Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 17
Recommended Reading Psalm 33 and Mark 6
One time I had something tough that I needed to admit to another human and I chose poorly. Here’s just a sample of what I heard that day. “I can’t believe you did that. What were you thinking? I’m very disappointed in you. You call yourself a believer? If you just read scripture and prayed more – none of this would have happened!”
I didn’t give up. Armed with what I knew from God’s word, I just had a feeling that this was not the response God would have wanted me to receive. This time - Eureka! I can’t say it was fun, but it was fantastic. My second friend had what it took on that particular day to not let me off the hook of my wrong doing and yet somehow managed to not skewer me with the hook’s pointy edge. In fact, I felt as if my friend deftly and gently acted as God’s assistant while He performed open heart surgery, healing my aching broken heart.
Sometimes we shop around, looking for people to tell us what we want to here. This is not what I’m talking about. I’m asking you to shop ‘til you drop – until you find the person that can tell you what God wants you to hear – without blame, shame, or condemnation. This takes a very special person. (The very kind of individual that you are growing into!)
Thought for today: Hebrews four makes reference to scripture being sharper than a two edged sword. Some translations say it is sharper than the sharpest knife. I’ve heard theologians speak about how the words used in this passage are surgical terms. Certainly that’s what I experienced during my fifth step process. It was like surgery. We’ve been pretty skilled at medicating our aches and pains hoping to avoid suffering. A step five affords us the opportunity to begin healing the sore that so desperately needs medical attention – a wound that is hurting our spirit.
Thought for tomorrow: For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. This is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 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. Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV
May 17
Teresa McBean
May 16
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 16
Recommended Reading Psalm 32 and Mark 5
In Drs. Dale and Juanita Ryan’s bible study called, Recovery From Guilt, which you can find at www.christianrecovery.com, they speak of the two reasons why we need to admit the truth about ourselves to ourselves. “First, admitting our wrongs to ourselves means that we are no longer deceiving ourselves. This admission involves embracing parts of ourselves that we have rejected. It involves a complex process of integrating what some have called the shadow parts of ourselves into our self understanding. Second, admitting our wrongs to ourselves means that we need to show mercy to ourselves. We need to stop demanding perfection and face our human failings with the same compassion for ourselves that God extends toward us.” (p.5)
I wonder what’s lurking in your shadows, waiting to be exposed to God’s warm and gracious light.
Thought for today: Have you ever thought it odd that God forgives you but you refuse to forgive yourself? What does that mean? Would that imply that you’re more just then God? (That can’t be the answer…) So what does it mean that it’s ok for God to extend forgiveness but for us to refuse to extend it to ourselves?
Thought for tomorrow: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:19-21 NIV
It’s a common complaint. “I just can’t forgive _______ .” So we sigh and move along the same dark paths. It’s just too much, too hard, this forgiveness gig. But pause to prepare. Stop and reread John 3. Read that last sentence over and over until you see it. Do you? When you forgive – whether it is yourself or someone else IT ISN’T YOU DOING IT AT ALL!!!!! God is doing it through you. And the facts are in – God is in the forgiveness business – He knows how to do it and He practices what He hopes we’re preaching. Admission moves us closer to forgiveness.
May 16
Teresa McBean
May 16
Recommended Reading Psalm 32 and Mark 5
In Drs. Dale and Juanita Ryan’s bible study called, Recovery From Guilt, which you can find at www.christianrecovery.com, they speak of the two reasons why we need to admit the truth about ourselves to ourselves. “First, admitting our wrongs to ourselves means that we are no longer deceiving ourselves. This admission involves embracing parts of ourselves that we have rejected. It involves a complex process of integrating what some have called the shadow parts of ourselves into our self understanding. Second, admitting our wrongs to ourselves means that we need to show mercy to ourselves. We need to stop demanding perfection and face our human failings with the same compassion for ourselves that God extends toward us.” (p.5)
I wonder what’s lurking in your shadows, waiting to be exposed to God’s warm and gracious light.
Thought for today: Have you ever thought it odd that God forgives you but you refuse to forgive yourself? What does that mean? Would that imply that you’re more just then God? (That can’t be the answer…) So what does it mean that it’s ok for God to extend forgiveness but for us to refuse to extend it to ourselves?
Thought for tomorrow: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:19-21 NIV
It’s a common complaint. “I just can’t forgive _______ .” So we sigh and move along the same dark paths. It’s just too much, too hard, this forgiveness gig. But pause to prepare. Stop and reread John 3. Read that last sentence over and over until you see it. Do you? When you forgive – whether it is yourself or someone else IT ISN’T YOU DOING IT AT ALL!!!!! God is doing it through you. And the facts are in – God is in the forgiveness business – He knows how to do it and He practices what He hopes we’re preaching. Admission moves us closer to forgiveness.
May 16
Teresa McBean
May 15
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 15
Recommended Reading Psalm 32 and Mark 4
I suppose most of us think that the easiest part of this admitting wrongs deal is to ourselves. I wonder if you’re tempted to skim over that little two word phrase “to ourselves” because you think you already did your fourth step, what more is needed?
But lest we forget, most of us are masters at deception, especially self-deception. For instance, I was out shopping for some new wardrobe editions, which is not my favorite thing to do. Fortunately, I ran smack into a good story – which made the whole trip worthwhile.
I was in my changing room, minding my own business, when much to my dismay another customer began berating the sales person. Normally, I ignore berating. But this particular sales person happens to be a personal friend. And I can speak with complete confidence on this one – she is an awesome help if you’re stuck in a changing room trying to find a new outfit that you’ll wear for ten years – and you only have ten minutes to look, decide and purchase the thing.
“What’s wrong with these manufacturers? They keep making these clothes smaller and smaller. I’ve been a size 8 for 30 years! Take it all back – obviously, this has become a cheap store with tawdry merchandise.” Seriously, she than flung a pile of clothes at my friend and stormed off.
Ok, I looked. All I can say is that from my viewpoint, that woman is definitely not a size eight. That’s all I’ll say on the subject. My lips are sealed.
But the moment inspired me to flee my shopping nightmare and return to my studies. Truthfully, we can all relate to this woman who can’t quite admit to herself that she is no longer a petite size 8.Thought for today: So I think sometimes this is the hardest part of step five -telling ourselves the truth.
Thought for tomorrow: All a man’s ways seem innocent to him but motives are weighed by the Lord. Proverbs 16:2 I also like how the New Living Translation words this verse…People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Tomorrow, I’m going to borrow liberally from some advice the Drs. Ryan offer in their bible study entitled “Recovery from Guilt” – I think they have a lot to say to us that might help us over this particular recovery hurtle.May 15
Teresa McBean
May 14
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 14
Recommended Reading Psalm 31 and Mark 3
Last night one of our sons asked me why Lamentations was in the bible. Since he’s the third born, I had the good sense to realize that he probably wasn’t expecting an answer so much as he was interested in a dialogue, so I said, “Why do you think it’s there?”
