Christians in Recovery®

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:11 King James Version

If ever we needed a shepherd to protect us from danger, it is now. Our world is filled with so much violence. Not only are we fighting a war, we have violence in our own neighborhoods and in our families. Our Heavenly Father knew that we would need a shepherd so He sent His only Son to not only die for us and become our personal Saviour, but also to become our personal shepherd to protect us from harm.

Every day we read and hear about people who have been killed and people who are being abused and beaten by their families. Thank God that He loves us enough and cares enough for us to send His only Son to be our shepherd. Not only is Jesus our Saviour and our shepherd, He is our gentle shepherd. He gently leads us and puts us back on the right path when we stray away from the path He has given us for our lives. He wipes the tears from our eyes with His gentle kisses of love and compassion.

There are times when we become discouraged and feel like we can’t take another step because of so many disappointments, sorrows and heartaches in our lives. It is then that He picks us up and carries us close to His heart of compassion until the pain and anguish goes away. What a friend! What a Saviour, this Jesus of Nazareth! There is no other friend like Jesus! If you are discouraged and weary today, allow Jesus to pick you up and carry you until the pain and sadness goes away. He really does love you and He cares when you are hurting.

When you hurt, He hurts and when you are happy, He rejoices with you. Give all of your problems, hurts, sorrows and heartaches to Jesus. He will be faithful to gently pick you up in His tender arms of unconditional love and compassion. He will carry you through the dark valleys and will once again set you on the mountain tops of happiness and joy. You don’t have to go through this life alone. Don’t wait another minute, run into the open arms of our gentle Shepherd and Saviour today and let Him fill your heart once again with joy, peace and happiness.

Copyright 2008 by Joanne Lowe, all rights reserved.
Used by permission. http://www.heavenwardbound.com
http://christians-in-recovery.org

Accountability is defined as: Being obliged to answer to an authority for your actions
Dependability is defined as: Worthy of reliance or trust
What are you learning about accountability in your own recovery?
What exactly do you need to be accountable for? and to whom do you need to be accountable?

I thought that if I was dependable that was the same as being accountable.
People could depend on me so I was “OK”. Right?
WRONG

I was not accountable. I did not answer to the higher authority of God.I was doing things that were definitely not pleasing to him. Although they were pleasing to myself (self-destructive as they were) it was not until I understood what accountability was, that recovery started to become a reality for me.

I fell into the trap of thinking if I just prayed God would fix me. But those prayers went unanswered and recovery was elusive.
That went on for years.

It did not truly assume responsibility until I learned what accountability was all about. I had to become accountable to God for everything that passed my lips: every fork full, every drink, every word I uttered. I had to become accountable to God for every one of my actions, every one of my thoughts, every one of my beliefs.

I had to think, am I glorifying God with my actions, thoughts and beliefs? or are they just temporarily making me feel better? Of course when I was eating, drinking or saying things for my own pleasure, the guilt and shame would always follow shortly thereafter. But when I ate and drank and spoke in ways that were pleasing to God — when I was accountable — there was no guilt and shame. And eventually there was a joy that arose from these new behaviors and habits.

Obie
Executive Director
Christians in Recovery®

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 King James Version

I was feeling very sad yesterday because I miss my Mother so much. I prayed and asked Jesus to comfort me. You know how He comforted me? He laid it on someone’s heart to call me. I don’t know this lady. She is a lady in the community who had heard about my devotions and she called me just to say hello. That’s all it took, just one telephone call, to cheer me up. O that you and I would call someone and encourage him or her.

It was as if Jesus was giving me an encouragement pill through the telephone call from this lady. Our precious Saviour is so understanding and He really does love us. He cares when we hurt. When we are sad, He is sad and when we are happy, He rejoices. I believe that Jesus has made countless telephone calls from His heart to our hearts just to say hello and tell us that He loves us unconditionally. What a Saviour! What a friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!

