The Crazy Love Sessions, Volume 1: Shock and Awe

Romans 1:20 (NLT)

 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Speechless.

Have you ever been struck speechless?

I’m not referring to when someone else picks up the conversation and you sit quietly until they are finished so you can once again interject your two cents. Or when your team has the national championship yanked from their grasp on the final play. Or when the mythical 200  inch, 10 point buck makes an appearance. Or when the woman at the mall just janked on your impeccable style. (oh no she didn't!).

I’m saying speechless.

Perhaps it was when you gazed at the undulating stars amongst the blanket of darkness last night. Perhaps it was when you took that road trip to the coast and witnessed the sunset over the Gulf. Perhaps it's witnessing the crops rise from the Delta buckshot. Perhaps it was when your baby was born. Or a family member was healed. Or brought back from the dead.

Remember the awe which struck you at these moments, how if you even whispered something it would have diminished its glory or tainted its purity. We often recall these times, places, or people…but neglect the One behind it all.

How can we be rendered speechless at the sight of the Grand Canyon but forget the one who created it? How can we be mesmerized by the appearance of a rare comet and yet not find the One who dangles it in space awesome?

This devotion will end with where Crazy Love begins. With Francis Chan asking us to go outside. Look up and around. Whether its light or dark, consider GOD. The creativity. The diversity. The awesomeness. The ginormity (is that a word?) From the galaxy above to the ant below. And don’t say a word.

Author’s Note: for more on this topic, read pages 25-26 of Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski   

Of Sooners and Seed

James 1:21 (MSG)

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

Last month, one of the worst tornadoes in US history ripped through Moore, Oklahoma. A week later, I had the opportunity to travel there as part of a ministerial disaster relief team. After three days of dragging debris, chain-sawing down the remnants of trees, and consoling families that had lost all of their materialistic possessions, we needed a release. We decided, as our last act before departing, to revamp the landscaping. A strip of shrubs lined the side of the parking lot of the church we had called home over the weekend. Due to the storm, the shrubs and the bed in which they were planted were in disarray, insulation and other bits of garbage strewn throughout them. Faded, cracked wood chips were scattered over the side-walk and peppered with bits of trash, shingles, and other debris.

Before we could restore the luster of the landscape, we had to pull up a bunch of weeds and wild grasses. Naturally, these didn’t want to be evicted easily. The leaves would often snap in our hands, leaving the roots buried deep within. We would then be forced to scrape, rake, or dig until we pried out the stubborn roots. Only one was so large and complex (apparently lodged hopelessly under the layers of concrete of the sidewalk) that we couldn’t extract it. It was about this time where a spiritual truth was revealed. Pulling weeds out of a flower garden is much like pulling the sin out of our lives.

When we started, the task seemed overwhelming! Weeds were scattered everywhere. As we look at our lives, we may echo, “There are weeds everywhere! So much sin! Where do I start!”

So we just jumped in.

Another thing making a difference in the task was that I had help. There were others on hands and knees snatching weeds. I wasn't alone. Suddenly, what had seemed so impossible moments ago, appeared possible. Knowing that others had my back inspired me to soldier on. The lesson here is that you allow one or two friends into your world. Your real world. Share with them your struggles and allow them to encourage you, pray for you, or hold you accountable. Proverbs says, “a rope braided together won’t snap.”

Thirdly, throw out your accumulated weeds. Weeds and sins are resilient little beasts. After we remove them from the soil of our heart and toss them to the side, the work is not done. Somehow, someway, if we leave the picked weeds around, weeds will inevitably arise once more in the garden bed. Like some sort of evil sorcery. They must be swept up and discarded. Same way with our sins.

There’s this parable in the Bible that related how a person cleaned his house (life) of evil spirits. The spirits roamed around outside for a while before returning to find the house empty. They busted back in. Bringing friends with them this time. Moral of the story: you can clean out the flower bed (heart) of weeds (sin) but if you fail to throw them away (repent and obey) then they will come back even worse. Just ask any gardener…or addict.

Lastly, take a moment of reflection. Enjoy the beauty of the Gardener. (That would be GOD, not you!) Praise the Gardener! (Again GOD, not you!). Thank the Holy Spirit for carrying you through the knee-numbing pain of the process. Then be humble enough to go snag the weed (sin) you missed on the first sweep. And make this a practice so maybe you don’t have as many weeds to pick next time.

Bird by Bird

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

All people have things in life that bring them fulfillment and joy. Some have food, others television, some the Great Outdoors, still others ice cream and shopping sprees. Mine involve reading and writing. And occasionally, I blend the two- by reading a book about writing. In the midst of doing this one day, I perused a story by the prolific Anne Lamott. She related that as a child, her brother had a research paper about birds due. The next day. Like the vast majority of young people, he’d waited until the last minute to complete it. As he silently brewed over the enormous task before him, blank paper and a dozen unopened bird books stared back up at him. Noticing his predicament, their father plopped down beside him, threw his arm over the boy’s shoulder, and reassuringly said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”

There is profound wisdom in the story. As believers- especially new ones- the amount of change we must undertake for radical life change can seem overwhelming. We may be staring blankly into the Bible (or the eyes of John after the sermon), mentally listing all the areas that are unacceptable to GOD: our lusts, greed, jealousy, selfishness, anger, bitterness, foul-mouths, poor choices in entertainment, double lifestyle, subtle stealing, whatever it is. And the task seems overwhelming.

