* Buy Without Money

Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. —Isaiah 55:3

A story was told of a wealthy man who felt his son needed to learn gratefulness. So he sent him to stay with a poor farmer’s family. After one month, the son returned. The father asked, “Now don’t you appreciate what we have?” The boy thought for a moment and said, “The family I stayed with is better off. With what they’ve planted, they enjoy meals together. And they always seem to have time for one another.”

This story reminds us that money can’t buy everything. Even though our bodies can live on what money can buy, money can’t keep our souls from withering away. In Isaiah 55, we read: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat” (v.1).

Is it possible to buy what truly satisfies without money? Yes, the prophet Isaiah is pointing to the grace of God. This gift is so invaluable that no price tag is adequate. And the one who offers it—Jesus Christ—has paid the full price with His death. When we acknowledge our thirst for God, ask forgiveness for our sins, and accept the finished work of Christ on the cross, we will find spiritual food that satisfies and our soul will live forever!

I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.

Only Jesus, the Living Water, satisfies the thirsty soul.

* The Beginning of Wisdom

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the deeds of the Lord!

They are studied by all who delight in them.
His work is full of majesty and splendor,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He makes his marvelous works to be remembered;

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He gives food to those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.

He has shown his people the power of his works
in giving them the lands of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice;
all his commandments are sure.

They stand fast forever and ever,
because they are done in truth and equity.

He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; those who act
accordingly have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever. --Psalm 111

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”--Psalm 111:10
Standing in awe of God puts us in a position where we can begin to see and understand things in their proper perspective. To stand in awe of God - this is what the Bible means by the fear of the Lord. It’s not about being afraid of God.

When we are afraid of something, we want to get away from it; we don’t want to have anything to do with it. But when we stand in awe of something we are drawn to it; we long to experience it more fully. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Standing in awe of God puts us in a position where we can begin to see and understand things in their proper perspective.

Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles. Lord, fill our eyes with seeing and our minds with knowing; let there be moments when Your Presence, like lightning, illumines the darkness in which we walk.

Help us to see, wherever we gaze, that the bush burns unconsumed. And we, clay touched by God, will reach out for holiness, and exclaim in wonder:

How filled with awe is this place, and we did not know it! Blessed is the Eternal One, the Holy God!

Amen

* Follow Your Leader

by Dr. Warren Wiersbe


Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare. --Psalm 25: 8-15

I have little sense of direction. Fortunately, my wife has built-in radar. If she didn't travel with me, I'm afraid I often would be lost. David talks about the guidance of God in these verses. So much has been said about God's guidance. Does He still guide us? Does He have a specific plan for each of our lives? How does He guide us? David gives us some simple advice on receiving God's guidance.

We must start with meekness. "The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way" (v. 9). Meekness means that we are not telling God what to do; we are not counseling Him. Who could possibly be His counselor? The meek person receives the Word of God and is submissive to His will. "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies" (v. 10). God does not reveal His will to those who are curious. He reveals His will to those who are obedient.

God guides those who are concerned about His glory. "For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great" (v. 11). Surely goodness and mercy follow us, but they won't unless we are walking in the will of God for His glory, for His name's sake. "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Ps. 23:3). That leads us to the fear of the Lord. "Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses" (v. 12). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). Finally, we must be alert to God's guidance. "My eyes are ever toward the Lord" (v. 15). We must watch and pray. We must keep our eyes open if we want our Shepherd to lead us.

God desires to lead His sheep and use them for His glory. Is your life characterized by meekness, obedience, a desire for God's glory and the fear of the Lord? As you remain alert to His leading, you may be assured of His guidance in the decisions and steps of your life.

* Between The Eternities

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them. —Hebrews 11:13

In the television western Broken Trail, cowboy Prentice Ritter must provide words of comfort at the funeral of a friend. Uncomfortable in the situation, he quietly says, “We are all travelers in this world. From the sweet grass to the packing house, birth till death, we travel between the eternities.”

In a sense, he was right. We are travelers—pilgrims—in a world that offers no lasting peace or rest. And while there is only one eternity, we travel between eternity past and eternity future, waiting for promises of a home and a hope that will last forever—promises yet to be fulfilled.

In those times of struggle and despair when our pilgrimage of life is difficult, it is helpful to remember that though we are pilgrims who travel between the eternities, we have a Savior who is the Lord and Master of eternity. He has offered us the promise of life with Him forever and has secured that promise with His own sacrifice. This was the promise spoken of by the writer of Hebrews 11:13.