“Well, since I doubt that God’s goal was to encourage whining, I wonder if it has something to do with this verse, Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
“Funny that you came to that verse. That is exactly the same verse I was looking at earlier in the week. I was feeling kind of whiney, and decided to hang with someone who could truly understand me – so I read Lamentations. That’s the verse I underlined!”
Notice that I didn’t answer his question, and his prompt exit seemed to indicate that he didn’t notice my non-response. I think the kid just needed to confess to me what he had just re-discovered and have someone who could join him in this reminder.
I think that because of the circumstances surrounding the evening. We had returned home from a tough lacrosse loss. He got hit so hard his jaw wouldn’t work right, and he had a loose tooth (that’s with a helmet on); his arm was swollen at the elbow to about the size of Rhode Island. He was so sore and tired that he wasn’t going to tackle his dreaded math homework until the wee hours of the morning. I suspect God knew my boy needed to be reminded that the Lord’s love never fails (even when the ref doesn’t call a penalty on the guy who decked him), the Lord’s mercies never cease (even when you’re tired and still have math to do), the Lord’s mercies begin afresh each morning – tomorrow will be another day.
Thought for today: I hope you can recall these truths too as you approach Him with your confessions. If you’re hesitant to approach God, notice what you’re thinking about God. Maybe you need to start out by confessing your forgetfulness of His character.
Thought for tomorrow: Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:21-22 NLT
May 14
Teresa McBean
May 14
Recommended Reading Psalm 31 and Mark 3
Last night one of our sons asked me why Lamentations was in the bible. Since he’s the third born, I had the good sense to realize that he probably wasn’t expecting an answer so much as he was interested in a dialogue, so I said, “Why do you think it’s there?”
“Well, since I doubt that God’s goal was to encourage whining, I wonder if it has something to do with this verse, Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
“Funny that you came to that verse. That is exactly the same verse I was looking at earlier in the week. I was feeling kind of whiney, and decided to hang with someone who could truly understand me – so I read Lamentations. That’s the verse I underlined!”
Notice that I didn’t answer his question, and his prompt exit seemed to indicate that he didn’t notice my non-response. I think the kid just needed to confess to me what he had just re-discovered and have someone who could join him in this reminder.
I think that because of the circumstances surrounding the evening. We had returned home from a tough lacrosse loss. He got hit so hard his jaw wouldn’t work right, and he had a loose tooth (that’s with a helmet on); his arm was swollen at the elbow to about the size of Rhode Island. He was so sore and tired that he wasn’t going to tackle his dreaded math homework until the wee hours of the morning. I suspect God knew my boy needed to be reminded that the Lord’s love never fails (even when the ref doesn’t call a penalty on the guy who decked him), the Lord’s mercies never cease (even when you’re tired and still have math to do), the Lord’s mercies begin afresh each morning – tomorrow will be another day.
Thought for today: I hope you can recall these truths too as you approach Him with your confessions. If you’re hesitant to approach God, notice what you’re thinking about God. Maybe you need to start out by confessing your forgetfulness of His character.
Thought for tomorrow: Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:21-22 NLT
May 14
Teresa McBean
May 13
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 13
Recommended Reading Psalm 30 and Mark 2
I love the gospel of Mark. I love how the writer tells of Jesus’ power and provides evidence of how Jesus uses the power given to him for good. Some people misuse their power. Maybe you’ve suffered at the hands of power misused. Have you ever misused power and caused another to suffer? Jesus didn’t do that. But what he did do is this: He made it possible for people like us – abused and/or abusers, to find a powerful solution to our unremitting pain – caused my power improperly used.
In particular, I hope you’ll read about Jesus’ call to Matthew (also known as Levi) – “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:14). Matthew was a tax collector. His job was to collect taxes from the Jewish community and send it to the Romans – the oppressors of the Jewish people during this time in history. A Jew himself, Matthew would have been considered a terrible sinner by his fellow Jews because he was not only took from them and sent it to the enemy – he personally profited from the exchange.
And this is the part that makes me cry. Jesus invited Matthew to join Him in His grand epic adventure. He took a guy that the community saw as a bad guy, and he reframed the entire experience through the wonderful power of grace and mercy.
Thought for today: The invitation to join Jesus was not the transformation part of the story – it’s simply the part that made the transformation possible. Matthew could have told Jesus to go fly a kite. He could have ignored the invitation to discipleship. And of course, you can do the same. But it is my prayer that as the Holy Spirit whispers in your ear – Come, follow me and be my disciple – that you’ll haul yourself up and follow. But I’m warning you, eventually you’re going to have to go through the confession process in order to experience power properly placed in your life.
Thought for tomorrow: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
May 13
Teresa McBean
May 13
Recommended Reading Psalm 30 and Mark 2
I love the gospel of Mark. I love how the writer tells of Jesus’ power and provides evidence of how Jesus uses the power given to him for good. Some people misuse their power. Maybe you’ve suffered at the hands of power misused. Have you ever misused power and caused another to suffer? Jesus didn’t do that. But what he did do is this: He made it possible for people like us – abused and/or abusers, to find a powerful solution to our unremitting pain – caused my power improperly used.
In particular, I hope you’ll read about Jesus’ call to Matthew (also known as Levi) – “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2:14). Matthew was a tax collector. His job was to collect taxes from the Jewish community and send it to the Romans – the oppressors of the Jewish people during this time in history. A Jew himself, Matthew would have been considered a terrible sinner by his fellow Jews because he was not only took from them and sent it to the enemy – he personally profited from the exchange.
And this is the part that makes me cry. Jesus invited Matthew to join Him in His grand epic adventure. He took a guy that the community saw as a bad guy, and he reframed the entire experience through the wonderful power of grace and mercy.
Thought for today: The invitation to join Jesus was not the transformation part of the story – it’s simply the part that made the transformation possible. Matthew could have told Jesus to go fly a kite. He could have ignored the invitation to discipleship. And of course, you can do the same. But it is my prayer that as the Holy Spirit whispers in your ear – Come, follow me and be my disciple – that you’ll haul yourself up and follow. But I’m warning you, eventually you’re going to have to go through the confession process in order to experience power properly placed in your life.
Thought for tomorrow: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
May 13
Teresa McBean
May 12
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 12
Recommended Reading Psalm 29 and Mark 1
Admitting our wrongs is a three-fold process of confession. First, we admit our wrongs to God, then we admit our wrongs to ourselves and then we admit our wrongs to another human being. This process can be a powerful, life-changing experience. We all long to be known; to share the secrets that are so toxic to our souls; to experience the grace of being loved and accepted – sins and all. The spiritual discipline of confession provides the structure within which we can experience this grace in practical ways… Confession is an act of obedience to a (see James 5:16) biblical imperative. It is an imperative with a promise of healing.*
Thought for today: I have this exercise dvd that I love to do at home when my schedule is too packed for a class or it’s too yukky to get outside. My dvd-driven inspiration keeps telling me that if I want to “re-sculpt” my body I will need to require my body to do things it does not want to do. Did you hear that? If we want to “re-sculpt” our lives, we’re going to need to require things of ourselves that we don’t want to do. Like confession.