Rather than slamming the Bible shut and giving up, remember this story. “Just take it bird by bird, buddy.” Or in our case, change by change. Make the choice to work on one issue at a time, adding others in due time. The task then seems to become more manageable.

Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying here. I’m not advocating putting all of your issues off. Keep in mind that the brother’s bird paper was due the next day, not some indefinite date in the distant future. Rather than using the process as an excuse, follow this example. Today, say nothing derogatory to anyone. Tomorrow, do the same thing, plus add letting go of any anger built up to that person. Then on the third day, complete those two plus reach out to them in kindness. You see, each issue builds upon another, each pushing further and further into life change.

And remember this: That which is impossible with man, is possible with GOD!

The Church as Community

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NLT)

This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Over the course of the last few years, I've seen GOD in everything. From songs to films. From nature to writing. From my relationships. GOD’s hands are always evident in such things. As evidence by the following narrative:

Once a year, I read this book titled Into the Wild by John Krakauer. it’s a non-fictional piece about Chris McCandliss, an unassuming young man who dropped out of society before winding up in the wilds of Alaska. Trapped, starving, and incapacitated because of eating poisoned seeds, Chris sought solace in books. Among them a novel dubbed Doctor Zhivago. He underlined this poignant passage before his untimely death:

“And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that as unshared happiness is not happiness…and this is most vexing of all.”

In the margin of the worn book, Chris had scribbled, “HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.”

Now, I suppose this could mean many different things to many different people. But to me, GOD was sharing an insight. One I’d been neglecting. For I, like McCandliss, spent most of my life as a lone wolf. Introverted. Shy. Socially awkward. Wishing to spend time alone and away from people, whether that meant the wilderness and hiking trails, or locked in my apartment and in my head.

And despite a now flourishing relationship with Jesus, I was still missing something.

And that something was community. A church community to be more specific. A community with many equal parts- all of which are needed to grow the whole. A community that is disabled if one of its members is severed by going it alone. I must admit I’d read the above Scriptures for several years before realizing what I’d been subliminally doing. And I came to this troubling conclusion: Without realizing it, I’d taken a part of my old self into my new life with Jesus. While I understand that church relationships were important, I thought I could be feed better on my own- reading my Bible alone, writing my thoughts out alone, gleaning ideas from books and other sources alone. Not that I couldn't learn anything from anybody. But that GOD would speak to me Himself. Directly. No middle people messing things up, distorting the Message.

One of the most beautiful things about GOD (there are many!) is he uses the “church” to speak to the church. He uses me to speak life into others. But he also uses you (yes, you reading this now!) and your gifts to speak to me. Every part of the body- of the community- strengthens and encourages the others! And if we don’t share ourselves and our gifts with others in the body, we are crippling it, weakening it to the point of sickness, and in worst case scenarios, death. We were designed to be in community!

In the book our small group is venturing through, Francis Chan put it this way:

“While every individual needs to obey Jesus’ call to follow, we cannot follow Jesus as individuals. The proper context for every disciple maker is the church… It's impossible to follow Jesus alone.”

No longer do I avoid the big fellowships. No longer do I (pridefully) think I have a better chance of growing on my own than in participating in your lives. Or think I’m on some superior level. I, like McCandliss, have humbly (and somewhat painfully) been shown by GOD that happiness is only happiness if it is shared in the community of Christ.

I’m happy to have learned that before my death. In Alaska or elsewhere.

The Touch of Jesus

Luke 8:43-48 (NLT)

A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Author’s Note: my apologies. Meant to include the following message with yesterday’s devotional.

This week’s topic- less than the least: reflections of my time with the Arms of Mercy (volume one) These passages came from a book I wrote about my experiences serving with Arms of Mercy. May you learn as much from reading them as I did from living them…

“How much ya wont fa one of ya burgas,” a thin woman asks sourly. She’s unhealthily thin, nearly emaciated, probably the devastating result of crack addiction. A grave countenance and a bony scowl masks what was once a beautiful woman a lifetime ago. She favors Angela Bassett, with a delicate balance of beauty and tenacity.

“They’re free,” I say tactfully.

With great exertion, she slings her arms at me, draping them over my neck and pulling me into an embrace. She breaks into a sob and slurs through an expression of gratitude. The volatile façade evident a moment ago crumbles. She says we’re an answer to prayer, she says “thank you” a hundred times, even peppering in some “thank you, God” sentiments for good measure. She says she hasn’t eaten in days. She asks if she can get some food now and I share with her our “fee” of a name and a prayer request. When she hears me utter this, the breakdown spills out again. Finally, she forces herself to gather her frayed emotions and says, “Grace. My name is Grace.”

“Well, Grace, let me pray for you real quick and then I’ll grab you some food.”

As I conclude with “Amen,” she weeps again. And, despite my best stifling efforts, I join her.