We are locked into the moments and hours and days of life, but we look ahead by faith in Christ. One day, we will experience the promises of eternity when faith will become sight as we see Him. That hope is what lifts us beyond life between the eternities to a joy that is eternal.
— Bill Crowder

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand. —Williams

For time and eternity, Jesus is all we need.

* Are You Listening?

James 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying all the usual things at those White House receptions. So, one evening he decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying. As each person came up to him with extended hand, he flashed his big smile and said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” People would automatically respond with comments such as “How lovely.” or “Continue on with your great work.” Nobody listened to what he was saying, except for one foreign diplomat. When the president said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning,” the diplomat responded softly, “I’m sure she had it coming to her.

“It’s a funny story, but how often do we do the same? It seems that we have lot’s to say but we are not very good at listening. Think about it — how many language, speech and speaking courses can you find in your college course book? But can you find even one class on listening?? There is such a lack of good listening skills in this day and age that we have to pay someone a lot of money just to listen to us! More importantly, God has many things He desires to reveal to us — but we’re always talking, talking, talking!

Let’s strive to do less talking and more listening today. Let’s give the Lord and others a chance to be heard.

Practice:
Try practicing a sustained listening exercise. Listen to someone else close to you for over five minutes without saying a word--no judgments, no comments, no interruption, no cute pauses so you can weave your thoughts and feelings into the "conversation"...NOTHING. In fact, put your pride aside and quit making yourself feel better about YOU by making commentary, especially if it wasn't requested. JUST LISTEN!

* We Love By His Life

I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

When Jesus commands us to do something, he knows we cannot do it unless we are empowered by him – and so he joins his life with the Holy Spirit within us. Thus, “Christ lives in me.”

This new life within will take us where thoughts or feelings never will; it will enable us more than information or willpower ever can. We receive the love and life of Jesus, and he says, “Go and do the same.” As awesome and costly and everlasting as the Gospel is, it’s also this simple: We are transformed by the life of Christ released within us, and now we’re to show and tell others how Christ can live in them.

And isn’t it true that, for a while, this seems to be the easiest and most natural thing we’ve ever done? We get love from Jesus, and then we turn around and give it away to others.

But then, after a while, we find it gets more difficult. Old habits return. Memories come back, and the emotions attached to them emerge in ways that cause us to stumble or feel defeated.

No matter how hard we try, some days sheer willpower isn’t enough to be the new creation God says we are. And so we try harder, and things just get worse.

But God is relentless in his command to “love each other in the same way I have loved you” – personal and up-close, meeting needs of undeserving others, not attacking their faults. This is God driving us away from the self-generated, “try harder” love into his love that is freely given. This is where the Spirit of Love - himself - is able to teach us. “Not I, but Christ.”

We begin to see it is no longer “just I” doing the loving – that would be life under the Law. Success would bring self-commendation; failure would produce self-condemnation.

We learn to say in faith: “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

What does this mean?

· Personal love – Since God’s love is personal, it must be personalized as us. God’s love becomes personal and meaningful to others when we allow God to touch them through us.

See the need; don’t criticize it – Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, “God never allows us to see another person at fault so we may criticize them, but only that we might intercede.” Intercessors do not ignore or deny fault or sin; they address the needs behind the faults and the sins. We love one another as God loves us when we come to others, not to take swings, but with prayerful, godly solutions.

* The Truth About Feelings

… And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ …. (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV)

Pamela, a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a prayerful Christian. This morning, her husband, Richard, left a tender note on the bathroom mirror, inviting Pamela to join him for lunch at their favorite restaurant.

Pamela eyes the clock throughout the morning, anticipating meeting her life-long love at 1 p.m. She’s excited and feeling extraordinarily loved by her husband, so she leaves for the restaurant early in order to buy Richard a small gift. She splurges more, buying two balloons, which float up from the ribbon wrapped around the present.

As she pays for the gift, she looks in her purse and notices she’s left her cell phone at home – again. No matter, it’s 12:30 and in a few short minutes she’ll be with Richard, giving him her undivided attention. Who needs a cell phone in moments like that?

Pamela arrives at the restaurant first and patiently waits for Richard to arrive. What she doesn’t yet know is that Richard has been in a horrible traffic accident and was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:24 – about the time Pamela was tying the balloons to the bow, buoyantly anticipating the approaching romantic rendezvous.

The point to this sorrowful snapshot is that our feelings don’t always reflect the truth. Pamela is soaring high on her feelings of love, even though her husband is already dead. The truth is bearing down on her, and it will immediately alter her feelings when it hits – but her feelings are not yet in line with the truth.

