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 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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