When I hand her the plate, she reimburses me with an enormous grin. “If I had a camera,” Grace announces from nowhere, “I’d took a picture wit ya so I keep this good memory.”

And then, I guess because of my odd Angela Bassett observation and the camera request, my next thought came to me. One day, when I’m blessed with an extravagant mansion (which realistically will be in heaven because, let’s face it, I’m a public school teacher in the state of Mississippi) my wish is to have pictures of myself with others plastered from top to bottom, side to side, smothering the walls. Framed. Maybe even signed. I won’t choose to be like the majority of people who decorate similarly, their pictures displaying them standing and gawking awkwardly and awe-struck with celebrities and politicians and athletes and artists. People like Barak Obama shaking my hand when he was but a lowly candidate for President. Or Aaron and Mike from the band Staind, their arms wrapped around my neck like brothers. I would rather my walls be hung with portraits of me and those I’m feeding on Nelson and Clay Streets. It would be a living testament, not to me, but to Jesus Christ. Each photograph capturing a moment in which heaven stood still, then applauds. Not because of what we had did, but because sinners repented, the weak became strong, there was hope for the hopeless. Each hurtful and hopeful eye watching over me day in and day out, reminding me what one poor choice could lead to. And yet also reminding me that Christ shows His love to us all, especially to the least of these. That could have been me. That was me. Not on Clay Street, but its older brother, the road of self-destruction.

“Hey, Jason, I don’t want to take advantage or nuthin’. But there be any way I get another burga’?”

Although unofficial, our policy is to only issue one plate per person. This ensures we serve the greatest amount of people and don’t garner a reputation as an “all-you-can-eat” restaurant. But I’ve witnessed Major and Everidge give extra portions as needed and, truth be told, I’ve done the same. I never hesitate. “Let me get that for you.”

Then, as swiftly as she appears, Grace vanishes into the night. In my heart I’m reminded that this is a seed planting ministry. Like someone more famous and gifted than myself once penned, “We’re just blowin’ in the wind.” My prayer is that Grace is blowing toward hope and recovery.

Worry and Worship

Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

…by the time I walk through the grimy swing door at the shelter Saturday morning, Clive smears on a stupid smirk. It’s almost sinister, with his mouth stretched animatedly and his eyes darting back and forth between his open Life Recovery Bible and me.

“Are you going to make me ask?” I say.

He plays coy. “Good morning, Mr. Provine. There’s a fresh pot of coffee on.”

“Thank you. Now…how did your meeting with Steve go?”

“Went good, man. Went good.”

As an wannabe writer, I’m usually the one masterfully shaping the suspense of a story. Today, Clive the Student transformed to Clive the Teacher. I’m hanging expectantly by every word and movement, fearing that an overly happy and content reaction translated to negative news, but still hoping for the best.

“I got the job,” he says anticlimactically.

“Start on Monday. Be doing oil changes and stuff.”

“Praise God,” I rejoice with him.

He knots up a moment before flailing in the blink of an eye. “Praise God,” he roars, jerking around like one of those Holiness preachers. Tears well up in his eyes and spill over. “God is so good to me, man.”

“I know.” I pat him on the back in an encouraging fashion.

“You have no idea,” he responds. He’s back to normal. The tears dry and the grin reemerges. “I got to show you somethin’, brotha. Walk with me,” he draws out, again like a charismatic minister. We leave the meeting room and walk until we stand at the closed door to the fellowship hall. With vigor, he swings the creaking door open, steps back, raises his hands, and pumps his fists. “Taste and SEE that the Lord is good…”

I poke my head hesitantly around the corner, keenly aware of the tradition of practical jokes pulled at the Arms of Mercy. There’s nothing above the door I can trigger to spill all over me. There are no people poised to jump out and try to give me a heart attack. There is no brand new car I had won. There is no Publishers Clearinghouse representative with a check for one million dollars. What there is, however, is the cordoned-off back portion of the fellowship hall crammed with anything (and everything) needed to start life anew. At least in a physical home sort of way. Couches, a Lazy Boy recliner, a big screen TV, framed pictures, a desk, table and chairs, bed and mattresses, clothes, bathroom supplies, Christmas decorations. Golf clubs. How that much stuff was compressed to fit in that space is still a mystery. Only enough space for a small trail through the things is open.

“What’s all this?” I stare in wonder.

“Donations, man. Donations.”

“We’ve never had a donation like this.”

“That’s what Major told me, too.”

“And right before you’re about to leave us.”

“Don’t you think I know that!” he exclaims, his joy running over again.
“Praise God,” he echoes. “And I’m so glad I get to share this moment with you…”

“Me, too.”

“’Cause I’m gonna need someone to help me move it all.”

We laugh together, one in spirit.

Today’s Application: In what ways can you relate to Clive?

Delicate Fade

Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Thirsting unquenched

A labored breath

Scrape my wound for healing

My calloused heart betrays me

drowning breath, breathe

Be still, swallow hard

A tear

Rip the stitches of reality

A schizophrenic daydream

Losing all to gain life

Madness ravage consumed

Seeing red trickle, unconscious

Three nails grace resolved

A stranger unassuming

Branches outline the wreckage

Battered soul, torment and trouble

Seams of hope creased

Stumble, shatter, psychological

My need a Word unfathomed

Run to the dying

Eternity embraced by the hem of a garment

Pastels of the faded

Restored.