Imagine Pamela as she waits for her husband, and he does not arrive. She’s forgotten her cell phone, so she waits. After a while, she becomes annoyed; after 20 minutes, she’s irritated and hurt. Her feelings still do not line up with the truth.

After 40 minutes, she begins to worry. This just isn’t like Richard. Maybe something has happened. She asks to borrow the restaurant's phone, and she calls Richard’s office, but is transferred to his boss. He says, “Pamela, we’ve been trying to reach you. There’s been a terrible accident ….” The truth and Pamela’s feelings collide.

The fact is, God gave us feelings. There’s nothing wrong with them. As one of my friends often says, “Feelings are just feelings.” Sometimes they reflect the truth; oftentimes they don’t. They can provide positive insight, such as when our fear warns us of nearby danger, or they can give us social discernment, like when we realize we’re falling in love.

But your feelings do not define the truth. Only God defines the truth. You may feel worthless, but the truth is you are uniquely created by God, who loves you deeply. You may feel like you can walk on water, but the truth is you can only do that if Jesus calls you from the boat. You can’t; God can.

Just as the Apostle John tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1-3), Paul teaches us to discern the truth through knowledge and deep insight, not through our feelings. He writes, “… and this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ ….” (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV)

Eugene Peterson, in The Message paraphrase of the Bible, translates it like this: “… You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush ….” (Philippians 1:9b-10a MSG) Otherwise, you end up in a life “shaped by things and feelings, instead of God.” (Colossians 3:5 MSG)

Your feelings are from God. They are a gift, and there is no need to avoid them or be ashamed of them. Yet God never meant for our feelings to be the gauge that measures your life and how you live it. Your feelings are not designed to define you or interpret the situations you now face. Only God’s truth can define you, and only God’s truth can pass judgment on the circumstances of your life.

The great and best Good News is this: God’s truth is a person – Jesus Christ, our Lord.

What does this mean?

· You are not your emotions – You are not defined by your emotions. You are defined by God. You may feel worthless, but God says you are wonderfully and fearfully created in his image. You may feel like you’ve failed God, but God says you are accepted in the beloved and that he loves you no matter what you’ve done.

· God uses your feelings – God may use your feelings to reveal a piece of your heart that you need to turn over to God; he may use your feelings to draw you closer to him. Paul speaks of feeling like a wretched man, and that draws him deeper into the grace of God. Your feelings of hopelessness in a situation may be what God uses to show you that you’re hanging your hopes on the wrong thing – because he is a God of hope, and it is a hope that will not disappoint.

· Your obedience is based on the truth, not feelings – The facts may appear daunting, but it is up to God to interpret the facts, not you and your feelings. God calls us to be obedient to the truth, not the way we feel. In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis says that if you don’t love someone, act as if you do, and your feelings will catch up.

* Growing Through Grief

A woman who lost her husband of 40 years to a sudden heart attack said that the resulting grief had caused her to value love more. When she heard couples arguing, she sometimes spoke to them, saying, “You don’t have time for this.” She noted that the wasted moments in all our lives become more precious when they cannot be repeated.

Grief changes our perspective on life. It is trite but true that how we deal with sorrow will make us either bitter or better. In a remarkable statement, the psalmist actually thanked God for a difficult experience: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. . . . It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Ps. 119:67,71).

We don’t know the nature of the psalmist’s affliction, but the positive outcome was a longing to obey the Lord and a hunger for His Word. Rarely can we use this truth to comfort those who hurt. Instead, it is the Lord’s word to us from His compassionate heart and the touch from His healing hand.

When we grieve, it feels more like dying than growing. But as God wraps His loving arms around us, we have the assurance of His faithful care.
—David C. McCasland

I have been through the valley of weeping,
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the God of all comfort was with me,
At hand to uphold and sustain. —Anon.

* Joy of Anticipation

"I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it" (Phil. 1:6).

All who love Christ desire to be like Him in spiritual perfection and absolute holiness. We want to please Him in every respect. However, that noble pursuit is often met with frustration and discouragement as human frailties and sin block our pathway.

Paul's cry in Romans 7 is ours as well: "That which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. . . . I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. . . . Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (vv. 15, 21, 24). His answer resonates with confidence and relief: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v. 25).

Paul was convinced that God always completes the good work of salvation He begins in every new believer--a work that progressively conforms us to the image of His Son (2 Cor. 3:18). That might seem like a painfully slow process at times, but be assured He will complete it. All whom He justifies will be glorified (Rom. 8:29-30).

