The crazy dude in Mark 5 is the prototype for Step 1. His life was unmanageable, and he was powerless to do anything about it. To be specific, “This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain” (Mark 5:4). Did you catch that word, anymore? That…
I am the product of the second chance. You are, too. Coach Lane Kiffin said, “When God gives you a second chance, it’s not something you take for granted.” Harrison Ford said, “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.” Pete Rose said, “If somebody is gracious…
Addiction has dealt a devasting blow to you or someone close to you. Now you have a decision to make. Will you focus on all you have lost, or on all you have left. Vincent Van Gogh was all about what he had left. Did you know he only had one ear? On an episode…
We all remember the innkeeper in Bethlehem who told Mary and Joseph that there was no room for them in the inn. The innkeeper has earned a bad reputation because of this, but I wonder if this nameless figure in history may be symbolic of some of us. There was no room in the inn…
Christmas programs have given us nearly unlimited quotes of inspiration. And then there are other quotes that remind us of life as it really is for so many. Like this, from A Charlie Brown Christmas: “Rats. Nobody sent me a Christmas card today. I almost wish there wasn’t a holiday season. I know nobody likes…
It is the only Step you have to work perfectly. Say it with me: “We admitted that our lives had become unmanageable, and we were powerless to do anything about it.” This Step sets the table for the next eleven. Until you work Step 1, you can’t pass “GO” and you can’t collect $200 (an…
Henri Nouwen wrote, “Our society is not a community radiant with the love of Christ, but a dangerous network of domination and manipulation in which we can easily get entangled and lose our soul.” Translation – We live in a fallen world. The Bible is like this: “God gave them up to dishonorable passions” (Romans…
I love a good party. I’ve been to a few spirited celebrations, but nothing like the one they threw in Great Britain over 20 years ago. In June, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 50 years as monarch of Great Britain. A Golden Jubilee Festival was held in her honor, as London’s ceremonial mall was filled…
We can find great lessons for recovery from history. For example, let’s talk World War II. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, a serviceman serving on a maintenance ship was able to save six sailors trapped on the burning USS Arizona by tossing them a rope. God has done the same thing for each of…
A few weeks ago, I came across this verse, and it really struck me for some reason. “I keep asking that God may give you the Spirit of revelation” (Ephesians 1:17). Have you ever thought about that? God wants you to have revelation. That is the ability to see things others do not see. Paul…