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

Aceldama

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Goodbye my friend

I’ll see you again

Got the news not long ago / the sad story how you had to go

At least that’s what you thought / as you closed your eyes and sought

The peace that passes human understanding / this fake world can be all too demanding

Rest your weary head

In the nail scarred hands

Lay your crown of thorns

At the Savior’s feet

Gun stuck up to your head / after that your body bled

No way out except eternity’s door / your last thought as your head hit the floor

Times together now seem like a waste / this rancid bitterness I can taste

Rest your weary head

In the nail scarred hands

Lay your crown of thorns

At the Savior’s feet

Always was your very best friend / forever and ever, even to the end

Will I ever be whole again / fare thee well, goodbye my friend

Troubled soul dead by the gun / now at peace, at one with the Son

Rest your weary head

In the nail scarred hands

Lay your crown of thorns

At the Savior’s feet

Goodbye…

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

In His Presence

Revelation 5:12-13 (NLT)

And they sang in a mighty chorus:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”

And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

 

Humbly bow my head in silent prayer

Knowing somehow You’re always there

Fall before You a broken man

You alone my God can understand

Deeply regret my lost innocence

Forgotten now, in Your presence

A desperate search, a calling brings

Nothing more than this song I sing

And I praise Your name

Until Your Spirit falls down over me

And I praise Your name

Until You Spirit falls all over me

Choosing now this day to stand

Always striving, through you I can

Deny myself, take up my cross

All I am, I consider loss

Tears of joy stream down my face

What once was lost, now found in your grace

Now with hope, love, and empathy

Forever I’m Yours Lord, forever I will be free

And I praise Your name

Until Your Spirit falls down over me

And I praise Your name

Until Your Spirit falls all over me

Hear me as I cry out to You

See me as I look up to You

Touch me as I reach out to You

Fill me as I bow before You

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

Fly in the Ointment

James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

Sit in my room alone / not much but I call it home

No reason to care any more / forgot what I’m fighting for

Feel like a nobody / in a world full of some bodies

Body numb in this drunken state / do I deserve this miserable fate

Free me of this pain and sorrow / I can have a brighter tomorrow

I hate myself

When I let you down

Lift me up

Off the ground

This writing seems so meaningless / still somehow drawn to its nothingness

Thoughts deceive their lonely thinker / and the heart eludes its seeker

Draw the line at apathy / don’t need your sympathy

Overhead I see the flies / creatures of death I despise

This wasteland is so vast / this word will be my last

I hate myself

When I let you down

Lift me up

Off the ground

Suffer through this

Live through this

Life.

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

Wither

John 15:1-6 (NLT)

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.

“Everyday a seed is born,

Whether or not, it has no choice,

From the womb it is torn,

With a loud and bitter voice.

Violent winds snap against,

The frailty of his stem,

No longer can he resist,

The agony consuming him.

Rain begins to fall,

As water brings new hope,

For the sake of the call,

He finds another way to cope.”

“HEAR THE CRIES OF PAIN,

AS THE THORN STICKS IN HIS SKIN,

FEEL THE PRESSURE OF THE STRAIN,

AS HE REAPS THE PUNISHMENT OF SIN.

LIKE ALL THINGS IT WILL FADE AWAY,

BECOMING DUST FOR THE WIND TO SCATTER,

BUT THE TASTE OF DEATH WILL NOT STAY,

GONE HOME TO A PLACE MUCH BETTER.”

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

A Sinner's Plea

Author’s Note: Switching it up yet again. In an attempt to keep the devotions from deteriorating into the mundane, I’ve once again thrown a wrench into the typical LifeTogether devotional machine. This month each week will have a theme based upon my other writings. May it help you continue to grow in relationship with Jesus in your reading them …as it has with me in my writing them.

This week’s topic- Poetry

Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

“Will this awful pain subside,

Once a small thorn in my side,

Sometimes wish for suicide,

Everything in this world I tried.

It rips me apart, tears me in two,

Cry to You asking what to do,

Soul all shades of black and blue,

Innocence gone, now guilt is my view.

Seeing You on the cross hanging there,

Bleeding, broken, gasping for air,

My heart breaks, feel a tear,

Should have been me dying there.

Please don’t ask and I won’t tell,

Of the torment I call my hell,

So angry that I want to yell,

This is how it was when I first fell.

How long will this hate remain,

See new life come in the rain,

Courage to fight through the strain,

To live is Christ, to die gain.

This struggle I continue to fight,

Grab on, dig in, and hold on tight,

At the end of every storm, a light,

I hope mine shines soon and bright.

Please hear this sinner’s plea,

Break the chains, set me free,

All I ask is You forgive me,

Cover me with Your grace and purity.”

Daily Question: How can you relate to the poem?

Something Special

John 3:1-21 (NLT)

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.