Thought for tomorrow: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all ay long. For day and night our hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:1-5 NIV
I’d love to continue this discussion, but I’ve been sitting for several hours and now it’s time to go do some vigorous exercise…even though my body would prefer a nap.
May 12
Teresa McBean
* Recovery from Guilt, 6 studies for groups or individuals by Dale and Juanita Ryan, Copyright 1992, this and other excellent series are available from http://www.christianrecovery.com/, p.5.
May 12
Recommended Reading Psalm 29 and Mark 1
Admitting our wrongs is a three-fold process of confession. First, we admit our wrongs to God, then we admit our wrongs to ourselves and then we admit our wrongs to another human being. This process can be a powerful, life-changing experience. We all long to be known; to share the secrets that are so toxic to our souls; to experience the grace of being loved and accepted – sins and all. The spiritual discipline of confession provides the structure within which we can experience this grace in practical ways… Confession is an act of obedience to a (see James 5:16) biblical imperative. It is an imperative with a promise of healing.*
Thought for today: I have this exercise dvd that I love to do at home when my schedule is too packed for a class or it’s too yukky to get outside. My dvd-driven inspiration keeps telling me that if I want to “re-sculpt” my body I will need to require my body to do things it does not want to do. Did you hear that? If we want to “re-sculpt” our lives, we’re going to need to require things of ourselves that we don’t want to do. Like confession.
Thought for tomorrow: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all ay long. For day and night our hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:1-5 NIV
I’d love to continue this discussion, but I’ve been sitting for several hours and now it’s time to go do some vigorous exercise…even though my body would prefer a nap.
May 12
Teresa McBean
* Recovery from Guilt, 6 studies for groups or individuals by Dale and Juanita Ryan, Copyright 1992, this and other excellent series are available from http://www.christianrecovery.com/, p.5.
May 11
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 11
Recommended Reading Psalm 28 and 1 Peter 5
Is it wrong to yell at your kids and call them stupid?
Is it wrong to belittle your spouse in public – if you make it sound funny?
Is it wrong to take a wallet that you find on the street and consider this your lucky day?
Is it wrong to take supplies from your office and use them personally – especially if you’re under-paid and appreciated?
Is it wrong to have sex if you’re not married?
Is it wrong to look at porn on-line?
Is it wrong over-eat and under-exercise? (Or under-eat and over-exercise?)
Is it wrong to drink alcohol?
Is it wrong to life from paycheck to paycheck?
Is it wrong to help with your children’s homework? Is it wrong to expect your children to manage their own schoolwork without any input from you?
The answers to these kinds of questions will no doubt vary for many of us. If you grew up in a family where someone regularly smacked you around, maybe a little yelling and name calling sounds like no big deal to you. Perhaps living from paycheck to paycheck is a giant step up from the welfare existence you were accustomed to last year. Some people can drink alcohol and it’s a fine choice – for others is a slow form of suicide.
I’m not saying that all our dilemmas about right and wrong are all relative. Some are just plain right; others clearly wrong. But there are some issues that are fuzzy that reasonable people can disagree on without either one needing a bad guy label. How we answer these questions will determine what we define as wrong doing – and that’s an important issue when it comes to doing a fifth step.
Thought for today: 1 Peter is one of those books that helps me answer some of my pressing questions about right and wrong. Lots of other places in scripture do the same thing. I’m glad God saw fit in His infinite wisdom to provide this resource for us.
Thought for tomorrow: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT If you’re having trouble making a list of “wrongs” – take some time each day to peer intently into the scriptures and see what looks back.
May 11
Teresa McBean
May 11
Recommended Reading Psalm 28 and 1 Peter 5
Is it wrong to yell at your kids and call them stupid?
Is it wrong to belittle your spouse in public – if you make it sound funny?
Is it wrong to take a wallet that you find on the street and consider this your lucky day?
Is it wrong to take supplies from your office and use them personally – especially if you’re under-paid and appreciated?
Is it wrong to have sex if you’re not married?
Is it wrong to look at porn on-line?
Is it wrong over-eat and under-exercise? (Or under-eat and over-exercise?)
Is it wrong to drink alcohol?
Is it wrong to life from paycheck to paycheck?
Is it wrong to help with your children’s homework? Is it wrong to expect your children to manage their own schoolwork without any input from you?
The answers to these kinds of questions will no doubt vary for many of us. If you grew up in a family where someone regularly smacked you around, maybe a little yelling and name calling sounds like no big deal to you. Perhaps living from paycheck to paycheck is a giant step up from the welfare existence you were accustomed to last year. Some people can drink alcohol and it’s a fine choice – for others is a slow form of suicide.
I’m not saying that all our dilemmas about right and wrong are all relative. Some are just plain right; others clearly wrong. But there are some issues that are fuzzy that reasonable people can disagree on without either one needing a bad guy label. How we answer these questions will determine what we define as wrong doing – and that’s an important issue when it comes to doing a fifth step.
Thought for today: 1 Peter is one of those books that helps me answer some of my pressing questions about right and wrong. Lots of other places in scripture do the same thing. I’m glad God saw fit in His infinite wisdom to provide this resource for us.
Thought for tomorrow: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT If you’re having trouble making a list of “wrongs” – take some time each day to peer intently into the scriptures and see what looks back.
May 11
Teresa McBean
May 10
May 10
Recommended Reading Psalm 27 and 1 Peter 4
Over the years my husband and I have occasionally enlisted our children’s help in ministry. Usually this has involved tapping into their musical abilities. Lots of times it’s been a request for patience when our family schedule has needed to flex in order to accommodate a pressing need of a hurting person or family. Once it resulted in a lost week of vacation as we responded as a family to a ministry crisis.
Today, the tables turned. Our son needed his dad to help him create a video for an assignment related to his youth ministry internship. I so enjoyed watching Pete return the favor and rearrange his schedule in order to accommodate Scott’s ministry demands.
The story goes like this…Once, a long long time ago, when Pete was in college, he was taking an applied math course. At midnight, after a rigorous evening of rec basketball, Pete sat down to study for a test the next day. After a few minutes, he realized that no amount of study (at this late hour) could prepare him adequately for that test.
For no reason that he can explain, he reached into his desk and pulled out his very dusty Bible and began to read. Suddenly, a peace that passes all understanding overtook him, and he decided that the best thing to do with such peace was to put it to bed.