Are you willing to pick up the telephone and call someone who is hurting and needs encouragement? You might think, “I don’t know anyone who is hurting.” I think if we are honest with ourselves every one of us would have to admit that we are hurting in some area of our lives. It is okay to be honest and admit that we hurt. I think the reason why we don’t share more from our hearts is because we are afraid that people will not understand or make fun of us or even worse judge us.

It is time that we become encouragers to one another instead of judging each other. It is not our right to judge anybody. That is God’s right and we need to stop trying to do His job. We are to pray for one another and comfort and encourage each other. I have read so many times “You get back what you give out”. That is so true because if you are not a comforter and an encourager, it is doubtful that anyone will encourage and comfort you when you are hurting and need comfort and encouragement.

We know that Jesus hurt when He was here on earth. He was rejected and ridiculed by so many people. He really does know how it hurts to be rejected and ridiculed and miss someone. I’m sure that He missed His Father very much while He was here on earth on the mission that God gave Him. Thank God, that our precious Saviour loves His Father and loves us enough that He left His home in Heaven and came to earth to die for us. Again, will you take some time out of your busy day and call someone who is lonely, discouraged and hurting? You not only will encourage the person; you will also make Jesus happy.

Copyright 2008 by Joanne Lowe, all rights reserved.
Used by permission. http://www.heavenwardbound.com
http://christians-in-recovery.org

Thou hast made summer and winter. Psalm 74:17

My soul begins this wintry month with your God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind you that he keeps his covenant with day and night, assures you that he will also keeps the covenant he made with you in the person of Christ Jesus. He who is true to his Word in the change of the seasons, will not prove unfaithful.

Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if you are in such a season now it will be very painful to you: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp lasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scatters the hoarfrost like ashes over the once Abundant meadows of our joy: he casts forth his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore you should Not complain. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are sent by God, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. May such good results always follow our winters of affliction!

We love the fire in our heath now with its cheerful glow! In the same manner we should love our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to him, and in him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of his promises, and do our works which befit the season. Do not be like the lazy person who will not plow because it is cold; for he will beg in summer and have nothing.

Modern Paraphrase of Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s
Morning and Evening Exercises Original Version
Morning and Evening Exercises Contemporary Version

When caught in crush of worldly cares
My spirit feels besieged
When naught surrounds but slips and snares
And dreams left unappeased
I batten down the hatches found
At portals to my soul
And try to find a quiet place
Where You I can extol
For You I’ll open any door
Any time or place
And, empty, beg to simply find
And gaze upon Your face
You calmed the waters in the storm
And fed the hungry throngs
Be still, my soul, and feed upon
The Love that rights all wrongs.

Copyright 2008 by Roadrunner, all rights reserved.

Used by permission.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Today is US Thanksgiving. It is a time when families gather together celebrating their blessings and thanking God for them. This year, my plans were to visit my beloved aunt 1,000 miles away who is dying of pancreatic cancer. It will be her last Thanksgiving. Two days ago, I came down with the flu and as a result am unable to travel.

So here I am. Alone. Am I sad? Feeling sorry for myself? Beating myself up because I could not make the trip? Far from it! I am rejoicing no matter what my circumstances. I actually have the opportunity to pray without ceasing (no interruptions!). I am praying for my aunt and my family which has gathered together today. I am giving thanks that I have this time alone to truly think about my blessings and all that God has done and continues to do for me.

Where are you today? What are your circumstances? Are you praying and giving thanks?

Obie
Executive Director
Christians in Recovery

“Every detail in our lives for God is worked into something good.” (Romans 8:28, The Message).

Have you ever tried to view your life from God’s perspective?

What if you were not allowed to say, think or do anything about a person or situation until you first caught them doing something right, or observed it from a positive perspective? Would this approach make a difference in what comes out of your mouth, or the thoughts you may try to focus on?

