church service or when you hear a “praise and worship song.” Anybody can sing in church. But are you putting God first in all the activities and all the areas of temptation in your life? Some will perform the ultimate act of worship and lay down their lives for proclaiming Jesus as the only way. Are you ready to worship your Savior that faithfully? The rest of us have many important decisions every day about how we will worship God during life’s distractions, adversities, and relationships.
Worship that perceives and responds is the key to experiencing an encounter with God and growing in the knowledge of God. It is the means to a closer and deeper personal relationship with Him. Praise is a declaration of who God is. Worship is an encounter with who God is. God makes Himself known to worshiping people. He calls us to worship Him alone. For only He is holy and can restore us from being broken to being cured in Him.
Today, learn to seek Him and to worship Him … with passion. Just as you express your love to your spouse, parents or children in many different ways, be determined to discover the freedom of worshiping and loving God in different ways. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. There is no right or wrong method … it is the love in your heart and your willingness to respond in all areas of your life that is true worship. Godly decision-making is how you offer up your body as a living sacrifice, and that is your spiritual act of worship. Life really is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do love You and adore You. I praise You for who You are and for all that You have done for me. You are my Father, Daddy, Savior and Deliverer. You are my Comforter, Teacher, Guide, and Protector. I praise You for Your love, Your power, Your goodness and Your grace. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who showed the ultimate spiritual act of worship with His obedience unto death for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.
Deuteronomy 30:16-18
That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
John 4:23-24
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Stepping Stones: God Doesn’t Fit in a Doggie-Bag!
March 15, 2012
Transformational Thought
I am a carb lover. Don’t get me wrong, I love meat, too. But give me anything made out of dough and I am in heaven … cake, pasta, perogies, homemade bread, rolls, doughnuts, piecrust, and especially raw cookie dough.
We ate once at one of those Brazilian restaurants where they carve the meat straight off the skewer and it flops right onto your plate. All you can eat … and I loved it. But before they begin parading the meat out, they send you to the salad bar, which is filled with all kinds of breads, pasta salads, seafood salads. It’s an awesome spread, but it’s really just a distraction from the main attraction. I had to stop and focus myself … what was I really there for? The incredible MEAT … so I needed to tell myself to focus and resist the distractions.
In Luke 10:38-42, the Bible describes a woman who gave into distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha wanted to be a good hostess, and there’s nothing wrong with that. She was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in His teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister wasn’t helping her, His response really took Martha by surprise. Jesus told her that Mary had chosen the essential activity … time at the feet of Jesus.
Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed with these appetizers and cheap fillers, that she neglected what was most important, the main course. Then she got stressed and whiney because someone else was eating the ultimate, rich main course: quality time and learning with Jesus while she was at the kiddie or appetizer table. She didn’t look at the whole picture before she made her decision. Don’t we all make knee-jerk decisions like that sometimes?
You see, Satan is going to put forth many empty, unhealthy, worldly appetizers in front of you. He will wine and dine you into thinking his scraps are the whole meal, the only thing needed to get by. He doesn’t even want you to see the real life-giving meal of the “Daily Bread” of God’s Word, and the “Lamb of God” that God is trying to put in front of us on a daily basis.
We are all so busy doing stuff, some of it good and some bad. Are your time and attention so focused on the appetizers that you neglect spending time with Jesus? Do you eat some appetizers with the intention of getting to the main course of God and Jesus, but then find you are too stuffed to take in the spiritual nourishment you really crave and desperately need each day? God is not to be put in a doggie bag and taken home as a leftover to be re-heated when convenient. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with God and Jesus … in His Word, in prayer, and in worship.
Today, examine your schedule and priorities. Choose God’s life-giving main course and don’t get distracted with the appetizers or the desserts. Fill up on the real nourishment that is meant to sustain you now and forever. Are you motivated by your relationship with God and making time for it? If not, you are filling up on scraps and your joy and peace will reflect just that. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do list" that I sometimes neglect spending time with You. Help me to refocus … to choose the main course. Give me discernment regarding the imitations that so closely mimic the real thing, but just lead me astray. Help me build and tune my spiritual radar to Your frequency so I understand how sustaining and valuable Your nourishment is to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who you sent to nourish me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.
Luke 10:42
Transformational Thought
I am a carb lover. Don’t get me wrong, I love meat, too. But give me anything made out of dough and I am in heaven … cake, pasta, perogies, homemade bread, rolls, doughnuts, piecrust, and especially raw cookie dough.