The next morning he woke up, went to math, took the test…and aced it. By his own admission, Pete realized that he had no clue where his answers sprung from or how he managed to score better than all his friends (who had foregone b’ball to study). (That’s the only part of the story I question. I never have known Pete to have friends who would choose studying over basketball.)
Anyway, he followed the exact same routine for the next test…and bombed it.
It occurred to me that Pete’s willingness to tell the story was a great example of admitting wrong. I’ve heard him use the story to illustrate both the miraculous power of God AND to warn others that presuming on God’s grace might not be the best plan in the world.
The psalmist is counting on God to hold him close even if his parents abandon him. This speaks to God’s love and grace and mercy. But I don’t think it should give us an excuse to be cocky about our wrongs. Wrong doing is serious business in the kingdom of God.
Thought for today: I know that lots of us have experienced unmerited grace. Examples that come to my mind include: a kid I know whose dad just bailed him out of jail for the umpteenth time – with no thanks from the child, a wife I know who chooses to forgive her husband’s infidelity, a child of alcoholic parents who is choosing to not self-medicate with alcohol and drugs in spite of his chaotic family system…the list is long. But unmerited grace should not be used as an excuse for unwillingness to own up to one’s wrong doing. Just because you’ve dodged the bullet today doesn’t mean you didn’t deserve consequences for your actions. Why not man up and do the right thing – even if it looks like you can skate through with no ill effect?
Thought for tomorrow: Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? Proverbs 20:9 NIV
May 10
Teresa McBean
Recommended Reading Psalm 27 and 1 Peter 4
Over the years my husband and I have occasionally enlisted our children’s help in ministry. Usually this has involved tapping into their musical abilities. Lots of times it’s been a request for patience when our family schedule has needed to flex in order to accommodate a pressing need of a hurting person or family. Once it resulted in a lost week of vacation as we responded as a family to a ministry crisis.
Today, the tables turned. Our son needed his dad to help him create a video for an assignment related to his youth ministry internship. I so enjoyed watching Pete return the favor and rearrange his schedule in order to accommodate Scott’s ministry demands.
The story goes like this…Once, a long long time ago, when Pete was in college, he was taking an applied math course. At midnight, after a rigorous evening of rec basketball, Pete sat down to study for a test the next day. After a few minutes, he realized that no amount of study (at this late hour) could prepare him adequately for that test.
For no reason that he can explain, he reached into his desk and pulled out his very dusty Bible and began to read. Suddenly, a peace that passes all understanding overtook him, and he decided that the best thing to do with such peace was to put it to bed.
The next morning he woke up, went to math, took the test…and aced it. By his own admission, Pete realized that he had no clue where his answers sprung from or how he managed to score better than all his friends (who had foregone b’ball to study). (That’s the only part of the story I question. I never have known Pete to have friends who would choose studying over basketball.)
Anyway, he followed the exact same routine for the next test…and bombed it.
It occurred to me that Pete’s willingness to tell the story was a great example of admitting wrong. I’ve heard him use the story to illustrate both the miraculous power of God AND to warn others that presuming on God’s grace might not be the best plan in the world.
The psalmist is counting on God to hold him close even if his parents abandon him. This speaks to God’s love and grace and mercy. But I don’t think it should give us an excuse to be cocky about our wrongs. Wrong doing is serious business in the kingdom of God.
Thought for today: I know that lots of us have experienced unmerited grace. Examples that come to my mind include: a kid I know whose dad just bailed him out of jail for the umpteenth time – with no thanks from the child, a wife I know who chooses to forgive her husband’s infidelity, a child of alcoholic parents who is choosing to not self-medicate with alcohol and drugs in spite of his chaotic family system…the list is long. But unmerited grace should not be used as an excuse for unwillingness to own up to one’s wrong doing. Just because you’ve dodged the bullet today doesn’t mean you didn’t deserve consequences for your actions. Why not man up and do the right thing – even if it looks like you can skate through with no ill effect?
Thought for tomorrow: Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? Proverbs 20:9 NIV
May 10
Teresa McBean
May 9
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 9
Recommended Reading Psalm 26 and 1 Peter 3
I was watching an episode of Dr. Phil where a guy (60 days sober) was declaring his utter recoveredness – to coin a phrase. He was going on and on and on about how his life was transformed. His future in-laws weren’t buying it. They argued that this guy had tried rehab numerous times and managed to “walk the line” of sobriety for months at a time – but never years. In true Dr. Phil fashion, there was lots of drama and it made for a great story.
So what do you think? Would you want him marrying your daughter on day 72 of sobriety?
As you read Psalm 26, the psalmist is also speaking of his integrity, innocence, pure motives, hatred of evil, refusal to hang out with evil doers, and his firm stance on solid ground. That’s awesome. But I wonder…is it true? Surely it was true for Job, and when he made those rash statements his friends questioned his ability for self-confrontation much like those potential in-laws on Dr. Phil and I do when I read the words of this psalmist.
So really, who’s to say?
Thought for today: God is the one to say how we’re really doing. We give Him that opportunity when we admit to him the exact nature of the wrongs that popped up as we inventoried our life. Let’s give him a chance to speak into our lives. If we’re righteous as Job, the psalmist and the kid on Dr. Phil – cool. If not, we know where to start working on our stuff.
Thought for tomorrow: For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it. Proverbs 5:6 NLT
May 9
Teresa McBean
May 9
Recommended Reading Psalm 26 and 1 Peter 3
I was watching an episode of Dr. Phil where a guy (60 days sober) was declaring his utter recoveredness – to coin a phrase. He was going on and on and on about how his life was transformed. His future in-laws weren’t buying it. They argued that this guy had tried rehab numerous times and managed to “walk the line” of sobriety for months at a time – but never years. In true Dr. Phil fashion, there was lots of drama and it made for a great story.
So what do you think? Would you want him marrying your daughter on day 72 of sobriety?
As you read Psalm 26, the psalmist is also speaking of his integrity, innocence, pure motives, hatred of evil, refusal to hang out with evil doers, and his firm stance on solid ground. That’s awesome. But I wonder…is it true? Surely it was true for Job, and when he made those rash statements his friends questioned his ability for self-confrontation much like those potential in-laws on Dr. Phil and I do when I read the words of this psalmist.
So really, who’s to say?
Thought for today: God is the one to say how we’re really doing. We give Him that opportunity when we admit to him the exact nature of the wrongs that popped up as we inventoried our life. Let’s give him a chance to speak into our lives. If we’re righteous as Job, the psalmist and the kid on Dr. Phil – cool. If not, we know where to start working on our stuff.
Thought for tomorrow: For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it. Proverbs 5:6 NLT
May 9
Teresa McBean
May 8
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 8
Recommended Reading Psalm 25 and 1 Peter 2
Today is a great day to NOT skip your recommended reading in the Psalms. It’s very step five-esque. Read away!