Carmen, a devoted mom, raising three kids alone, grew tired of minimum wage jobs, living near-poverty from paycheck to paycheck. She started a yard maintenance business ten years ago. She worked hard and long hours to earn enough money to support her children. She clipped coupons from the newspaper to save money on every item she purchased, including groceries, clothing, and household items. For years, Carmen and her children lived in a small, over-crowded apartment while she scrimped to save money in hopes of some day buying a home.

She finally bought that home. Sadly, within two weeks of moving in, nothing about the house was worth positive mention. First, a slight crack within the concrete walkway destroyed her joy. Within a month, the front door was difficult to close. Later, water from the kitchen faucet dripped a couple of times. Carmen was not handling new home ownership adjustments well at all, and she made it a point to tell everyone she came in contact with every “negative” aspect about her house.

After several months of listening to her complaints, I asked her if there was anything about the house she liked. Her initial reaction was a bit haughty, but in her heart she knew I wasn’t been sarcastic… I truly cared.

“Mrs. Coates, are you thinking that I don’t appreciate my new house?”

“No, I believe you do. But don’t you think you might feel better if you looked at the big picture, minimizing the negative and maximizing the positive aspects of your home that you worked so hard to get?”

She nodded.

“Let’s talk about the spacious kitchen. How do you like having room enough in the kitchen for the kids to cook beside you?”

“Oh, the kids and I like it. Last week we prepared meals for hurricane Ike evacuees and then delivered them.”

“Well, how does it feel to have a living room big enough for you and the kids to read the Bible together as a family?”

“The family room is cozy, yet spacious, and perfect for us.”
“Have you established family TV nights yet?”

“Not yet, but we plan to.”

“How do the kids like having their own bedroom?”

“They’re delighted and are beginning to decorate the walls with their soccer ribbons, academic awards, as well as Bible verse posters. The kids finally feel a sense of home.”

“Carmen, over the years, I’ve built several homes and lived in a couple of pre-owned homes. Minor adjustments to sinks, toilets, doors, and more just go with owning a home. It takes a few months to work out all the minor issues; not to mention homeowner basic maintenance. Your Creator motivated you to work hard to purchase this home. When you display a critical attitude, how do you think God feels about the gifts he has given you?”

Her chestnut eyes filled with tears. “I’m so ashamed. I need to be thankful, don’t I?”

“Yes, my friend, you do. You also need to change your perspective regarding your ‘dream’ home. There are many good aspects of your home, so please stop and envision the positive aspects so negativity doesn’t become your focus.

“Carmen, your cup is filled to the brim with blessings, including good health, terrific kids, a new home, a profitable business. By changing the perspective of your attitude, you can change your mood, the attitudes of your kids, and learn to cherish an attitude of gratitude.”

And so it is with each of us, including me. As we change our attitude, we see life differently, and life itself becomes different. And every detail becomes GOOD!

Your work-in-progress leader,

Jan

Copyright 2008 by Jan Coates, All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
Jan Coates is an author, speaker, consultant, founder of Set Free Today Ministries and serves on the Board of Directors of Christians in Recovery®.

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Mark 5:18-19 King James Version

Have you ever read a passage of Scripture over and over and one day it became real to you and you finally understood what Jesus was saying to you? If you will read this Scripture verse again with your heart, you will hear Jesus saying to you “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Who lives in your home? The people who are related to you live in your home.

The first thing Jesus is saying to us is that not only are we related to our families, but that we should also be their friends. The second thing Jesus is saying to us that He wants us to tell our families what great things He has done for us and how He has had compassion on us. Is Jesus bragging on Himself? Absolutely not, He just wants us to tell our families that He loves them as much as He loves us and that He is compassionate, loving and understanding.

However, it is very important that your family sees the difference that Jesus has made in your heart and life. You can tell them He has made a difference but if your family doesn’t see the difference He has made in the way that you live your life, they will not believe you. How tragic it would be if our families didn’t accept Jesus as their personal Saviour because of the way we treat them and the way we live.