“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Power of the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control. This reads like a wish list for those of us in recovery. We have spent years either chasing down these things in vain or arrogantly pushing them away. Some of us choose to begin drinking or using because we (or someone we cared for) lacked these things. So we looked to find them in our addictions. If you’re reading this now, you know all too well that you can’t achieve these things with self will or by your own power. You can’t even achieve them through a person or a particular group. And the reason we can’t is this- we are all human. And we suffer from the human condition.

There is good news though! We are able both to get and give these things when we allow God to fully redeem us and take control of our lives. The most beautiful gift we’re offered, salvation, goes hand and hand with another promise- the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, or God’s Spirit within us, will come in and dwell where welcomed. While this may sound scary (or you’ve seen the Spirit and its gifts abused by religious reprobates), it’s the greatest thing you can receive in this life. It means God is in control of your life. You can love unconditionally. You can have joy in the midst of ALL circumstances. You can have peace regardless of your past. You can personify patience to yourself and others. You can display kindness to your enemies. You can be gentle in situations smothered by pain. And you can possess self control of the cravings, desires, and lusts of this weak flesh.

That alone is cause enough to seek His Spirit in your life. And the power of the Holy Spirit residing in you and doing these things is but the tip of the iceberg. His Spirit is strongest when we are at our weakest. It will give you the courage to do anything. Ask Charles, who could never read that well. But empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly volunteered to read the Scripture and devotional daily. Imagine what you could do if you truly sought, and listened to, God’s Spirit.

Discussion Questions:

1. Write down the fruits of the Spirit and place it where you look the most (desk, car dashboard, tool box, the mirror, the tv…)

2. Every time you look at them, say a quiet prayer that the Holy Spirit plant their seeds in your life

3. After looking and praying, get about the business of practicing them in your every -day- walking -around life

Forgiveness, Humility, Mercy

James 4:6-10 (NLT)

But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

From your time in recovery (whether you are just beginning the journey or are a life-long seeker), you’re aware most stories end tragically. A worst case scenario is overdose, death, or suicide. Most simply relapse back into the cycle of addiction, go homeless, or suffer with severe depression. A few, however, manage to truly change and, with the help of Jesus, come to understand the full extent of His love, mercy, and forgiveness. These are the stories I enjoy hearing and sharing the most.

Several of the guys who have come through the program failed to finish and are thus welcomed back a second time. Among those was Joel. The first time around, Joel knew all the right answers and did what he had to get by. The result: he left early, wrestling with his pride and its deceiving him into believing he was ready for the world. The second time Joel walked through the Arms of Mercy’s doors was a completely different story. Refusing to fall prey to pride, he returned like the prodigal son, humbled by a compassionate God and a cruel world. It was the genuine humility of a broken man. Not someone expending energy to hide things. He read about, was shown, and lived in the forgiveness of Jesus. This Jesus who will forgive you as many times as necessary. This Jesus who shows mercy, not judgment, to us in our time of weakness. This Jesus who loves you just as you are- but also loves you too much to let you stay that way.

The most beautiful thing about these three things is that they’re free through Jesus. Or rather, the price has already been paid. When sin demanded a death, Jesus willing laid his life down for you and your recovery. When blood had to be shed, Jesus stepped up and removed his divine robe. When a sacrifice was required, he stretched out his arms and refused to hide or run away. Three days later, the victory was won. Now all we must do is open our hands and hearts.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, define humility.

2. Is humility part of your relationship with Jesus? Others?

3. What are some things you can do today to make you a more humble person?

Making Excuses

Luke 6:39-42 (NLT)

Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Of the many blind spots I once possessed (and sometimes still do) and one I witness almost daily at the shelter, is the need to make excuses. As addicts and alcoholics, we make excuses constantly to escape, or remain in, the comfortable throes of our addictions. We claim it isn’t our fault, we were innocent victims of dysfunctional families, circumstances spiraled beyond our control and shaped us, an overbearing spouse or the unsympathetic employer who drove us to it, life expects too much, God has abandoned us to our fate. We say and do anything to excuse our self-inflicted misery to avoid confession and accountability.

The excuses we use to wreak havoc on our recovery never cease to amaze me. To show how petty we can be, consider the story of Stan. The Louisiana native came to us hooked on a pharmacy full of pills. Making matters worse, he worked in the medical community before getting addicted and getting his license revoked. On entering, he left us for three days of detox at Solutions. Upon his return, he had a couple of good days before the itch hit again. As we watched with sadness, he fell into a freefall. He would talk about his allergies and how bad they were and how he desperately needed Benedryl to ease his suffering. In his predicament, the meds would have only done him damage and Major disallowed his use of the drug. This only exacerbated the problem- in his eyes. And the excuses followed: Major was inhumane not to give him medicine, his system would shut down without the soothing sweetness of the pink liquid, this program wasn’t doing him any good anyway, Jason didn’t know as much as he thinks he does. These types of things. It’s no real surprise he left a few days later.

Making excuses was part of our old way of life. If we find ourselves starting down that path, it should send up red flags of warning, showing us the danger of our situation. To combat our excuses, we should instead accept responsibility, confess our true powerlessness, and humbly seek help- from God first and then from others We can find the strength to stop letting the excuses roll and allow the healing to continue.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you respond to adversity? Do you make excuses or point fingers?