In the meantime, you have an active role to play in the process. Paul called it working out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). You must discipline yourself for holiness through prayer, Bible study, obedience, and accountability to other believers. All the resources you need are at your disposal as God Himself works in you to produce His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

Rejoice in knowing that you belong to God and that He is conforming you to the image of His Son. See every event of this day as part of that process. Yield to the Spirit's prompting and take heart that God will accomplish His will.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Give thanks to God, who is able "to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy" (Jude 24).
• Express the desire to discipline yourself for godliness. Ask for wisdom in taking advantage of all the spiritual resources available to you as a believer.

For Further Study:

Read Hebrews 10:19-25.

• What should be your attitude when approaching God?
• What is your responsibility in light of God's promises?

* Prayer for Peace In Times Of Confusion

Most Precious Lord Jesus,
Gentle And Wonderful God,
Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit,
I am overcome and confused because of the trials I must face.
I do not know which way to turn.

As I battle my confusion, Lord, I feel my soul being ground down.
In my confusion, I also worry.
I worry over making ends meet, over paying the bills that never stop,
and over keeping food on the table.
I worry about what will happen to my loved ones,
and I cannot stop this cycle of doubt and fear.

Please help me, O Lord, for I cannot help myself.
When I get confused, please clear out my thinking.
When I worry, please show me the folly of this worry.

Please make yourself real to me and take away my confusion.
Please show me I need not be confused about you and about how much you love me.

As it is your will, please bring me your miracle of peace of mind.
As it is your will, please bring me your miracle of peace in my soul.
All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely. Amen

* ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

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"So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay"

On top of his forgiveness and reassurance, he "made them an offer they couldn't refuse." He urged them to return and bring their father to this land, where they could enjoy relief from their barren existence.

Joseph said, "Brothers, I have seen a change in your lives. You care about our father and one another, and you never did before. You care about Benjamin, more than even your own lives. What a change!"

Attitude is so crucial in the life of the Christian. We can go through the Sunday motions, we can carry out the religious exercises, we can pack a Bible under our arms, and sing familiar songs from memory, yet we can still hold grudges against the people who have wronged us. In our own way---and it may even be with a little religious manipulation---we'll get back at them. But that is not God's way. Here, He shows us the right way. He gives us the example of Joseph, great man that he was, being supportive, merciful, gracious, generous, and unselfish. He's not through showing how deeply he cares for them. Look at this next scene!

"Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him" (Genesis 45:14--15).

I would imagine they "talked with him!" They had about twenty-five years' worth of talking to do. And I am confident that every time they went back and started to rehearse their wrongs, Joseph stopped them. "We're not going there. That was then, this is now. God had a plan, and it's all worked out for our good and His glory. Let's talk about that."

The late great preacher, John Henry Jowett, used to say that a minister doesn't deserve an hour to preach a sermon if he can't give it in one sentence. So let me give you this sermon in a sentence: Greatness is revealed mainly in our attitude.

* Putting First Things First

The following is a fictional conversation about spiritual growth…

After a church meeting, two friends (Q & A) got together to talk…

Q: What is the starting point of spiritual growth in CR? There’s so much to do, so much to think about…all those 12 steps and 8 principles…UGH…I am overwhelmed!

A: I am too sometimes. One of the great things about just “showing up” each week is that I am absorbing truth even when I am not aware of it. But you asked a good question.

Q: Do you have a good answer?

A: I think I do. At least, I have learned more than I thought because when you asked the question, this is what came to mind. "God's strength is made perfect in human weakness."

Q: OK…finally, I get to ask about a word I’ve heard a few times, that being “paradox.” I’ve heard a few people upfront say something about the paradox of truth or something like that.

A: Yeah…a paradox is better illustrated than explained. It’s like this…to have life you must first lose life or to go up you first have to go down. I think Socrates said in order for one to learn they must first admit they know nothing. That’s paradox.

So it seems from that verse I shared, God uses our weakness for His glory…that He doesn’t tell us before you come to Me, you need to have a degree in this or that, you have to have a life resume that is super impressive…He says come as you are. Maybe that’s because He knows us better than we know ourselves…and if that’s true, it’s all the more amazing. He pursues us even when we broke His commands towards Him and others, and in my case, I broke the law of love in some pretty bad ways.

Q: So how does that apply to someone at CR?

A: Can I suggest something?

Q: Sure.

A: Can we use “I” statements in our conversation from now on? Didn’t you really mean, “How does this apply to me in CR?”

Q: Yeah…

A: There’s something powerful about taking ownership of what we are feeling. I guess I think God will bless our time together if we are as honest as possible. The “I” statements have had a real impact in my life. I used to speak in “we” or “they” all the time when I really meant “me” or “I”…thanks.