Does your family know that Jesus loves them by the way that you treat them? Are you saying kind and encouraging words to them or are you saying cruel and criticizing words to them? Do they see the joy of Jesus on your face and hear His unconditional love in your words or do you constantly frown at them and say discouraging words to them? May God have mercy on us and forgive us for the way we treat our families.

Copyright 2008 by Joanne Lowe, all rights reserved.
Used by permission. http://www.heavenwardbound.com
http://christians-in-recovery.org

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 King James Version

There are so many people who are hurting not only physically, but also emotionally. Over the last three and a half years, I have received a lot of emails from people who have told me that the pain is almost unbearable. Some of them are in the middle of getting a divorce. Some of them have children who have gone astray. Some of them are being abused physically by their spouses. All of these things are a result of the weapon of hate hurled at us in a vicious attack by our enemy, satan.

There is good news for us in the midst of all of these sorrows, heartaches and devastating pain. We have a greater weapon. It is the weapon of unconditional love that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father and His name is Jesus. It doesn’t matter how many times satan attacks us with his weapon of hate; Jesus is there to bind up our wounds and remove the poisonous arrows of hatred that have been hurled at us by our enemy, satan.

When we are hurting, we need to cry out to Jesus for help. Only Jesus can see into our hearts and only Jesus can remove the unbearable pain and sorrow from our hearts. If you are hurting today, tell Jesus how you are feeling. He will be faithful to wipe the tears from your eyes and from your heart with His kisses of unconditional love and understanding. Run as fast as you can into the waiting arms of Jesus and allow Him to comfort and encourage you as only He can.

Copyright 2008 by Joanne Lowe, all rights reserved.
Used by permission. http://www.heavenwardbound.com
http://christians-in-recovery.org

“You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures…” (Matthew 22:29).

Next week is National Bible Week, a week to honor the importance of the Scriptures in all areas of our lives. But how strange, especially for those who claim to be Christians, that we should have to set aside a week to do so! Though it is important to emphasize the Word of God and bring it to the attention of others who may not regularly read or study (or obey!) it, it is also a sad reminder that many who claim to believe the Bible really don’t.

Think about it for a moment. What does it mean to say we believe the Bible? As Christians, it means that we not only read and study and believe what is written in it, but also that we believe EVERYTHING that is written in it—cover to cover—because God Himself is the Author of this all-time best-selling book.

I once heard someone say that we can’t be “salad bar” Christians, meaning that we can’t browse the spread God has laid out for us in His Word and then pick and choose what we want—and what we don’t. Yet many of us do that, don’t we? Worse yet, many of us don’t even know what that all-you-can-eat scripture buffet contains because we don’t spend time perusing it daily. How can we say we believe something when we don’t know what that “something” is? Jesus stressed this very point when He said, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures.” If we are mistaken at any point in our worldview and opinions, it is because we don’t really know or follow—hence, believe—what God has revealed to us in the Scriptures.

The world is starving spiritually, and we have the means to feed it. True, we can’t force-feed anyone, but we can certainly make certain that we ourselves are well fed, having made it a regular practice to daily consume God’s Word and then digest its contents in a way that our lives reflect that practice. That, my friends, is how we will cause unbelievers to become hungry for the true spiritual food that God has provided for everyone. It will never happen because we hit them over the head with that food, but only as we model what a regular diet of that food has done for us.

People of other religions sometimes refer to Christians as “people of the book.” Shouldn’t we therefore know (and honor/obey) what that book says? As we move toward the time that has been designated as National Bible Week, may we all be found faithful to KNOW the Scriptures and to live in a way that shows that knowledge and passion for that Book of all books, therefore effectively drawing others to want to do the same.

Copyright 2008 Kathi Macias, all rights reserved. Used by permission.
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored 26 books. Her newest book “Beyond Me. Living a You-first Life in a Me-first World” (New Hope Publishers) The author can be reached at: http://www.kathimacias.com