Oct. 01, 2013
Transformational Thought
Our Lighthouse Network Mission is to equip you to achieve your God-given potential by helping you renew your mind spiritually, psychologically and even biologically. You then become Lighthouses who shine God’s glory and gospel story, standing on solid Rock foundations in the storms of your own lives, and so you can eventually provide guidance and sanctuary to others during their stormy times. Stepping Stones Daily Devotional is one of several resources we developed to guide people through life’s storms, daily and eternally to become Lighthouses, hopefully reflecting the true Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
So, when is a lighthouse most needed? In a storm, of course! When we are caught in one of life’s many storms, whether it’s a “rain shower” or a “tsunami” like 9/11/01, it’s easy for us to feel alone or even abandoned. We can feel as if we are at the mercy of the winds of fate, not knowing which step to take next. The stones before us appear slippery or like stumbling blocks instead of what we need … solid, helpful, safe Stepping Stones.
As believers, we must remember that God is all-powerful and sovereign over everything. He controls the history of the world including our personal destinies. He can easily calm the storms in your life, just as Jesus did for His disciples. But if God allows a storm to rage in your life, He also makes peace and comfort available to you if you choose to see and use His Light(house) correctly and continuously. Satan sets up many imitation lighthouses to trick you and attract you toward dangerous and rocky areas. So it is important to be in the Word and growing your communication time with God so you can distinguish the real Lighthouse (God’s) from the imitation (Satan’s).
Today, stop and think about how God has served as a Lighthouse throughout your life. Think about the events in your life that have led you to where you are today. Reflect on some of the false lights you followed, thinking they were God’s Lighthouses. What made them look so attractive? How can you recognize that imitation in the future?
If you are in a stable place, think of someone nearby who is in a storm. In what ways can you be a Lighthouse to them today? How can you let God’s light shine through you? Help them turn away from imitation lighthouses that appear safe or healing, and turn towards the real Light of the world.
If you are in a storm, God is lighting your next Stepping Stones, but you have to look in His direction and then trust Him as you step forward. Let God be your lighthouse and harbor, your place of safety. The Light you pursue, God’s or Satan’s imitation, is your choice, so choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, I am once again in another storm, a downpour. I’m tired of going from storm to storm. I know I have created some of these storms through my sinful nature and bad choices. But I also experience storms that have nothing to do with my actions, like the death of a loved one, losing my job because of the economy, and other events that are out of my control. In the midst of each storm I feel scared and alone … and I don’t know which step to take next. I need Your light, Lord, to shine on the next Stepping Stones of my path so I develop the mind of Christ. Help me and all those reading this devotional to walk in Your light so that we may become the daughters and sons of light. There is so much I don’t know. But I do know You will continue to reveal more to me. I pray this in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:23-25
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. John 12:16
Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. John 12:35-36