Preparing this week’s article allowed me to reflect that it’s been just over a year that I’ve had the privilege to be given space each week to write on a variety of topics. I’m grateful for those of you who have let me know how much you enjoy my writings, giving me positive encouragement, letting me acknowledge how you smile, chuckle at something I wrote about, or were encouraged in response to a topic with Christian perspective. By now, you’ve hopefully come to realize my passion for the gospel, the truth of who God is and the validity of scripture. Having said all that, “thank you” for taking time to read each week’s thoughts. Also, by now, I hope you’re fully aware of my role in Celebrate Recovery and what this faith based 12 step program can do for you as it has done for me. 

This week, I’m focusing on Step 3: “We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God”. The verse that accompanies this step is from Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Whenever there is a “therefore” in scripture, it’s prudent to look at the preceding verses to see what the writer is focused on when making the transition. In this case, Paul is writing to explain how God gave mercy through Christ, a Jew, to the Jewish people–the Israelites–and though many of them lived in disobedience to Him Paul goes on to explain that the Gentiles are now also included in this “disobedient” group, not to punish but that He (God)  may have mercy on them “all”. (Rom. 11: 32) Chapter 11 ends with these questions: “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” “Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”  For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. (Emphasis mine) 

Our family lightheartedly adopted a small catchphrase we use when it’s clear a choice or decision has been made–”you’re in charge of your choices”. It may have been as simple as allowing our children as toddlers to choose their clothing for the day (no matter how mis-matched they were) or how we make numerous decisions every day regarding use of our time, what foods we will eat, which social invitations to accept or reject, to exercise or not. Other decisions carry more weight. Will I forgive someone who has deeply hurt me? Will I join my friend in telling a lie to cover up an indiscretion? Will I help that person whose struggles have been tugging at my purse strings for several days?

While daily decisions come and go, often made out of routine habits, Step 3 teaches us that a decision to “commit all my life and will to Christ’s care is a “conscious” one that requires thought, discovering who God is through the person of Jesus Christ, and digging into all scripture to know His character and deep love for everyone. The last part of this step is a bonus I hope you don’t miss–”Christ’s care and control”. If you were to imagine holding out your hands with palms facing up, holding “every” care and concern that is weighing you down, with  an ability empowered by “an act of your own will”,  releasing the pile in your hands to God, you’ll get a picture of allowing Him to take those and carry them for you.

Each step in the Celebrate Recovery program has an accompanying verse from the beatitudes recorded in the Book of Matthew. For Step 3 we use “Happy are the meek” (Matthew 5:5) What does it mean to be “meek”?

To be meek is to be gentle, humble, lowly. “The meek are the ‘gentle’… those who do not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength, but who will nonetheless inherit the earth because they trust in God to direct the outcome of events.” ESV Study Bible notes.

John Gill’s  commentary seems to assert this – meek people don’t envy, don’t retaliate, and exercise patience in the face of adversity. 

Matthew Henry adds that the meek show joy and happiness under dire circumstances. No matter what happens in the world around them, they latch on to God’s provision and plan for their lives. 

The opposite of meekness is defined by Merriam-Webster  as egotistic, pompous, haughty, and aggressive. Through this, we see a different picture of meekness. It isn’t a doormat mentality or silence in the face of injustice. Instead, it doesn’t retaliate when wronged and doesn’t exude pride and narcissism. The type of person most people would think would rule the earth likely exhibits some of the traits listed above. At least, it fits the bill for the Roman emperors during the time of Jesus. (source: biblestudytools com) 

It’s estimated that over 5-7 million people have benefited from attending Celebrate Recovery meetings. More So than folks entering a Christ centered recovery program, Christianity is growing!  This may surprise many, but Christianity is growing around the world and is growing faster than the rate of population. From 2020 to the mid-point of 2024, the world’s population is expected to grow from more than 7.84 billion people to more than 8.11 billion, a 0.87% growth trend. The number of Christians worldwide is expected to climb from more than 2.52 billion to 2.63 billion, a 1.08% growth. The Christian population is projected to top 3 billion before 2050. (source: lifewayresearch.com)  That EXCITES me! This growth tells me a couple of things 1) the gospel is indeed being preached and spread 2) people are making decisions to come into a relationship with the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The numbers above are huge. It’s hard for me to imagine a million people let alone billions, but I CAN comprehend being among those who are counted as Christ followers as well as ONE who made my own conscious decision 40+ years ago, placing my trust in Him. Yet, admitting my inability to fully comprehend how God takes on the enormous task of caring for every person who makes up His followers, I have experienced “releasing my cares to Him” and that’s a feeling that keeps me living in boundaries of faith and hope when life gets hard. My own experiences are now a prayer, too, that more of you will join us on Tuesday evenings at Celebrate Recovery. We meet at Fowlerville UB Church with a meal at 6 pm. Large group begins at 7, followed by share groups at 8. For more information please email: celebraterecovery@fowlervilleub.org 

GOD, THE ULTIMATE FIXER-UPPER

The advent and popularity of “do-it-yourself” and “fixer upper” television shows have broadened my appeal for watching amateurs or professionals take a dilapidated or older home and turn it into a stunning new residence. When I was a child I often accompanied my dad to properties that were being demolished as he was the first person I ever knew who found a way to “repurpose” lumber, fixtures, windows, etc. that otherwise would have made their way to the city dump. In the past few years, I’ve watched my oldest adult niece find pieces of furniture on curbsides, take them home and with a lot of elbow grease, sanding, repairing and applying a fresh coat of stain or paint, she’s turned someone else’s discarded trash into beautiful pieces that have been sold to new homes. I guess you could say that “restoring” and “repurposing” is a generational trait in my family!