We ate once at one of those Brazilian restaurants where they carve the meat straight off the skewer and it flops right onto your plate. All you can eat … and I loved it. But before they begin parading the meat out, they send you to the salad bar, which is filled with all kinds of breads, pasta salads, seafood salads. It’s an awesome spread, but it’s really just a distraction from the main attraction. I had to stop and focus myself … what was I really there for? The incredible MEAT … so I needed to tell myself to focus and resist the distractions.
In Luke 10:38-42, the Bible describes a woman who gave into distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha wanted to be a good hostess, and there’s nothing wrong with that. She was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in His teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister wasn’t helping her, His response really took Martha by surprise. Jesus told her that Mary had chosen the essential activity … time at the feet of Jesus.
Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed with these appetizers and cheap fillers, that she neglected what was most important, the main course. Then she got stressed and whiney because someone else was eating the ultimate, rich main course: quality time and learning with Jesus while she was at the kiddie or appetizer table. She didn’t look at the whole picture before she made her decision. Don’t we all make knee-jerk decisions like that sometimes?
You see, Satan is going to put forth many empty, unhealthy, worldly appetizers in front of you. He will wine and dine you into thinking his scraps are the whole meal, the only thing needed to get by. He doesn’t even want you to see the real life-giving meal of the “Daily Bread” of God’s Word, and the “Lamb of God” that God is trying to put in front of us on a daily basis.
We are all so busy doing stuff, some of it good and some bad. Are your time and attention so focused on the appetizers that you neglect spending time with Jesus? Do you eat some appetizers with the intention of getting to the main course of God and Jesus, but then find you are too stuffed to take in the spiritual nourishment you really crave and desperately need each day? God is not to be put in a doggie bag and taken home as a leftover to be re-heated when convenient. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with God and Jesus … in His Word, in prayer, and in worship.
Today, examine your schedule and priorities. Choose God’s life-giving main course and don’t get distracted with the appetizers or the desserts. Fill up on the real nourishment that is meant to sustain you now and forever. Are you motivated by your relationship with God and making time for it? If not, you are filling up on scraps and your joy and peace will reflect just that. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do list" that I sometimes neglect spending time with You. Help me to refocus … to choose the main course. Give me discernment regarding the imitations that so closely mimic the real thing, but just lead me astray. Help me build and tune my spiritual radar to Your frequency so I understand how sustaining and valuable Your nourishment is to me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who you sent to nourish me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.
Luke 10:42
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Stepping Stones: A Tug-of-War You Need to Lose
March 14, 2012
Transformational Thought
Spring is just right around the corner … what a fun and exciting time of year. So many activities in so many areas of life: school events, spring sports, house projects, yard work, gardening, outdoor sports and activities, church events, small group socials, retreats, work projects, ministry opportunities, college trips, activities with extended family, movies, plays, family nights, continued school work and projects, or just hanging out. Then there is the planning for summer vacations, camps, mission trips, day trips, relaxation and catching up with what we are behind in. Wow!
We have five people in our family, so multiply the above list by five. Most of the time we have different interests and opinions about what is enjoyable. Often our choices are in conflict because we have competing agendas … you know, 2 teenagers and an 11 year old, and 2 parents with personalities as opposite as can be. As the only male, father, and leader sometimes I feel like I am in the middle of a 4-way tug-of-war. Uuuuuuuuuugh!
How about you? Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you?
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today, there seem to be more options than ever to distract us from pursuing a close, personal relationship with Him. We often find we are torn between our agendas and His desires for us. Guarding that inner fire, passion for Christ, is a great challenge in the 21st century. That has been Satan’s strategic plan from the get-go ... to distract us from God and make Him look like our enemy, not our ally, in a tug-of-war to control the direction of our life’s path. God wants to give you the desires of your heart and His path is the best way to find fulfillment.
Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones, and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these activities … unless you allow them to distract you from a personal and growing relationship with God. If you are involved in something addictive or sinful, drop the rope now, surrender, and get help. Call our helpline 877.562.2565 if you or a loved one are struggling to find the best treatment option.
Today, take an honest look at your priorities. I mean, really look with the intention of acting on your findings. Make a list of pros and cons to help prioritize. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off Him. Ask for His forgiveness and His help to make Him first in your life. You will be amazed at how nicely the rest of your life will play out. Life is your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you identify and overcome this struggle.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with You. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with You. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget You are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make You first in my life each day. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who always made You first, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Transformational Thought
Spring is just right around the corner … what a fun and exciting time of year. So many activities in so many areas of life: school events, spring sports, house projects, yard work, gardening, outdoor sports and activities, church events, small group socials, retreats, work projects, ministry opportunities, college trips, activities with extended family, movies, plays, family nights, continued school work and projects, or just hanging out. Then there is the planning for summer vacations, camps, mission trips, day trips, relaxation and catching up with what we are behind in. Wow!