2. Describe the last situation in which you had the opportunity to take responsibility or make excuses. Which did you choose?

3. List three excuses you’ve been making and pray that GOD help you take responsibility for those. Then follow through. (Example: Excuse-The Bible seems overwhelming to read. Accepting Responsibility- I will read small parts of the Bible daily. Like one Psalm a day.)

Connecting With God in "Other" Ways

John 4:7-14 (NLT)

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

We are all different. Different people. Different backgrounds. Different flaws. Different gifts. Different addictions. You get the picture…

Because we are different, our recoveries and the aspects that make them up can also be very different. Twelve Steps works for some people. While others find healing in the Biblical principles. Like Jesus Himself, we cannot assume our recovery is going to fit in a nice little box or be exactly like another man’s who is sitting across the table from you. Jesus learned and shared the Gospel using different methods so that all might find hope. Remember how you came to know Christ (or at least heard of Him)? Maybe it was because you saw someone living it out in front of you. Perhaps you have witnessed colorful pictures during a Sunday School lesson. Maybe you heard somebody use His name in an explicative laced tirade. Perhaps you saw His battered visage on the "Passion of the Christ" film. However you came to know him, it’s not likely it's exactly the same as those around you.

Geared toward all things musical, Caleb found Jesus first in music. And it was in this avenue the Lord drew Caleb to himself and how He continued to speak to him. While Caleb listened and actively participated in Bible studies, it was Doug Hallock and Broken Band’s album we have in the meeting room which helped Caleb grow the most in his time with us. Doug Hallock is a former alcoholic and addict who the Lord cleaned up, inspired musically, and sent out to share the hope Jesus offers. Though his gritty music and gut wrenching lyrics, he does just that. And he does so effectively.

Caleb would come to me apologetic that he was able to draw more from one Hallock song than from our study. I reassured him that not only was this okay, it was great! I even encouraged him to begin writing his own story through music. (He, like Doug, was also a gifted guitarist). God doesn’t always speak through a cookie-cutter, step-study type of Bible study. He is the Creator, and as such, creatively speaks to us and enables us to use own creativity to share His love with others. Praise God for His love for creativity and diversity!

Discussion Questions:

1. List some “outside-of-the-box” ways the LORD has spoken to you?

2. What are some creative ways in which you can share the Gospel with others?

3. Are there any untapped talents or passions within you that can be used for the glory of GOD?

Pressing On

Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

During my time at the shelter, I have found great value in continuing to build relationships with guys who have graduated or left the program. This is why God designed it so that we could join together. The time offers a renewal of hope, encouragement, friendship, fellowship, and accountability. Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. The Scripture rings true. Which also means the flip side is obvious. If you hang around negative influences, or seek too much solitude, you will be dragged back down from whence you came. Build positive relationships and they will make you a more spiritually healthy person.

Stephen and I have such a relationship. Stephen graduated our program and continued to stay in touch. Sometimes with positive news; sometimes not. Point is, he stayed connected. During a lull in shelter life, I had no one there to minister to. Seizing the opportunity, I began going to Stephen’s lake house on mornings I’d already reserved for the shelter. There, on his screened in back porch, we would have Bible study, share thoughts and stories, and sip on massive quantities of coffee. By the end of our time together, the sun peeked over the distant trees, illuminating the lake and surrounding us with its glorious light. Weekly, I would be reminded not only of the value of brotherly fellowship, but of God’s beauty and creativity in nature. Perhaps the most beautiful things about the visits was the circle of God’s love being completed. When you reach out to bless others, God (and they) always end up blessing you more. It did me as much good (maybe more) than it did for Stephen.

You will not always be in the program surrounded by other soul-seeking men and positive influences all of the time. But it is important for both you and your recovery to seek out people and times where mutual relationship, encouragement, and compassion are displayed. This is what made Jesus and the disciples close and strong. And it will be what will keep us close and strong.

Discussion Questions

1. What type of influence are you on others? Do people draw encouragement (or discouragement) from you?

2. What are some practical ways to surround yourself with positive people and influences?

3. What, if anything, prevents you from reaching out and meeting with others? Pray that GOD remove those hindrances so you may do so.

Denial

Matthew 7:1-5 (NLT)

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others.The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

“I’m not an alcoholic.” “I don’t have a drug problem.” “I can stop anytime.” “I'm not that bad of a person.”

All of these are lines we’ve either said or heard at some point during our times as abusers. It is called by many names, but the one which perhaps best explains it best is denial. Denial possesses the potential to manipulate us into believing that everything is fine. That we are fine. The damage it wreaks is often deadly, because the whole time we deceive ourselves into thinking we have control. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Alex was in the throes of denial from the moment he stepped off the bus and into our program. He thought getting away from his home, family, friends, and influences alone were enough. He was convinced his problem wasn’t sin or drinking too much. Rather, he claimed his experiences caused him to become someone he wasn’t. While there may be some truth in that philosophy, he never admitted that he was a cause. And furthermore, that he was powerless to control himself. He fooled himself, aided by the clever and cunning deception of the devil, into believing the problem could be sorted out without admitting anything, especially helplessness and defeat. Sadly, he was drunk within a week of graduating.