Thought for today: One parting thought: don’t forget why you’re doing this. Oh, sure, it has a lot to do with the benefits reaped (and hoped for by the psalmist) as one confesses – but here’s a big vision thought for you: your willingness to keep stepping through this process will determine the outcome for others too. In your community - wherever that is – others are in need of a person of integrity, wisdom, discernment, kindness, patience, and willingness to serve others. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re living in a world of hurt. This hurt is no respecter of socio-economic status, race, creed or any other measure we might employ to determine whether others are experiencing the good life. Our communities are in need of spiritual advocates who get what the good life really looks like AND who have the experience to point others in the right direction.
Thought for tomorrow: So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
God isn’t trying to get us to behave like nuns; He wants us to grow up into the kind of people in whom He can plant a grand epic adventure and watch it thrive. (Maybe God will call you to be a nun with a grand epic adventure and that’s cool, but my point is that God is not withholding the good life from us or asking us to live an austere life with no earthly pleasures.)
May 8
Teresa McBean
May 8
Recommended Reading Psalm 25 and 1 Peter 2
Today is a great day to NOT skip your recommended reading in the Psalms. It’s very step five-esque. Read away!
Thought for today: One parting thought: don’t forget why you’re doing this. Oh, sure, it has a lot to do with the benefits reaped (and hoped for by the psalmist) as one confesses – but here’s a big vision thought for you: your willingness to keep stepping through this process will determine the outcome for others too. In your community - wherever that is – others are in need of a person of integrity, wisdom, discernment, kindness, patience, and willingness to serve others. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re living in a world of hurt. This hurt is no respecter of socio-economic status, race, creed or any other measure we might employ to determine whether others are experiencing the good life. Our communities are in need of spiritual advocates who get what the good life really looks like AND who have the experience to point others in the right direction.
Thought for tomorrow: So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
God isn’t trying to get us to behave like nuns; He wants us to grow up into the kind of people in whom He can plant a grand epic adventure and watch it thrive. (Maybe God will call you to be a nun with a grand epic adventure and that’s cool, but my point is that God is not withholding the good life from us or asking us to live an austere life with no earthly pleasures.)
May 8
Teresa McBean
May 7
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 7
Recommended Reading Psalm 24 and 1 Peter 1
An interview with Corrie ten boom, who spent many years in a Nazi concentration camp; Ms. Ten Boom was a Christian imprisoned for being a sympathizer to the Jewish people.
The special temptation of concentration camp life – the temptation to think only of oneself, took a thousand cunning forms. I knew this was self-centered, and even if it wasn’t right, it wasn’t so very wrong, was it? Not wrong like sadism and murder and the other monstrous evils we saw every day.
Was it coincidence that joy and power drained from my ministry? My prayers took on a mechanical ring. Bible study reading was dull and lifeless, so I struggled on with worship and teaching that had ceased to be real. Until one afternoon when the truth blazed like sunlight in the shadows. And so I told the group of women around me the truth about myself – my self-centeredness, my stinginess, my lack of love.
That night real joy returned to my worship.*
Thought for today: Who would blame Corrie for thinking only of herself? Imprisoned in a death camp, how does one come to believe that they are sent there to serve others? I suspect that self-pity and the other cunning forms of self-centered living may slither through your inventory list. Who would blame you for thinking only of your suffering? How will you or anyone else come to believe that the second half of your life might hold the promise of joy? If it happened for Job and ten Boom – why not you? The only thing holding you back may be a willingness to be honest with God, self and others.
Thought for tomorrow: The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being. Proverbs 20:27 NIV
May God grant you the wisdom and the courage to allow His lamp to search your spirit!
May 7
Teresa McBean
* Corrie ten boom, The Hiding Place (New York: Bantam books, 1971), pp. 27-28.
May 7
Recommended Reading Psalm 24 and 1 Peter 1
An interview with Corrie ten boom, who spent many years in a Nazi concentration camp; Ms. Ten Boom was a Christian imprisoned for being a sympathizer to the Jewish people.
The special temptation of concentration camp life – the temptation to think only of oneself, took a thousand cunning forms. I knew this was self-centered, and even if it wasn’t right, it wasn’t so very wrong, was it? Not wrong like sadism and murder and the other monstrous evils we saw every day.
Was it coincidence that joy and power drained from my ministry? My prayers took on a mechanical ring. Bible study reading was dull and lifeless, so I struggled on with worship and teaching that had ceased to be real. Until one afternoon when the truth blazed like sunlight in the shadows. And so I told the group of women around me the truth about myself – my self-centeredness, my stinginess, my lack of love.
That night real joy returned to my worship.*
Thought for today: Who would blame Corrie for thinking only of herself? Imprisoned in a death camp, how does one come to believe that they are sent there to serve others? I suspect that self-pity and the other cunning forms of self-centered living may slither through your inventory list. Who would blame you for thinking only of your suffering? How will you or anyone else come to believe that the second half of your life might hold the promise of joy? If it happened for Job and ten Boom – why not you? The only thing holding you back may be a willingness to be honest with God, self and others.
Thought for tomorrow: The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being. Proverbs 20:27 NIV
May God grant you the wisdom and the courage to allow His lamp to search your spirit!
May 7
Teresa McBean
* Corrie ten boom, The Hiding Place (New York: Bantam books, 1971), pp. 27-28.
May 6
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 6
Recommended Reading: Job 41, 42
I wonder if you thought yesterday’s devotional about admitting that we question the wisdom of God seemed…out of place in this series? I brought the topic up for two reasons:
1. To remind us that God is the kind of God who doesn’t get insecure or defensive when we approach him in a messy way – he can handle our “stuff” without it becoming all about “Him”. (God’s character empowers Him to meet us where we are without demanding that we conform to who He wants us to become. In God’s ideal plan, we should see this same attitude modeled for us in other humans. If we haven’t, then we are startled by God’s response to Job.) I think this is important to remember so that we focus on being honest with God, not just trying to sound good to Him in a misguided attempt to win His approval. God deeply loves us, we’re not in some sort of contest trying to win His affection. If honesty in relationships has not served you well in the past, I want you to realize how hard step five is going to be for you to complete. It’s not impossible, but it is a challenge. Even now I pray that the Holy Spirit is at work – making you both willing and able!
I want us to get the point that a lot of our wrong doing is related to questioning the wisdom of God. Actually, it’s not so much the fact that we question God’s wisdom as it is that we don’t realize that we are questioning his wisdom. Confusing? Hang with me…how about an example? Job questioned God straight up – and God answered. I suspect that God appreciated the fact that Job didn’t pretend with Him. It could have gone down very differently. Remember back at the beginning of Job’s trials when his wife suggested that Job just get the misery over with and kill himself( Job 2:9)? Job responded by trusting God. He answered his wife by saying that God was in charge, and not Job. Therefore, by implication, the number of Job’s days were God’s business – not his decision. Job could have made a different choice. He could have impaled himself on the nearest steeple or fallen on his sword or thrown himself off the nearest cliff. One who doubts the wisdom of God and isn’t honest about his/her questions often makes choices independent of his beliefs about who God is and how one lives because of that belief (and these choices usually show up in an inventory). A doubting Job, in great physical, emotional and spiritual pain could have committed suicide as a way to avoid his messy life. So it is true that Job eventually questions God, but in his daily life experiences, he doesn’t let his doubt determine his behavior. He deliberately chooses to step in the way that He understands God would have him step – whether he agrees, understands or appreciates the stepping experience or not. Thus, suicide is not an option. So my friends, that’s why I am suggesting that it is far better to acknowledge our questioning of God’s wisdom than ignore our fits of unbelief.