We have five people in our family, so multiply the above list by five. Most of the time we have different interests and opinions about what is enjoyable. Often our choices are in conflict because we have competing agendas … you know, 2 teenagers and an 11 year old, and 2 parents with personalities as opposite as can be. As the only male, father, and leader sometimes I feel like I am in the middle of a 4-way tug-of-war. Uuuuuuuuuugh!
How about you? Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you?
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today, there seem to be more options than ever to distract us from pursuing a close, personal relationship with Him. We often find we are torn between our agendas and His desires for us. Guarding that inner fire, passion for Christ, is a great challenge in the 21st century. That has been Satan’s strategic plan from the get-go ... to distract us from God and make Him look like our enemy, not our ally, in a tug-of-war to control the direction of our life’s path. God wants to give you the desires of your heart and His path is the best way to find fulfillment.
Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones, and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these activities … unless you allow them to distract you from a personal and growing relationship with God. If you are involved in something addictive or sinful, drop the rope now, surrender, and get help. Call our helpline 877.562.2565 if you or a loved one are struggling to find the best treatment option.
Today, take an honest look at your priorities. I mean, really look with the intention of acting on your findings. Make a list of pros and cons to help prioritize. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off Him. Ask for His forgiveness and His help to make Him first in your life. You will be amazed at how nicely the rest of your life will play out. Life is your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH can help you identify and overcome this struggle.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with You. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with You. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget You are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make You first in my life each day. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who always made You first, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Stepping Stones: Leaning Is Powerful
March 13, 2012
Transformational Thought
If you have been a Stepping Stones regular, you know my earlier life was filled with many victories, as well as many defeats. When God caught my attention and I started following Him, God brought several mature Christian men into my life who gave me some spiritual coaching. They taught me how to lean on them. During my time of weakness I was able to prop up myself with the strength God gave me through them.
The ultimate lesson came while I was sick - so weak that I couldn’t eat or drink for 2 weeks due to Hepatitis A. Some of these guys came over to do my yard work. Embarrassed that someone was doing my job, I slowly dragged myself out in my robe and tried to shoo them away. My good friend Les, the leader of our small group, said, “Quit being a jerk. We are here for you, but more importantly here to serve God. Quit robbing us of the blessing we get from serving God and you, and stop acting so proud. Accept God’s love through us and go back in the house and rest.” Wow, that stopped me in my tracks.
Maturing Christians who are growing in their relationship with the Father gradually mature in their ability to lean. Leaning is not something that comes easily to many of us, especially grind-it-out guys. Our stubborn independence causes us to view leaning as a sign of weakness. However, the Bible makes it clear that leaning is one of the marks of a real Christian.
In our growing up years, we were learning to lean, but we made an almost fatal mistake. We leaned on the wrong support. We leaned on a fellow 9 year old, or another teenager, or a parent who didn’t give our leaning the serious attention it needed. Or we may have leaned on a job, a college, a sport, a drug, sex, food, or “you fill in the blank.” When we got hurt, let down or ignored we learned, “I can’t lean on any one but myself if I really want my needs to be met.”
Maturing Christians will break that pattern and become vulnerable again. We begin by leaning away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and learn to lean on God and trust in His wisdom and goodness. As we begin to lean on God instead of ourselves, we soon realize that His way is always the best way. Christians lean into God's divine purpose. The greatest desire of Christians should be to accomplish God's purpose in our lives, as this is what truly glorifies Him and fulfills us the most.
Christians also lean on each other. Independence is not always admirable. However, interdependence is a biblical principle that carries the idea of mutually healthy dependence. The Trinity is the ultimate picture of interdependence. Christians should understand the value of community … engage in it … and contribute to it. This is what the term “Christian Fellowship” is all about. Showing God to each other and helping each other grow to become more Christ-like.
Today, identify an area of your life where you are leaning on the wrong support. Why are you leaning on that? Is it really supporting you now, and for the long run? Analyze what is keeping you from leaning on God. Begin leaning on God. Be willing to accept help from other people whom God has placed into your life. Stop carrying the "I can do it myself" mentality to an extreme. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for the blessing of safe people that I can lean on. I pray, Father, that You will help me to listen to Your voice in everything I do. Teach me to accept help from You and from the people You send to me. I pray that pride not get in my way and that I would be willing to ask for help, and more importantly, to follow Godly wisdom as I get it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who depended on You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!
