April 26

Read Job 13 and 14

Fortunately for Job, he understood baloney when it was served up to him on a silver platter. He had the good sense to realize that his friends were full of hot air. That’s awesome – but unusual. Most people tell me that they find the advice they receive confusing and contradictory. Sincere in their desire to do the next right thing, defining that next step is often far more challenging than one might expect.

That’s why I love the fourth step. It’s an opportunity for us to get alone with God and allow His Spirit to blow through our hearts. Later on we’ll begin to share all that we’re writing and thinking and feeling with another person. This is not the time to be asking others to instruct us about what we need to inventory.

I know we long for input from others, especially when working on something as challenging as a fourth step. I’d suggest you ask them about their personal experiences with their own stepping. Perhaps if you’re stuck on the “ how-tos” your advisors can share what’s worked for them.

But for today, I want to encourage you to follow Job’s example. He eagerly went straight to the top dog. He had a conversation with God himself. You have this same access. Isn’t that awesome? Maybe the only foolish thing you could do at this point is to ignore the privilege and deny yourself the opportunity of approaching the throne of grace yourself – without need of any mediators. Isn’t that awesome?

Think of it like this. If you find yourself in legal difficulties, you can’t just pop over to the judge’s house and hash it all out over a cup of cappuccino. Lawyers, court clerks and all sorts of paperwork are required for you to get your day in court.

Not so with God. Today you can have a conversation with Him. I pray that you will.

Thought for today: So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Thought for tomorrow: I know other people are poor imitators of the God of mercy and grace. I also know that we are called to pursue our God-created identities – which include the ability to have the mind of Christ, imitate him, and even know and do his good, pleasing and perfect will.

That’s a lot of potential, and sometimes we all fall short. While we’re all growing up in our salvation, let’s be gentle with each other. Let’s look for our potential with at least as much energy as we pour into picking at each other’s wounds.