Stepping Stones: Run Less, Go Farther

Transformational Tip

When I first started Lighthouse Network, so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities existed and pursued a lot of them not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially. Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, I’m on fire. Then a month later, I’d look back and realize some of that activity was wasted as nothing really resulted from some of those startup efforts.

Getting the most out of what we do…being efficient…makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into today.

So the big question is, How do we know the future… the secret to high efficiency….so we won’t waste effort… and we will maximize our God-given potential.

Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul…and the path before you will be clearer and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.

Today, spend time with God…rest in His power. Knowing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off those conforming lenses of this world, step outside of you, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? …what future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in your way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization really was a major turning point in my life, I think it will affect yours as well.

Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You… to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Mixed Super Bowl Memories
    February 4-5, 2012

    Transformational Thought


    I’m a Steelers’ fan … born in the Pittsburgh area … so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable events as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, commitment, intentionality, practice, heroes, legends, invincibility, power, role models. I learned so much through those fun Super Bowl Sundays.

    For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made a lot of poor choices leading to many issues including a significant alcohol addiction. My worst memory ever: January 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday … middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions … consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a severe snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body … I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed, or worse, killed others, several times that evening.

    Jail … it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world … it was the best place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and decided that life according to my instruction book … my kingdom come, my will be done mentality … wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life … transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord. I finally decided to make Him not just Savior, but also Lord of my life.

    Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then … spiritual growth, a loving wife, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not wanting to test God, I always make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)

    Today, realize that each decision, regardless of how big or small it is, has definite ripples. Are you measuring the ripple effect? Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not in your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Lastly, after accepting Christ as your personal Savior, make the defining decision of your life on Earth to let Him be the Lord of your life. That’s when life really comes alive and makes sense as it pushes you to connect fully with Him. Life is your decision, so choose well. And enjoy the game.

    Prayer
    Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could block out all the distractions of life and meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service … it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
    Psalm 37:4

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

    I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
    Romans 12:1-2
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