Q: Ok…how does this apply to ME?

A: This first thing that comes to mind is what the Apostle Paul says, "I glory in my struggles." I know it seems strange…that paradox thing again. Maybe it was because Paul knew in his tribulations or struggles that the life of God was flowing in him, and that was the one thing he wanted above all…to have God flow though him.

One of my memory verses is in Philippians 3. Paul says, "That I might know him (Jesus), and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings." Paul knew this. Paul got it. Paul understood it, and lived it, and it showed in his behavior. That's why he wouldn't come into town in a limousine…or whatever they used in the first century…with a large staff and an expense account, enjoying the status of “Apostle”. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15, he said, "I was the least of the apostles. But the grace of God worked more effectively in me than in any."

Q: That sounds like humility to me.

A: Bingo! If we want to know what power really is, we have to step into the kingdom of humility…again, paradox! This comes full circle to the first step; “Happy are the poor in spirit”…which of course was what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. One of my favorite passages of the Bible is in Philippians 2…let me read it ‘cause I need to hear it as well...

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Q: Wow…that’s powerful. Jesus humbled himself to death and then God exalted him. It’s like Jesus modeled all we ever have to do, he did it first and asks us to follow.

A: Couldn’t have said it better myself…in fact, I couldn’t have said it…you did.

Q: That’s cool…here I come to you for advice, and I had something good to say.

A: I think you might be absorbing more than you thought! That passage really says it all.

Q: In what way?

A: Let’s look at it together in Philippians 2…

Verse 5-6: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped

Here comes the “I” statements again…
My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…I do not have equality with God.

Verse 7: but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

I am to be nothing and become a servant before God.

Verse 8: And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

I am to humble myself to obedience and die to self, to come to the cross of Jesus and admit I am powerless to be right with God on my own strength, to admit I can’t do it on my own.

Verse 9-11: Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God will exalt me to himself as his child and write my name in the book of life when I bow my knee to Jesus and confess that He is Lord with my tongue, and this gives glory to the Father.

Q: That is so cool! Scripture amazes me. I guess it all starts with humility before God, admitting we…I mean, I…am powerless on my own to be right with God. I need a Savior…I need Jesus. And it is because of what Jesus did for me on the cross, His death on my behalf…His obedience to His Father…that when I say I am nothing, I can then become exalted before God.

A: Yes. You first said you were overwhelmed…always keep the steps in order. When we (I) start to level jump the steps, I get in trouble. They build upon each other for a reason. I know I need that stability, one step at a time, to growth in anything I do. When I get proud and confident, mostly impatient, I want to jump ahead. The steps are not like building a model plane…we (I) can’t jump ahead…we (I) need to humble ourselves (myself) and go one step at a time.

Q: Seems so simple.

A: “Seems” is a dangerous word!

Q: Funny…I guess so.

A: That’s why we need each other to be accountable. In fact, as I think of it, you actually answered your own question before we even sat down together.

Q: How so?

A: Well, it was an act of humility for you to ask and seek…you easily could have walked the other way today. But you sought me out for some reason and humbled yourself. You put first things first without even knowing.

Q: Life’s funny.

A: It is! God is good.

Q: I can’t believe all I wanted to do is get a sandwich before I saw you.

A: I could…I’m hungry and now it’s time for me to humble myself and serve…lunch is on me!

* A REFLECTION OF CHRIST

by Charles R. Swindoll

The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's. So they feasted and drank freely with him--Genesis 43:33-34

Joseph's life offers us a magnificent portrayal of the grace of God as He came to our rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus. So many come to Him, like Joseph's guilty brothers, feeling the distance and fearing the worst from God, only to have Him demonstrate incredible generosity and mercy. Instead of being blamed, we are forgiven. Instead of feeling guilty, we are freed. And instead of experiencing punishment, which we certainly deserve, we are seated at His table and served more than we can ever take in.

For some, it's too unreal. So we desperately plead our case, only to have Him speak kindly to us---promising us peace in our own language. We then try to fend off His anger by bargaining with Him, thinking our hard work and sincere efforts will pay Him back for all those evil past deeds we're guilty of. But to our astonishment, He never even considered our attempts important enough to mention. What we had in mind was earning just enough to silence our guilt, but what He had in mind was overwhelming us with such an abundance we'd realize we can never, ever repay.

What a beautiful picture of Christ at the cross, bearing the sins we committed, forgiving us in the process. Isn't such grace amazing? The One who was rejected is the same One who goes the limit to get us reunited with Him.

