24 March 2013

Joshua 19:24-39

The first because it reminds me what could happen in my life and in my kids' lives if I am not successful in driving out my "enemies" or sin. Like Asher and Naphtali both learned, it was costly to them and their descendants and became a "thorn in Israel's side" (Deuteronomy 31:16-20; Judges 2:1-3, 11-14). Problems and issues must be resolved so they aren't passed on to future generations. The "enemy" can take the form of any type of addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, work, internet, porn) sexual abuse or other problems. Not the legacy I want to leave!

Father God, please keep me mindful that my actions and choices will have a ripple effect to those who know and love me. Help me make wise choices. Help me to always seek you out and ask for forgiveness so that I might have victory over my personal sins and enemies, through You, Amen.

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Joshua 19:49-50

The second because of all the land Joshua could have taken, he chose the land that his ancestors came from. By doing this he honored his extended family and his roots. Although our roots are not perfect, we can honor God by celebrating what is good about them. 

Father God, thank you so much for the family I have been born in to. They are such a source of comfort and joy to me and my kids and husband. Please help me to honor them and also my own past so that I don't lose my way or forget where I came from or what you have brought me through. So my mistakes are not repeated either by me or my children or grandchildren, Amen!

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1 Corinthians 9:19-22, 24, 26

It was very hard for me to pick one scripture here. This chapter really spoke to me! But the heart of it, I believe is 9:22. In recovery, is is very important to find common ground with others and their testimony, not differences. Thinking you or your situation is "different" or "special" can quickly lead you down the road to relapse. And you can't help someone if you don't understand them and they don't identify with you. How wise Paul was! In recovery, and in life, it is important to listen to someone else's story and find common ground with your own in order to help or guide them. Not by telling them, "Do this!" or "No! Don't do that!". But by hearing and knowing their story and understanding whee they are coming from and where they currently are, I can draw parallel's to my own story. What choices I made, what the outcomes and consequences and blessings were that resulted from them. "I" statements are very important in relating to someone else so you're not accusing and/or putting them on the defensive. It allows them to think for themselves and encourages them to seek out God on their own. Often I have sought out a sponsor or mentor or my husband to "tell me what to do". I didn't want to be responsible or accountable. I was afraid of what people would think if I messed up or failed. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that it only matters what God thinks and that the only way for me to know that is to develop a personal relationship with Him and ask!! This way, I am not deterred on my path because of someone else's mistake or sin because I am seeking God, not man's, counsel. I have tried to carry that with me, to share in someone else's "weakness" and show them what Christ has done for me and can do for them too. Paul was on fire for God, but he also understood human nature!

Father God, I pray that you give me wisdom and sympathy like Paul. If I could only become a "slave to all people" in order for you to save them! I pray desperately that my fire for You never be snuffed out but to be hungrily fed, growing bigger and brighter so all I come in contact with are consumed by Your love and grace. That I live in such a way that even people who don't know You, might know You through my behavior and lifestyle, Amen!