Thought for today: So here’s what I’m thinking. Step five is a lot like Job’s experience. Job tries to make sense of his life, his suffering, and God’s plan for him. After taking a fearless moral inventory (and finding himself blameless – something we won’t probably share with Job – but we know is true because that is how God described Job) Job sits down for a chat with God and others. In his particular case, his “others” aren’t the epitome of great sponsors, but God never disappoints. God brings clarity to Job’s questioning without feeling burdened to explain the reasons behind all Job’s life experiences. Job learns something about himself, God and others. God gives Job further instructions and Job steps as God speaks. And he is restored. Sounds good to me!
Thought for tomorrow: When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations o f his children and grandchildren. Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life. Job 42, selected verses NLT
Nice outcome for a man willing to do both a fourth and fifth step. What are you waiting for?
May 6
Teresa McBean
May 6
Recommended Reading: Job 41, 42
I wonder if you thought yesterday’s devotional about admitting that we question the wisdom of God seemed…out of place in this series? I brought the topic up for two reasons:
1. To remind us that God is the kind of God who doesn’t get insecure or defensive when we approach him in a messy way – he can handle our “stuff” without it becoming all about “Him”. (God’s character empowers Him to meet us where we are without demanding that we conform to who He wants us to become. In God’s ideal plan, we should see this same attitude modeled for us in other humans. If we haven’t, then we are startled by God’s response to Job.) I think this is important to remember so that we focus on being honest with God, not just trying to sound good to Him in a misguided attempt to win His approval. God deeply loves us, we’re not in some sort of contest trying to win His affection. If honesty in relationships has not served you well in the past, I want you to realize how hard step five is going to be for you to complete. It’s not impossible, but it is a challenge. Even now I pray that the Holy Spirit is at work – making you both willing and able!
I want us to get the point that a lot of our wrong doing is related to questioning the wisdom of God. Actually, it’s not so much the fact that we question God’s wisdom as it is that we don’t realize that we are questioning his wisdom. Confusing? Hang with me…how about an example? Job questioned God straight up – and God answered. I suspect that God appreciated the fact that Job didn’t pretend with Him. It could have gone down very differently. Remember back at the beginning of Job’s trials when his wife suggested that Job just get the misery over with and kill himself( Job 2:9)? Job responded by trusting God. He answered his wife by saying that God was in charge, and not Job. Therefore, by implication, the number of Job’s days were God’s business – not his decision. Job could have made a different choice. He could have impaled himself on the nearest steeple or fallen on his sword or thrown himself off the nearest cliff. One who doubts the wisdom of God and isn’t honest about his/her questions often makes choices independent of his beliefs about who God is and how one lives because of that belief (and these choices usually show up in an inventory). A doubting Job, in great physical, emotional and spiritual pain could have committed suicide as a way to avoid his messy life. So it is true that Job eventually questions God, but in his daily life experiences, he doesn’t let his doubt determine his behavior. He deliberately chooses to step in the way that He understands God would have him step – whether he agrees, understands or appreciates the stepping experience or not. Thus, suicide is not an option. So my friends, that’s why I am suggesting that it is far better to acknowledge our questioning of God’s wisdom than ignore our fits of unbelief.
Thought for today: So here’s what I’m thinking. Step five is a lot like Job’s experience. Job tries to make sense of his life, his suffering, and God’s plan for him. After taking a fearless moral inventory (and finding himself blameless – something we won’t probably share with Job – but we know is true because that is how God described Job) Job sits down for a chat with God and others. In his particular case, his “others” aren’t the epitome of great sponsors, but God never disappoints. God brings clarity to Job’s questioning without feeling burdened to explain the reasons behind all Job’s life experiences. Job learns something about himself, God and others. God gives Job further instructions and Job steps as God speaks. And he is restored. Sounds good to me!
Thought for tomorrow: When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations o f his children and grandchildren. Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life. Job 42, selected verses NLT
Nice outcome for a man willing to do both a fourth and fifth step. What are you waiting for?
May 6
Teresa McBean
May 5
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 5
Recommended Reading: Job 39, 40
“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” Job 38:2 NLT
Written to Job, applicable to us all.
Have you ever considered how often we question the wisdom of God?
We question God’s wisdom every time we do what feels good rather than doing what we know to be right.
We question God’s wisdom every time we tear down, rather than build up (self or others).
We question God’s wisdom every time we love things and use people.
We question God’s wisdom every time we live with the burden of shame and condemnation.
We question God’s wisdom every time we fail to respond immediately when overcome with a feeling of conviction.
We question God’s wisdom every time we live in darkness rather than by the warm light of His love.
We question God’s wisdom every time we think and do independently of Him.
It’s normal to question. We’ll discover as we read along that God challenges Job, without condemning him. Asking tough questions is a natural part of an intimate connection whether one is in relationship with God or fellow humans. But we must realize that we too question God’s wisdom.
Thought for today: Remember – God is not shocked when we do silly things. He does however, desire for us to learn from our mistakes. One of the ways we get trained for our next grand epic adventure is by developing the discernment to distinguish good from evil. And by seeking a heart transplant from God so that our greatest desire is to avoid evil, and do good.
Thought for tomorrow: We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV
The writer of Hebrews seems a bit agitated that his listeners were slow to learn. I hear that, but let me add my two cents here: better a slow learner than no learner at all.
May 5
Teresa McBean
May 5
Recommended Reading: Job 39, 40
“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” Job 38:2 NLT
Written to Job, applicable to us all.
Have you ever considered how often we question the wisdom of God?
We question God’s wisdom every time we do what feels good rather than doing what we know to be right.
We question God’s wisdom every time we tear down, rather than build up (self or others).
We question God’s wisdom every time we love things and use people.
We question God’s wisdom every time we live with the burden of shame and condemnation.
We question God’s wisdom every time we fail to respond immediately when overcome with a feeling of conviction.
We question God’s wisdom every time we live in darkness rather than by the warm light of His love.
We question God’s wisdom every time we think and do independently of Him.
It’s normal to question. We’ll discover as we read along that God challenges Job, without condemning him. Asking tough questions is a natural part of an intimate connection whether one is in relationship with God or fellow humans. But we must realize that we too question God’s wisdom.