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
How blessed are all those who long for Him. (Isaiah 30:18)

Do you long for Him? I've got great news! In an even greater way---greater than you could ever imagine---He longs to be gracious to you. He is offering you all the things you hunger for. The table is loaded, and He is smiling, waiting for you to sit down and enjoy the feast He prepared with you in mind. Have a seat--grace is being served.

* What is sainthood?

"To all the saints in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).

Many people think of saints as men and women who are especially holy or who have been canonized by an official church body. Usually only those who have been long dead and have extraordinary religious accomplishments to their credit qualify.

God, however, has a different perspective on sainthood. Paul called the Corinthian believers saints (1 Cor. 1:2) then went on for many chapters correcting their sinful practices. He called the Roman, Ephesian, and Colossian believers saints but they weren't perfect either.

What then qualifies someone as a saint? The answer is in Philippians 1:1: "To the saints in Christ Jesus". That's the criterion. Sainthood is not reserved for the spiritually elite. It belongs to every believer because every believer is in Christ Jesus.

If you love Christ you also are a saint. That might come as a surprise to those who know you best, but it's true nonetheless!

The hallmark of sainthood is holiness. In fact, the Greek word translated "saints" in Philippians 1:1 (hagios) literally means "holy ones." It is used throughout the New Testament to speak of anyone or anything that represents God's holiness: Christ as the Holy One of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Father, holy Scriptures, holy angels, holy brethren, and so on.

To God, you are holy and beloved in Christ (Col. 3:12). You have received a saintly calling (1 Cor. 1:2) and a saintly inheritance (Col. 1:12). You have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14), and every other spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).

With that privilege comes the responsibility of living a holy life. That's why Scripture admonishes you to present your body as a living and holy sacrifice (Rom. 12:1) and to live in a manner worthy of your saintly status (Eph. 5:3).

The power for godly living is the Holy Spirit, who indwells you. As you yield to Him through prayer and obedience to God's Word, the characteristics of a true saint become increasingly evident in your life. Make that your commitment today.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Thank God for choosing you as one of His holy ones.
• Pray that your life will be a consistent testimony to the reality of true sainthood.

* Give Life with Your Words

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose. (Proverbs 18:21)

You have the power to kill or give life.

Yes, you, gentle reader – a follower of Christ – are capable of murder, and so am I. We can speak death with our words, or we can speak life.

Perhaps you’ve been on the other side of the killing kind of messages: “You’re not smart enough. You’re not thin enough. You’re not fast enough. You’re not good enough. A real Christian wouldn’t think such a thing.”

In a world where people are beat up and put down, God gives you superhero power to punch through the negativity. You speak life to others when you say: “You matter to me. I like you just the way you are. You’re human, anyone could think that. Your life counts. You were created for a purpose. God loves you, and you’re incredibly valuable to him.”

Your words may be the only encouraging thing some people hear in a day, or a week, or a month. You – yes, you – can become the voice of God’s grace in the lives of others, supporting, loving, helping, and encouraging with the words that flow from your mouth. (Romans 14:19b)

In the New Testament, the word ‘encouragement’ often means “to come alongside.” We’re to come alongside one another, “building each other up,” just as the Holy Encourager comes alongside us to teach us and remind us of the way of Jesus. (John 14:26)

We become encouragers when we stop looking down and start looking up (Colossians 3:2) – the need and opportunity for encouragement is everywhere. “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us,” (Romans 15:2a MSG) and this “will build them up.” (Romans 15:2b NLT)

So, how about it? Will you become today a consistent source of encouragement to those around you? It’s a choice on your part. You can lift a person’s spirit, change the atmosphere of your office, or lighten the burden of someone in your small group. The Bible says we should “look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15b MSG)

What does this mean?
· Commit to encouragement – Make a choice to build up the people around you. Fill your conversations with phrases like: “I believe in you,” “I’m grateful for you,” “I see God using you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I’m glad you’re in my life.” The Bible says we should “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

· Value others – An encourager works hard at bringing the best out in others. Value people by understanding they are valuable to God. He encourages you in spite of the failings in your past; he believes in you in spite of those annoying, little things you excuse in yourself but criticize in others. (Quite honestly, this thought compels me to give grace to others.)

· Be encouraged – Encourage yourself, for “there is good news of great joy for all people, and his name is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-10)

* The Joy of Kindred Spirits

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).

Timothy was Paul's trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 Paul describes him as a man "of kindred spirit." That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.

Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.

However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.

