Stepping Stones: "Try Jesus"

22 August 2010



Transformational Thought

Slogans are everywhere. “Just Do It” “Got Milk” “M’m! M’m! Good!” and “Have it your way” to name a few. But, it just dawned on me about how simple the best slogan is: “Try Jesus”.

Many times we resist trying new things because we don’t want to let go of the current way…or the old way, our good old comfort zone. We fear that by switching to the new thing we might lose something that we won’t be able to get back. What the heck are we thinking, why would we ever want to go back to the old way…the way of the world.

So by “Trying Jesus”, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And anyway, if Jesus doesn’t work out for you…the devil will always be willing to take you back.

Doesn’t that thought just send shivers down your spine. But here’s a certainty…you must be serving one or the other…Jesus or satan. If you say that you are serving neither, then satan has you right where he wants you.

“Try Jesus” and you just can’t lose. In fact, you win…forever!

Today, pray the prayer of salvation and accept or renew you acceptance of Jesus Christ as your savior. Remember how freeing and joyful you were and felt the first time you tried Jesus. Make the decision to try Him everyday in a very concrete and intentional way.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I need a Savior and know I cannot save myself. I believe by faith and not through anything I can do, that Jesus, your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and sin’s separating me from you. I trust you, Jesus, as my personal Savior, receive you as my Lord, and I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank you for your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, and being with me forever. Now help me make you the King of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I need to try everyday and all day, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22,23

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
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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
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