Stepping Stones: "Get Out of Hell Free" Card

Transformational Tip
Today, I am still thinking about “back-to-school.” Yesterday we purchased the “necessary supplies.” Today, my daughter will take Cassie for her “back-to-school” wardrobe, which I’m sure will fill several shopping bags. My own back to school wardrobe consisted of 3 dresses, 2 skirts (girls did not wear pants back then), 2 blouses, 2 pair of shoes,(one pair was for Sunday) 1 sweater and 1 coat. Education comes with a very high price these days, and the higher the education, the higher the price. In fact, everywhere we look we are confronted with the high cost of living whether it is school, housing, taxes, food and clothing, or the national debt itself! But then I am reminded of that which is FREE! That which costs me nothing, in fact that which no amount of money, silver or gold can buy. It is the greatest gift I have ever been, or will ever be given. It has pardoned and cleansed me from all my sin, guilt and shame, and has assured me of eternal life in Heaven. What a precious gift is this salvation of my soul! And although it is free to me, it cost my Heavenly Father a very high price; for He had to watch His only Son die on Calvary’s cross for the sins of the world. It cost Jesus, the Son, separation from the Father and Holy Spirit for the first time in all eternity, a torture He considered more excruciating than His physical suffering and death. Imagine that!!! Every sin ever committed in the human race, past, present AND future, bombarding His soul to the separation, for the first time in all eternity, from the Godhead, whose holiness prevented Them from looking upon sin! What a price to pay!
Today, when you think the Christian life is tough, and there are sacrifices, think of the alternative, and how much that costs you, now and forever. Click here to share your thoughts, including whether the godly life is harder or easier.

Prayer
Oh Father, You paid much too high a price for me! I am not worth it! I am overwhelmed that You love me so much that You do not consider the price to high. I can never begin to thank You enough, or pay You back for what You have done for me. The old song says it so much better than I can:
Could we with ink the ocean fill, or were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill, or every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
O Love of God, How rich and pure, how measureless and strong,
It shall forever more endure the saints and angels song.


The Truth
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him: He was despised and we esteemed him not. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:3,5
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.
1 Peter 1:18,19

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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