Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O Lord, Not to us, but to Thy name give glory, because of thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.
Take me out of the equation God.
Take me out of the way.
Isn't it funny how in today's world, we have a tendency to think our own little world is all about us. If we meet someone, it is because they have been sent our way to help us, or give us something, or to simply make themselves available for whatever we need.
We become 'users', when in fact, God created us to be givers.
We grow up becoming self-centered which becomes a mighty weapon in the hands of our enemy, the Devil.
He loves it when human nature turns inward to look at itself, rather than outward to look at our creator. We are much more easily manipulated when we take our eyes off of Jesus.
We are much easier prey when our focus is on our own fleshly wants and desires.
We have no time for Jesus.
Our thoughts are filled with such ideas as, "What has Jesus done for me?"
Step # 1 of the Twelve Steps does focus our attention, but not on ourselves. Rather it turns on the light so we can see evidence of this self-centeredness. A life that has become unmanageable. We see broken relationships. We see legal problems. We are made painfully aware of our own inability to manage our daily existence. Standing there in the blinding light of reality, we must utter those words that lead to our freedom..."I AM POWERLESS."
Step #2 of the Twelve Steps leads us to an outward search. If I am the problem.....if my powerlessness has lead me to a life unmanageable, then it would be insane to think that I also possess the power to get myself out of this mess. In other words, if I'm the problem then I can't be the solution. I need a Power greater than myself who could restore me sanity. I need a Power who understands the human condition and has the authority and capability to carry through on such a work as restoration of sanity. That Power would be found in a person, not a program. That person being Jesus Christ. Not the Jesus or church, nor the Jesus of the paintings we have seen.But the real deal Jesus who possesses all power and authority, given to Him by His heavenly Father, upon His resurrection. Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." In other words, addiction, being a by-product and the work of the Devil in the lives of humanity, falls under the category of Jesus' ability to heal and restore. I John 3:8 reads, "For this the Son of man was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil."
Step # 3 puts us to the point where the transformation to our new life begins. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him to be.
Here, at the point, ends the deadly practice of living in selfishness. We look outside ourselves for direction and guidance for the decisions we have to make every day. Believe me, it works.
That is why, for myself, I choose to live in the shadow of the Cross daily.
It reminds me of the incredible price paid for me to enjoy the benefits of the life I am now living.
It keeps me grateful and focused on Christ.
There, in the presence of God and the shadow of the cross, there is no room for selfishness. I, like the prophet Isaiah, cry out..."Send me, Lord! Send me!". Everyday becomes a Step #12 day as I seek to do His will and carry the message to others.
Less of me, and more of Him.
I would that you forget Michael Bynum.
I pray that you never forget Jesus Christ.
Think of these things today....
God on you....
mb
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