Denial only compounds our problems and makes recovery, already a difficult task, more excruciatingly painful. We must admit our powerlessness over our sin problem, confess the nature of our wrongs, and beg mercy from a loving Savior, Jesus Christ. When we give up and give out, a miraculous thing occurs. Freedom and peace permeate our lives. We no longer have to expend energy making excuses or covering up our lies with more lies. We can become responsible and humble people, admitting we’re not perfect, but running to the very One who is. In Jesus, we have no fear. For His perfect love casts out fear. So what is stopping you from admitting and confessing your weakness? From coming out of denial and into His glorious light?

Discussion Questions:

1. Are there any issues in your life in which you live in denial?

2. How is denial unhealthy (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically) for us?

3. What are some steps you can take TODAY to come out of denial and into the light of Jesus?

From The Inside Out

John 16:8-15 (NLT)

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

Some of us, especially in recovery, are good about cleaning up the outside. Free from the glossy effect of our addictions, we practice proper hygiene, wear decent clothes, exercise, go to church, attend meetings, and generally appear as if we have it all together. But if our change is focused on the outward appearance only, we are in grave danger of either relapsing or only dealing with the symptoms of our addictive problems and not with the original issue itself. Ask the guy in AA who has been sober for 30 years but is still telling the same story he always has. Or the guy from Celebrate Recovery who is clean from drugs but is still a raging mess within. Or worse still, the man who acts the part at church service but is rotten to the core.

Any permanent, meaningful change taking place in those of us in recovery must begin on the inside and make its way outward. When Jesus enters your heart and fills you with His Spirit, the transformation comes from within. You have a Counselor in your very soul, guiding you into making better choices and decisions. Your perceptions change. You realize the hope you have in Christ. And then you act outwardly on the inward changes. Out of your belly (inside) shall flow rivers of living water (outside).

Here are two scenarios for consideration:

1. After spending any amount of time with Keith, it was evident to everyone he was simply a white washed fence, newly painted but the same rotten wood beneath. Upon cleaning up, he took great pride in his appearance- fixing his hair, wearing stylish clothes, smiling a lot, talking up all the changes in his life. And perhaps the casual observer might have thought he truly changed. Those of us who knew him well, however, saw a broken man struggling to hold up his mask in the charade. He said all the right words, but when he thought no one was listening or watching, the directionless void within reared its ugly head and relapse followed.

2. In contrast, Will was the quiet, unassuming type of recovering addict. Most of his struggle came from within. We often thought maybe he was contemplating an exit. But the Lord was just working in Him and Will was allowing the work, however painful, to be done. Once he found out who he was in Jesus, the outward change flowed. Family and friends noted this, and in my experiences at the shelter, these changes tend to last.

Discussion Questions:

1. Does your “inside” and outside” match?

2. Are the changes being made in your life coming from the inside out?

3. What are some of the dangers of cleaning up the outside without scraping the inside?

Of Hope and Healing

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Often one of the most overlooked areas in recovery, humor goes hand in hand with hope. While the purpose of the Gospels wasn’t to record outburst of hilarity, one can imagine Jesus and his twelve closest friends enjoying moments of humor- practical jokes, Peter stepping in camel crap, John hitting his funny bone, the donkey gumming James’s hair as he slept. If you read between the lines, you can see the joy of the Lord and the freedom and peace that rejoicing and laughter bring.

The thought reminds me of Trent, an Arms of Mercy graduate who we sent to the Mission of Hope for some additional time. When it came time for him to graduate their program, Major and I drove down to Mobile to make a surprise visit. Upon arriving, we approached a group of men loitering on the dorm’s porch. We asked where James was and, apparently thinking we’re law enforcement, gave us vague directions to him. This is after first denying that they even knew him. We walk in the direction they pointed and stumble into a softball game. We spot Trent sitting on the bench with five or six friends. We approached from behind and Major summons his authoritative and booms, “You know why we’re here. Come with us please.” Everybody but James leaps from the bench and sprints away, apparently thinking we’re issuing arrest warrants or something. Accepting his fate, Trent simply lowered his head. Then, with a sudden jerk of recognition, Trent spun around and jumped up to hug us. We laughed and laughed as he told us how his heart stopped, then he remembered he had nothing to be guilty of any longer. Maybe you had to be there, but the humor increased the hope of the moment.

Discussion Questions:

1. How is joy and laughter vital to the recovery process?

2. What are some stories that you could perceive as joyful experiences now?

3. Why should we rejoice when one sinner comes to walk with Jesus?

Partial Healing

Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Among my favorite stories in the Gospels are those in which Jesus healed lepers. Leprosy, like our addictions, is a disease that ravages the body, mind, and soul of its afflicted. It painfully eats away the flesh and tissue of the body, destroys the psychological fabric of the mind, and ultimately makes the individual unclean and disallowed them, in those days, from the place of worship (think church building). It also forced them into isolation, away from their families and causing them to lose everything else they held dear.( Sound familiar?) Just the fact that Jesus talked to them was radical and blasphemous; him actually healing them by touching them was unfathomable. And yet he did, time and time again.