Proverbs 3:5-7
Transformational Thought
If you have been a Stepping Stones regular, you know my earlier life was filled with many victories, as well as many defeats. When God caught my attention and I started following Him, God brought several mature Christian men into my life who gave me some spiritual coaching. They taught me how to lean on them. During my time of weakness I was able to prop up myself with the strength God gave me through them.
The ultimate lesson came while I was sick - so weak that I couldn’t eat or drink for 2 weeks due to Hepatitis A. Some of these guys came over to do my yard work. Embarrassed that someone was doing my job, I slowly dragged myself out in my robe and tried to shoo them away. My good friend Les, the leader of our small group, said, “Quit being a jerk. We are here for you, but more importantly here to serve God. Quit robbing us of the blessing we get from serving God and you, and stop acting so proud. Accept God’s love through us and go back in the house and rest.” Wow, that stopped me in my tracks.
Maturing Christians who are growing in their relationship with the Father gradually mature in their ability to lean. Leaning is not something that comes easily to many of us, especially grind-it-out guys. Our stubborn independence causes us to view leaning as a sign of weakness. However, the Bible makes it clear that leaning is one of the marks of a real Christian.
In our growing up years, we were learning to lean, but we made an almost fatal mistake. We leaned on the wrong support. We leaned on a fellow 9 year old, or another teenager, or a parent who didn’t give our leaning the serious attention it needed. Or we may have leaned on a job, a college, a sport, a drug, sex, food, or “you fill in the blank.” When we got hurt, let down or ignored we learned, “I can’t lean on any one but myself if I really want my needs to be met.”
Maturing Christians will break that pattern and become vulnerable again. We begin by leaning away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and learn to lean on God and trust in His wisdom and goodness. As we begin to lean on God instead of ourselves, we soon realize that His way is always the best way. Christians lean into God's divine purpose. The greatest desire of Christians should be to accomplish God's purpose in our lives, as this is what truly glorifies Him and fulfills us the most.
Christians also lean on each other. Independence is not always admirable. However, interdependence is a biblical principle that carries the idea of mutually healthy dependence. The Trinity is the ultimate picture of interdependence. Christians should understand the value of community … engage in it … and contribute to it. This is what the term “Christian Fellowship” is all about. Showing God to each other and helping each other grow to become more Christ-like.
Today, identify an area of your life where you are leaning on the wrong support. Why are you leaning on that? Is it really supporting you now, and for the long run? Analyze what is keeping you from leaning on God. Begin leaning on God. Be willing to accept help from other people whom God has placed into your life. Stop carrying the "I can do it myself" mentality to an extreme. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for the blessing of safe people that I can lean on. I pray, Father, that You will help me to listen to Your voice in everything I do. Teach me to accept help from You and from the people You send to me. I pray that pride not get in my way and that I would be willing to ask for help, and more importantly, to follow Godly wisdom as I get it. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who depended on You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!
Proverbs 3:5-7
Monday, March 12, 2012
Stepping Stones: Ambushed by Grace!
March 12, 2012
Transformational Thought
On a May evening in 1997, Jesus ambushed me in my bedroom. Some of you might not know what an ambush is, so let me try to explain. “Ambush” is a military term that describes the process of creating an environment that appears safe, but ultimately is not. When the target of an ambush steps into this seemingly safe environment, the usual outcome is that the target’s day is pretty much ruined. Ambush is often used to describe how certain predators in the animal kingdom lie in wait, sometimes taking on the characteristics of their surroundings, so that when their unwitting prey come by, they become a very quick meal for the predator.
Well, in my personal experience, Jesus is the absolute Master of the ambush. Here is how it happened for me. I was simply going about my life working, raising our kids, and going to church on Sundays. Why was I doing all those things? Well, because they were the “right things” to be doing, and at least I was giving a good impression. I felt safe because I made my own safety net, not God’s all-powerful safety net. I didn’t realize my self-made one was really faulty. This is when the ambush occurred.
On that Sunday morning in May a life-changing event happened at the Lutheran church we were attending at the time. The pastor preached the story about Jesus washing the disciple’s feet from John 13. Remember Peter’s reaction in that story? “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” We’re not exactly sure why Peter objected to the foot washing, but I believe that it was a combination of Peter’s concern for appearance (surely Jesus shouldn’t wash my feet), and his arrogance (why do my feet need to be washed anyway?).
That was the beginning the ambush Jesus set up for me. I thought about that story all day and finally it hit me in bed that evening. I was just like Peter! All my life I was “this close” to Jesus and I never let him wash my feet. I wasn’t letting him serve me and I hadn’t fully accepted his love for me. With the trap fully set, the “Master of Ambush” awaited my response. That night, in my heart, I allowed Jesus to wash my feet for the very first time.
