Stepping Stones: Do You Really Care For You?

16 August 2010



Transformational Thought

I saw these words on the sign of an SPCA building. “Neglect is Abuse.” And it struck me just how profound those words are. Of course the intention was focused on animals…but what about us humans?

Neglectful isn’t a word we usually use to describe ourselves, people, or our society in this day and age. In fact, the opposite is usually what we hear, the ME generation, self-indulgent…spoiled….immediate gratification…everybody gets a trophy for playing…welfare or socialistic state. But think about it. Are we really paying attention, I mean real attention, to our own inner needs, struggles, or God placed longings?

Few perform this honest self-assessment, but when you assess, do you then go about addressing what you find in the most healthy, fulfilling, and life-giving way. Not self-assessing or then not significantly and thoroughly addressing what you find, is neglect.

Neglect is prevalent in our society. We neglect ourselves, we neglect those we love, we neglect those in need…but most importantly, we neglect our Lord. You see, God is the answer for struggles that derail us…obstacles holding us back….wounds that aren’t healed…patterns we struggle to break….emotions that rule us. By neglecting God, we are going to continue to also neglect ourselves and others.

Today, stop and think about areas in your life you are neglecting…pushing under the carpet…avoiding or suppressing…or hoping nobody notices. Think about struggles you have identified, but have had trouble correcting or freeing yourself from their burden. Now trade the word abuse for neglect. In the dictionary, neglect is a synonym for abuse. Just maybe this simple switching of words will help us to neglect less; to take care of ourselves in the true sense as God called us to do. Put on the armor of God and attack those strongholds specifically today.

Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I come to you with a guilty heart. I have been guilty of neglecting You. Forgive me, Father. I have been guilty of neglecting those I love and that I have a responsibility to care for. Replacing the word abuse for neglect makes it all seem so much worse. I ask Your forgiveness for the abuse of my body. Help me this day and forever to be aware of those who need my care and attention. Also, help those who I have abused to forgive me. I pray, Lord, that You working through me will end my neglect of others. I realize now with a sad heart that others too have neglected me, so help me forgive them, Lord, as You forgive me. Help them also be aware that neglect is abuse. I pray in the name of the one was abused for my ultimate nurturing, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
1 Timothy 4:14

Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
Psalm 55:10

Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.
John 6:35
- - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content

Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
    - - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content