Paul wrote to strengthen Timothy's spiritual character and encourage him to persevere in the face of severe trials.

Despite those apparent weaknesses, Paul valued Timothy highly and entrusted enormous ministerial responsibilities to him. In addition, Timothy's friendship and ministry was a source of great joy and strength to Paul.

I pray that you have people of kindred spirit in your life-- brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable to God's truth. Like Timothy, they may not be all you want them to be, but they are precious gifts from God. Esteem them highly and pray for them often. Do everything you can to reciprocate their ministry in your life.

If perhaps you lack such friends, seek the fellowship of a local church where Christ is exalted, His Word is taught, and holy living is encouraged. Build relationships with mature Christians who will stimulate you to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24).

Suggestions for Prayer:

Identify three people who are of kindred spirit with you. Pray for them and tell them how much you appreciate their examples and ministries.

For Further Study:

Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

• What were Paul's admonitions to Timothy?
• How might they apply to you?

* The Giants Win--Never Give Up!

by Joe Ventura

The Giants just won Superbowl XLII

It was never supposed to be. The NY Giants were underdogs and despite going into Superbowl XLII with a winning streak on the road, they would never beat the perfect winning season of the New England Patriots. Never. Wouldn’t happen.

Well, it happened!

This team started out the year 0-2. Last season all of NY wanted head coach Tom Coughlin fired. He had to plead with management to keep his job. Quarterback Eli Manning had to live up to the impossible expectations of his older brother Payton who won the Superbowl last year. Eli hasn’t matured as he should have. He’s been in the league a few years and has been a disappointment. He was not measuring up.

This team never gave up. They never quit. Hollywood wouldn't produce a movie like this because it would be too corny. Too formula. Too feel good.

I love football for one reason—it is the ultimate team game. Unlike baseball, personal statistics are meaningless. What matters is victory, and in order to have victory, one has to rely on team. Football is not a solo sport. It is a team sport.

When one player is hurt, another steps up. There is focus on a goal and there is commitment to one another, a deep commitment. Every football player knows they all need one another to win. Football players are deeply loyal to one another. They are also very aware that every game could be their last, going down with a permanent injury. they don't take each other for granted.

Why a devotional about this game? The NY Giants demonstrated a principle found in Celebrate Recovery and throughout the Bible—never give up, keep the faith, persevere to the end.

For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior, the battle has been won. We are victorious. What we have before us is a life of faithfulness to God, not because our deeds will save us, but because we love God. Jesus Christ has accomplished the victory on the Cross.

Yet…is there a follower of Jesus that hasn’t experienced discouragement or the desire to throw in the towel of faith?

I have.

The month of December was the worst I can remember. My back was out, I lost a job, I had a terrible Christmas and still have not reconciled with my family fully, my recovery issues were surfacing again, I had to give up a blue chip in my Friday night small group…I wanted to quit CR.

I felt like I was letting others down. Specific men had believed in me. I was part of a step-study group for almost a year and wanted to quit several times. I believed I could be abstinate from my issues, but to recover from them? That was another story.

I know what the scriptures teach and say;

“eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality” --Romans 2:7

“we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”—Romans 5:4-5

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry” --Hebrews 10:35-37

I also know that I find myself in a cyclical pattern of moving five steps forward and three steps back. I get tired of failure. I hate it. I want victory NOW!

Recently I’ve realized that this demand for recovery NOW is my pride. Aren’t we all aware of the following truth, “Pride comes before the fall”?

Through my failures I’ve come back to grace and faith. Yet, it took a long time to not beat myself up and go into moments of doubt that God could love me when I fell. I am free from the law of works and deeds. I can’t do it on my own, and I certainly can’t do it alone.

Recently, I heard a fine preacher teach that the great Apostle Paul struggled the most when he was alone on his missionary travels. It was then that he wrestled with an area of the flesh the most.

Like a football team, and like Paul, we also need one another. We need community to heal and grow. Left alone, we will fail and plunge back into the deeds of the flesh we so ardently want to be free of.

The NY Giants could have believed the fans and the sports media, all the radio talking heads filling their daily shows by casting doubt on this team…but they chose to believe something greater.

They took discouragement and used it to build a better team. They focused more. They were more serious and practiced harder. They knew in order to achieve victory they could not coast through the year and wait to cash in their paychecks.

Instead of diving into denial and blame, they took a hard long look at themselves. This was the difficult part. They had to trust in one another, believe the team was better than the individual. They relied upon one another in good and bad. These are the efforts that produce change.