My wife thought I was insane because when I finally got it, I burst out in laughter. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I laughed and laughed and laughed. I didn’t understand it then, but that was a moment of profound change for me. Since that evening in May of 1997, whenever my spiritual well runs dry and I’m not sensing the presence of God in my life, I return to John chapter 13. The story helps me to remember that allowing Jesus to serve us in His way, not in our way, is the only means to glimpse His great love for us.
Today, if you are feeling that God is far away from you, or if you just need a fresh sense of his presence in your life, remember that the Master of Ambush lies in wait. He has a towel wrapped around his waist and a pot of water in hands. He is waiting for you to let Him serve you. Allow Him to wash your feet, and then respond by washing someone else’s feet, serving them as Jesus served you. This is the first step toward a renewed and strengthened faith that will result in a greater love for God and a more caring heart for people. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Gracious God, how thankful we are that You sent Your only son to Earth to love us unconditionally and to show us how to love each other. Jesus is truly the Master of Ambush and he waits patiently to capture the hearts of all the people that You chose to call to Yourself. Help each of us to understand this truth fully by placing within us the desire to allow Jesus to serve us. As we are served by Jesus, then put within us the motivation to serve others in Your name, dear Father. As I recall that amazing day that I was ambushed by Your grace, allow me and all who read this to feel Your love and Your presence in a way that draws us nearer to You so that we may be more like your Son. I pray this in the name of the One whose ambush saved my life, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:12-15
Transformational Thought
On a May evening in 1997, Jesus ambushed me in my bedroom. Some of you might not know what an ambush is, so let me try to explain. “Ambush” is a military term that describes the process of creating an environment that appears safe, but ultimately is not. When the target of an ambush steps into this seemingly safe environment, the usual outcome is that the target’s day is pretty much ruined. Ambush is often used to describe how certain predators in the animal kingdom lie in wait, sometimes taking on the characteristics of their surroundings, so that when their unwitting prey come by, they become a very quick meal for the predator.
Well, in my personal experience, Jesus is the absolute Master of the ambush. Here is how it happened for me. I was simply going about my life working, raising our kids, and going to church on Sundays. Why was I doing all those things? Well, because they were the “right things” to be doing, and at least I was giving a good impression. I felt safe because I made my own safety net, not God’s all-powerful safety net. I didn’t realize my self-made one was really faulty. This is when the ambush occurred.
On that Sunday morning in May a life-changing event happened at the Lutheran church we were attending at the time. The pastor preached the story about Jesus washing the disciple’s feet from John 13. Remember Peter’s reaction in that story? “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” We’re not exactly sure why Peter objected to the foot washing, but I believe that it was a combination of Peter’s concern for appearance (surely Jesus shouldn’t wash my feet), and his arrogance (why do my feet need to be washed anyway?).
That was the beginning the ambush Jesus set up for me. I thought about that story all day and finally it hit me in bed that evening. I was just like Peter! All my life I was “this close” to Jesus and I never let him wash my feet. I wasn’t letting him serve me and I hadn’t fully accepted his love for me. With the trap fully set, the “Master of Ambush” awaited my response. That night, in my heart, I allowed Jesus to wash my feet for the very first time.
My wife thought I was insane because when I finally got it, I burst out in laughter. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I laughed and laughed and laughed. I didn’t understand it then, but that was a moment of profound change for me. Since that evening in May of 1997, whenever my spiritual well runs dry and I’m not sensing the presence of God in my life, I return to John chapter 13. The story helps me to remember that allowing Jesus to serve us in His way, not in our way, is the only means to glimpse His great love for us.
Today, if you are feeling that God is far away from you, or if you just need a fresh sense of his presence in your life, remember that the Master of Ambush lies in wait. He has a towel wrapped around his waist and a pot of water in hands. He is waiting for you to let Him serve you. Allow Him to wash your feet, and then respond by washing someone else’s feet, serving them as Jesus served you. This is the first step toward a renewed and strengthened faith that will result in a greater love for God and a more caring heart for people. Life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Gracious God, how thankful we are that You sent Your only son to Earth to love us unconditionally and to show us how to love each other. Jesus is truly the Master of Ambush and he waits patiently to capture the hearts of all the people that You chose to call to Yourself. Help each of us to understand this truth fully by placing within us the desire to allow Jesus to serve us. As we are served by Jesus, then put within us the motivation to serve others in Your name, dear Father. As I recall that amazing day that I was ambushed by Your grace, allow me and all who read this to feel Your love and Your presence in a way that draws us nearer to You so that we may be more like your Son. I pray this in the name of the One whose ambush saved my life, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:12-15
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