Thought for today: Remember – God is not shocked when we do silly things. He does however, desire for us to learn from our mistakes. One of the ways we get trained for our next grand epic adventure is by developing the discernment to distinguish good from evil. And by seeking a heart transplant from God so that our greatest desire is to avoid evil, and do good.
Thought for tomorrow: We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV
The writer of Hebrews seems a bit agitated that his listeners were slow to learn. I hear that, but let me add my two cents here: better a slow learner than no learner at all.
May 5
Teresa McBean
May 4
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 4
Recommended Reading Job 38
One Sunday I confessed a shortcoming in church. Embedded in my sermon, I told a story about how I was bad, so very, very bad, at remembering to attach a document when sending out emails. I told this to illustrate the point of love covering a multitude of sins – because my team does that for me. I’ll send out an email and tell them something is attached, and they’ll send back some snappy reply asking if I wrote it in invisible ink.
Accountability laced with lots of sugar – I love that. My shortcoming has to do with a lack of attention to detail, but my team demonstrates over and over how well they love me – warts and all. That was my point. I think God had an additional one. Since the day I confessed this shortcoming, I have remembered to attach documents most of the time. Now I get emails back saying, “Hey, what’s up with you? You attached the document…” (Some people are never happy!)
God reminded me through this silly story that when we confess something and bring it into the light, powerful things happen. I can’t explain how that confession has resulted in better attention to detail on my part. But I can’t argue with the evidence. I may not know how, but I do know who. God is in the business of restoration and renovation. He is Rapha God – healing us, one stitch at a time (Rapha is Hebrew meaning healing, one stitch at a time).
Thought for today: Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing – prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven – healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. James 5:13-16 The Message
Thought for tomorrow: Perhaps the only thing that’s hindering your restoration and renovation is a reluctance to confess. Is that possible?
May 4
Teresa McBean
May 4
Recommended Reading Job 38
One Sunday I confessed a shortcoming in church. Embedded in my sermon, I told a story about how I was bad, so very, very bad, at remembering to attach a document when sending out emails. I told this to illustrate the point of love covering a multitude of sins – because my team does that for me. I’ll send out an email and tell them something is attached, and they’ll send back some snappy reply asking if I wrote it in invisible ink.
Accountability laced with lots of sugar – I love that. My shortcoming has to do with a lack of attention to detail, but my team demonstrates over and over how well they love me – warts and all. That was my point. I think God had an additional one. Since the day I confessed this shortcoming, I have remembered to attach documents most of the time. Now I get emails back saying, “Hey, what’s up with you? You attached the document…” (Some people are never happy!)
God reminded me through this silly story that when we confess something and bring it into the light, powerful things happen. I can’t explain how that confession has resulted in better attention to detail on my part. But I can’t argue with the evidence. I may not know how, but I do know who. God is in the business of restoration and renovation. He is Rapha God – healing us, one stitch at a time (Rapha is Hebrew meaning healing, one stitch at a time).
Thought for today: Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing – prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven – healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. James 5:13-16 The Message
Thought for tomorrow: Perhaps the only thing that’s hindering your restoration and renovation is a reluctance to confess. Is that possible?
May 4
Teresa McBean
May 3
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 3
Recommended Reading: Job 32-37 skim
When I was in labor with our first child, I got so scared I thought I was going to die from fright. My husband still jokes that we used all our Lamaze breathing techniques before we arrived at the hospital. But a single thought carried me through the day and into the evening – many others have gone before me – I am not alone.
This same principle holds true for those of us embarking on the confession process. Others have gone before us, and have reported back – good things happen when we step up to the plate and tell the truth about who we are and what we’ve been doing. (For more information and scripture support of this premise, check out The Christ-Centered 12 Step Study Guide which is available on the web site or our book tables.)
Thought for today: We are so fortunate to live in a time of history that affords us the benefits of hindsight. Let’s not waste the blessing.
Thought for tomorrow:
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be – you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.Count yourself lucky – God holds nothing against you and you’re holding nothing back from him. When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”
Suddenly the pressure was gone – my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched.Psalm 32:1-6 The Message
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV
May 3
Teresa McBean
May 3
Recommended Reading: Job 32-37 skim
When I was in labor with our first child, I got so scared I thought I was going to die from fright. My husband still jokes that we used all our Lamaze breathing techniques before we arrived at the hospital. But a single thought carried me through the day and into the evening – many others have gone before me – I am not alone.
This same principle holds true for those of us embarking on the confession process. Others have gone before us, and have reported back – good things happen when we step up to the plate and tell the truth about who we are and what we’ve been doing. (For more information and scripture support of this premise, check out The Christ-Centered 12 Step Study Guide which is available on the web site or our book tables.)
Thought for today: We are so fortunate to live in a time of history that affords us the benefits of hindsight. Let’s not waste the blessing.
Thought for tomorrow:
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be – you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.Count yourself lucky – God holds nothing against you and you’re holding nothing back from him. When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”
Suddenly the pressure was gone – my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched.Psalm 32:1-6 The Message
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV
May 3
Teresa McBean
May 2
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 2
Recommended Reading: Job 30-31
The fifth step is all about admitting stuff. Big and small, good and bad – anything that ended up in our fourth step inventory is about to be revealed to others. Most unhealthy families don’t teach us how to admit much of anything. In fact, most sick families share a common trait – don’t tell. This serves no one well. It keeps sick people from getting much needed help. It makes innocent people bear the brunt of others’ dysfunctions. It limits options and avoids solutions.
In lots of families it is unsafe to reveal a shortcoming, vulnerability or weakness. This is a shame, because God’s desire for families is that lots of healthy problem solving within the home. Unhealthy families tend to be chaotic, capricious and inconsistent. They can be rigid and rule-driven or – the opposite extreme – absent of guidance entirely. Love is conditional and life is unpredictable. Discipline is sporadic and sometimes cruel.
Even in healthy families, children can learn that being yourself is not a good idea. When I was a kid I loved to read. I was fascinated by the wonderful world of books! I am quite sure I was obnoxious, persistent, difficult and boring in my nightly recounting of every little detail contained in my current reading pleasure. I believed I was sharing precious gems. My family did not share this view.
And I get that as an adult. I listened, heck, I even read along with one of my children through the complete series of Harry Potter. My oldest son is currently enamored with an old book series – Fletch – and although not my cup of tea, I certainly know a lot about every plot twist and detail. So I get what it’s like to listen to another person wax eloquent about a book that is of marginal interest to me.
But as a child, I got teased about my voracious reading habits. No one intended a bit of harm – they just wanted a moment’s peace. As a child, I concluded that something was wrong with being me, and soon I stopped sharing.
I don’t think many of us will be sent to juvie for excessive reading. But if we learn to stop sharing the innocuous part of ourselves – do you think it will be easy to share the dark secrets of the soul?