We in CR do the same. We do similar efforts like meet on Friday night for a large group meeting and hear a teaching or testimony. We break into small groups. We gather for fellowship. Many are realizing that the step-study groups are where the real healing takes place.

I wonder how many others felt like quitting their step-study group like me over the past year? How many have made excuses to not show up for one reason or another, to be left alone rather than gather together? Was I the only one?

Yet in this time of discouragement, how many have received a phone call or an email that said, “Hi, missed ya…you OK?”

We must not forget one another! Like a hurt player in a football game, he is not left on the field, but gently carried away for medical care, to heal and recover.

The story of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke is a story of a rebellious son who rejects his father’s upbringing. Prideful and strong, the son heads-off to a far-away land, leads a wild life of adventure, and squanders everything of value (literally and spiritually).

Not until he’s confronted with failure and despair, does he return home, repentant and willing to do anything to win back his father’s favor. To his surprise, and the surprise of others, he’s welcomed, without question, into his father’s loving and forgiving arms. No amount of time, no amount of money, and no amount of rebellion could get in the way of the father’s unconditional love for his returning son.

For this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began.
(Luke 15:24)

The primary focus of this parable is God the Father and the general rebellion of His children. It’s a beautiful story of God’s patient grace and His willingness to welcome each of us home into His loving and forgiving arms.

This is a message of patience, perseverance and, most importantly, prayer. It’s about viewing the “prodigal experience” as a spiritual process, which helps build and strengthen our faith in God’s plan for our lives.

We who are in Christ strive for recovery (growth) not because we will be a better person in this life, but because we love God and want to love our neighbor as we should. As a believer, it all makes sense now. God is life, He created life and sin has destroyed everything. Selfishness, pain, hurts, habits, self-deception, discouragement, depression…it seems to never end.

Yet, we come to the Cross and confess. We believe in the promises of God;

“…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-38

God has changed our hearts. We now hate sin and selfishness. Our hearts grieve when we fall backwards. Many times we don’t know why we do what we do. We might ask, “How in the world can I love God one day and want to sin the next?” It is confusing.

I have been in a step-study group for a year and have started the second session over again. It has taken me a year to go from head to heart (I verbally shared hurts and habits, but didn't fully experience the hurt). Only now am I just starting to deal with heart issues. It took a year to pull off some heavy jackets I was wearing...and recently I've wanted to put one of those jackets back on.

Like the NY Giants and like so many who have endured over time, may we not quit. God will never quit on us. It is not in His nature. Our pride and wrong thinking tries to reduce God to our standards. God will have none of it. We need to rise to His standards and renew our minds.

This is why we need others so desperately. When we go astray our distorted thinking says, “God doesn’t love me anymore. I don’t love God anymore. If He did or I did, why do I struggle so much, why does He allow me to suffer so?”

I believe when we do this, we reduce God to the morality of those who have hurt us the most. Frequently it is our “inner circle” and by God’s design that is usually family and friends--it is always close-knit relationships that hurts us the most.

We were designed for God, and from day one, we experienced disappointment both within and without. No parent could ever meet God’s standard of love. That's insanity. How can imperfect parents love perfectly? No child wants to hear about their parent's hurts, habits, and hang-ups...they just want unconditional love every moment of their lives.

Multiply the hurts over many years (some far more significant than others), the hurts seek relief and attach to bad habits, then the bad habits create serious hang-ups. Then many of us apply another moment of insanity by demanding God remove and heal everything all at once! Us perfectionists really have a quandary with that one!

No wonder we recoil to self-protective patterns of thinking! Left alone, these patterns can dominate our person and lead us to finding relief. On top of it, we love our sin…for a moment.

Let us grow in three significant areas;

1) To forgive ourselves as God forgave us in His Son Jesus Christ.
2) To forgive others as God has forgiven us in His Son.
3) To accept ourselves as God has accepted us.

Who can do this alone? We need community to understand this and the love God uses in other's lives towards us. This is the power behind the story of The Prodigal Son. It was a father's open arms in receiving his son that strayed without judgment or "I told you so!" That is rare!

Although just a football game, the story of the 2007-08 NY Giants gives us another tale of a team that was destined to fail and won it all. This is inspiring, but the real story beneath the surface was that of building a strong team over time and growing close when the easy way out was quitting or giving up. That's what inspired me.

* May we never quit (we might stray for a moment)
* May we never give up on another
* May we welcome those who have strayed with open arms
* May we grow to trust in others and depend on others
* May we get serious about our recovery
* May we be patient with others

Take a moment and fill in your "May we...." and then ask if it will be, "May I..."