One time, he even healed an entire group of lepers all at once.( Makes you think of the shelter). Once healed, away they ran, each forgetting the source of their healing as quick as we forget those who help us along our journey. All but one of them that is. Once he noticed he had been made whole, one turned around, sought Jesus out, and thanked him not only for touching his body but his soul as well. He praised God with a loud voice, indicating not only his joy and gratitude but his enthusiasm in following Christ. And because of this, Jesus told him his faith had made him completely whole. What encouraging words!

Unfortunately, too often in recovery, we witness partial healings. We see people sober up from alcohol, clean up from drugs, get yearly AA and NA chips and good jobs, even

graduate programs, only to fall down immediately or shortly thereafter. I tend to believe this happens because we get only partially healed. We may be free from the physical aspects of our addiction- even stay sober for 50 years- but we are never fully delivered because we fail to recognize, or give glory to, The God who loves us enough to heal us. We stop short. Think we had something to do with it. We are satisfied with holding the full cup of water but never drinking long and deep of its contents. And what a tragedy! Let us find hope and healing. And a heart of gratitude. Only then will we find healing, complete and absolute.

Discussion Questions:

1. How are our addictions like leprosy?

2. What made the man who returned to thank Jesus different from the other nine?

3. Where do you fall in relation to the story, the Thankful One or the Not-so-thankful Nine?

4. How does it make you feel that Jesus would not only talk to you, but touch you?

Anger and Bitterness

Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT)

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage. So wails Billy Corgan, lead singer and guitarist for the Smashing Pumpkins in what was once my favorite song. Simple as the words are, their message was none the less profound, for they have stuck with me all these years, much longer than my angst-ridden youth. And the words still ring true to many today. Music may have changed now, but the observation is still true. Many people, including those in recovery are trapped within deep feelings of anger and bitterness. It is directed at God, ourselves, or anyone we come in contact with. The anger can originate from anything- the pain of a broken home, life not going the way we planned, jealously over what others have or are, searching but never finding peace, feeling alone even around people, not being the center of attention.

Whatever the reason, anger eats away at us until it spills out. And there is nothing- short of giving it to God- that can contain it or the destruction it reaps. Debo arrived at the shelter after a short period of us having no one else, so it was just he and I one early morning. He sat at one end of the table, me at the other. Although he began the devotion cordially enough, his attitude quickly deteriorated. When the share time came, his face contorted in anger and his voice rose higher than necessary. He told me of his sad life, of gang banging, of being shot several times, of being profiled and locked away. Then he turned his rant onto Arms of Mercy, explaining that we had everyone fooled, that we tore him down with our words and actions. He called Major the devil and me, his demon.

I wanted to laugh or make a joking jab, but sadness filled me instead. Debo’s anger consumed him and caused him to shake. Pent-up tears spilled from his eyes before he swiped them away in agitation. My heart broke for him and I allowed him to continue until he finally let go. And at that moment, there was a flicker of peace.

Our lives are the same way. We can continue to be imprisoned by our anger and walk through our entire lives in misery. Whether that misery is lashing out at others or burying it within and blaming ourselves. But if we drop the burden at the feet of Jesus and allow him to help us let go and forgive, we can find that peace that we thought was so elusive. He that the Son sets free is free indeed!

Discussion questions:

1. Search yourself. Is anger and bitterness an issue you struggle with?

2. What are the causes and effects of your anger?

3. Why do you choose to hang on to your anger?

4. Anger and bitterness are like a strong tree with deep roots. The longer we hold onto things, the deeper the roots are and the tougher the tree is to pull up. What can you do today to begin to dig these roots up?

Worry

Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of Godabove all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Worry is like a cancer that eats away at life. (And for some us, it literally comes in the form of ulcers, chomping their way through our stomach lining and making life miserable). One of the most common discussions around the shelter deals with this issue. I’m often deluged with questions such as: What am I going to do when I get out? Where will I live? Where will I work? How can I make this trip to rehab really work?

These are just a few; I could go on for pages. These questions, along with the unbalanced emotions and lingering withdrawal symptoms, usually cause such a burden in the guys until they’re ready to crumble or duck and run. And all before they even truly start down the path of recovery.

Michael, a thoughtful crack addict from northeast Mississippi, was one such example of the dangers of worrying about tomorrow and not living one day at a time. Despite the overwhelming spiritual growth within, he began to worry about a court case that was scheduled to happen before his 90 days at the Arms of Mercy ended. It weighed heavy on his mind for weeks before he started dropping subtle, then clear, hints that he would be departing. He approached both Major and I to talk about it and left downcast because of what we had to say, “Trust God. Don’t worry about it. It will work out. We’ve had stuff like that happen before, and the judge, seeing how good they’re doing, will postpone the trial or allow them to come back to the shelter afterwards.” Again, not what he wanted to hear. So much so that he went up stairs, packed his belongings, and walked down to the gas station to use the phone.

Another hope-filled recovery thrown away. All because of worrying about something that may or may not even happen.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is worry one of the greatest causes of relapse in recovery?

2. What causes you to worry? Why?

3. Reread verse 27. What does Christ’s statement mean to you?

4. What constructive things can you do TODAY to avoid worrying?