Thought for today: Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs is a hard thing to do. But in the right environment, having come to know the awesome, loving God of scripture and with the right supporting God-representative with skin on – it can be a comforting time of healing.
Thought for tomorrow: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 NIV
May 2
Teresa McBean
May 2
Recommended Reading: Job 30-31
The fifth step is all about admitting stuff. Big and small, good and bad – anything that ended up in our fourth step inventory is about to be revealed to others. Most unhealthy families don’t teach us how to admit much of anything. In fact, most sick families share a common trait – don’t tell. This serves no one well. It keeps sick people from getting much needed help. It makes innocent people bear the brunt of others’ dysfunctions. It limits options and avoids solutions.
In lots of families it is unsafe to reveal a shortcoming, vulnerability or weakness. This is a shame, because God’s desire for families is that lots of healthy problem solving within the home. Unhealthy families tend to be chaotic, capricious and inconsistent. They can be rigid and rule-driven or – the opposite extreme – absent of guidance entirely. Love is conditional and life is unpredictable. Discipline is sporadic and sometimes cruel.
Even in healthy families, children can learn that being yourself is not a good idea. When I was a kid I loved to read. I was fascinated by the wonderful world of books! I am quite sure I was obnoxious, persistent, difficult and boring in my nightly recounting of every little detail contained in my current reading pleasure. I believed I was sharing precious gems. My family did not share this view.
And I get that as an adult. I listened, heck, I even read along with one of my children through the complete series of Harry Potter. My oldest son is currently enamored with an old book series – Fletch – and although not my cup of tea, I certainly know a lot about every plot twist and detail. So I get what it’s like to listen to another person wax eloquent about a book that is of marginal interest to me.
But as a child, I got teased about my voracious reading habits. No one intended a bit of harm – they just wanted a moment’s peace. As a child, I concluded that something was wrong with being me, and soon I stopped sharing.
I don’t think many of us will be sent to juvie for excessive reading. But if we learn to stop sharing the innocuous part of ourselves – do you think it will be easy to share the dark secrets of the soul?
Thought for today: Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs is a hard thing to do. But in the right environment, having come to know the awesome, loving God of scripture and with the right supporting God-representative with skin on – it can be a comforting time of healing.
Thought for tomorrow: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 NIV
May 2
Teresa McBean
May 1
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
May 1
Recommended Reading: Job 27, 28, 29
One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Genesis 18. Three strangers have shown up at Abraham’s house. It appears that two were angels, and one was the Lord himself. Speaking prophesies of a return visit – a promise is also delivered. Truly, it’s a restatement of a promise given many years ago. It seems that in the grand scheme of God, Sarah is destined to have a baby.
I suspect with the advanced age of both she and her husband Abraham, those two had long ago given up on having a child. Barren and elderly, Sarah thought this idea preposterous. (Further reading of the scriptures will tell us that indeed, God does deliver on this promise.) Sarah’s response? She laughs.
At this point in the story, we stumble upon my personal favorite subplot. The Lord turns to Abraham and asks him why Sarah laughed. (Imagine your great-grandma getting pregnant and see if that might bring a mirthful response from you!)
Sarah lies and says, “I did not laugh.”
The Lord says, “Yes, you did laugh.”
“I did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!” And thus, we have the first recorded “He said – She said” conversation in history!
I always re-read this account prior to completing a fifth step. Like Sarah, I am often reluctant to “admit” things to God, others and even myself. And here’s the part that really bugs me – I sometimes have trouble admitting minor stuff too. Sarah was asked to admit to laughter – not capital murder! And yet ….she just couldn’t quite pull the trigger and say, “I laughed.”
Who could fault Sarah a little chuckle?
I’ve heard others take Sarah’s inventory and commentate that this shows a lack of faith. I don’t know about that one! I’ve been pregnant three times, and I am now past the typical years one thinks of as childbearing. If God showed up at my house with some buddies and told me I was going to have a child – wow – let’s just say a little chuckle would be the least offensive response likely to pop out of my mouth.
Fortunately, we also have Job as a teacher and guide. We know from watching him struggle that God is not offended by our honesty. History has revealed several key things that stir God’s wrath – us being honest with him is not one of them. So like Job, we can be honest with God. That’ll be an important point to keep in mind when you review your fourth step inventory and approach the throne of grace with it clutched tightly in your fist.
Thought for today: Confession isn’t for sissies. But it has helped me take this important next right step when I understand the character and intentions of the One to whom I must come clean.
Thought for tomorrow: For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. This is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 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. Hebrews 4:12-16 NLT
May 1
Teresa McBean
May 1
Recommended Reading: Job 27, 28, 29
One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Genesis 18. Three strangers have shown up at Abraham’s house. It appears that two were angels, and one was the Lord himself. Speaking prophesies of a return visit – a promise is also delivered. Truly, it’s a restatement of a promise given many years ago. It seems that in the grand scheme of God, Sarah is destined to have a baby.
I suspect with the advanced age of both she and her husband Abraham, those two had long ago given up on having a child. Barren and elderly, Sarah thought this idea preposterous. (Further reading of the scriptures will tell us that indeed, God does deliver on this promise.) Sarah’s response? She laughs.
At this point in the story, we stumble upon my personal favorite subplot. The Lord turns to Abraham and asks him why Sarah laughed. (Imagine your great-grandma getting pregnant and see if that might bring a mirthful response from you!)
Sarah lies and says, “I did not laugh.”
The Lord says, “Yes, you did laugh.”
“I did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!” And thus, we have the first recorded “He said – She said” conversation in history!
I always re-read this account prior to completing a fifth step. Like Sarah, I am often reluctant to “admit” things to God, others and even myself. And here’s the part that really bugs me – I sometimes have trouble admitting minor stuff too. Sarah was asked to admit to laughter – not capital murder! And yet ….she just couldn’t quite pull the trigger and say, “I laughed.”
Who could fault Sarah a little chuckle?
I’ve heard others take Sarah’s inventory and commentate that this shows a lack of faith. I don’t know about that one! I’ve been pregnant three times, and I am now past the typical years one thinks of as childbearing. If God showed up at my house with some buddies and told me I was going to have a child – wow – let’s just say a little chuckle would be the least offensive response likely to pop out of my mouth.
Fortunately, we also have Job as a teacher and guide. We know from watching him struggle that God is not offended by our honesty. History has revealed several key things that stir God’s wrath – us being honest with him is not one of them. So like Job, we can be honest with God. That’ll be an important point to keep in mind when you review your fourth step inventory and approach the throne of grace with it clutched tightly in your fist.
Thought for today: Confession isn’t for sissies. But it has helped me take this important next right step when I understand the character and intentions of the One to whom I must come clean.
Thought for tomorrow: For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. This is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 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. Hebrews 4:12-16 NLT
May 1
Teresa McBean
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