Such it is with God, too!

Last week I wrote about Step #1 from the Celebrate Recovery program, stating our admission that compulsive behaviors or addictions cause our lives to become unmanageable. In Step #2 we “came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity”. I think we all know the opposite of being sane, which is insane, further popularized by the definition of “doing something over and over again expecting a different result”. That repetitive behavior is a character flaw of our human nature. Left to our own devices, we will most certainly fail.

When my dad or niece have restored a broken piece of furniture, sometimes a different method was used to repair wood that had lots of scratches, missing pieces or several layers of paint full of cracks and wrinkles. I remember when a downtown fourier business in Saginaw suffered a fire, my dad was allowed to go into the building and look around the debris. He spied a washstand that had all its pieces intact, but the top portion of the mirror frame was scorched from the flames. He literally carried the washstand home under his arms. Using his woodworking skills he reassembled the stand, made new pieces, stripped away the old stain and applied fresh color when the wood was ready. He even salvaged the marble slab that was part of the stand and this beautiful antique was part of their living room for many years. In order to retain a “piece of its story”, he left the blackened portion of the mirror’s frame, a reminder of what the washstand had endured as well as an interesting focal point for conversation.  Although the washstand no longer served its  original purpose of holding a wash basin, it became the perfect place for a lamp that served as a “night light” in the late hours of the evening. 

God is in the business of “restoring” and “repurposing” our lives, too. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose”. If we imagine and admit that sometimes our lives are broken, that they are messy, and for some people, hopeless, we CAN come to Him for the renewal we need. The beauty of Celebrate Recovery is that we who attend meetings are there because we want to rather than someone demanding our attendance. Most who attend gladly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the higher power that the 12 Step programs talk about in their meetings. Yet, no one is ever forced to believe in Jesus to be part of this wonderful recovery program. An invitation to know God and come into relationship with Him is always offered and the majority of men and women who attend weekly meetings are followers of Christ.

Another piece of furniture my dad brought home was a huge heavy sideboard cabinet. He had made an inspection visit to a home one morning and noticed the cabinet. It was made from solid cherry wood, was in very poor condition and to his dismay dirty soiled diapers were piled on its counter area. Dad was able to ask the homeowners if they would be willing to part with the sideboard, asked them to discuss a fair price and give him a call at his office. He was shocked when they told him he could have it for “free”. Apparently, they had attached no sentiment or value to the item. After cleaning it up, stripping it and refinishing the wood, it became a dining room piece in my parents home for years until my brother took it for his own home. Dad had a piece of marble that he was able to fit on that sideboard, too. He always seemed to find free treasures and have just the right stuff at home in his woodshop to complete a project. That’s how God works, too. 

He has all the right circumstances and pieces to put us back together when we’ve allowed life’s hurts, habits and hangups to wear us down, strip us of our original beauty, or thwart our purpose. He can accomplish renewal and restoration for us by Himself or use others as part of the plan which is another beautiful aspect of Celebrate Recovery. Although we work on our own “stuff”, we have friends who listen, encourage, support, pray, but never try to “fix” us. He may allow us to be “refined” by going through His fire, and like the scorched wood of my dad’s antique wash stand, also give permission for visible scars to remain and be a reminder of His handiwork. 

Writing this week’s article allowed me to fondly recall the numerous things my dad brought home to “fix” rather than see it go to the dump. Some things DO belong in the trash, but not everything. That’s the way it is for us humans, too. Many habits are trashed. Hurts need to be talked about. Hang ups need to be redirected. And to make that possible, we make a decision to tap into the Higher Power of Jesus Christ!

Invaders.

Along with the arrival of spring which brings warmer weather, the ability to open windows to enjoy fresh air comes with an added disadvantageous feature. The arrival of “invaders”. In our case it’s seeing more spiders in corners than usual, the seemingly ever-present box elder bugs, stink bugs, the what I call “lady bug wanna-bes”, and most recently, ants. While all of these are not welcome guests in our home, I most detest the ants because they come out of nowhere, they scurry across the kitchen counter or floors in search of a morsel. It seems no matter how well we clean up our messes, these outside inhabitants prefer to see what our cupboards have to offer.

Recently, I counted squishing about 12 ants in the kitchen before the day was over. Finding one or two isn’t enough to cause me alarm, but when their numbers increase I go on the defense. Thankfully, doing a search online has given me numerous homemade recipes that trap our lil visitors, feed their hungry bellies and they either succumb or take the “bait” back to the nest like the good sharers they are, and bingo! By feeding their friends my “potion” the colony dies and my ant problem is solved.

If only cleaning up my own behavior were so easy. I know that by being a Christ follower my Heavenly Father desires that I live a godly life. Therefore, Paul’s words from Romans 8: 13-14 serve as nourishment for my hungry spirit—“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul writes—“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Contrasting how I’m catching ants with a tasty trap to rid them from our home to that of how God desires to remove unwanted behavior or the presence of poor habits in my life is pause for reflection. Thankfully, God doesn’t have to “trick” me into biting into His word which is the holy bible. When I or you come into relationship with Him He plants a desire in our spirit to crave reading scripture, talking and listening to Him, and merely once a day but to “pray without ceasing… give thanks in all circumstances….” (Paraphrased from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)

In the 12 step program which we use at Celebrate Recovery #1 states “We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Ants come into our house looking for food. They have no ability to comprehend their presence is unwelcome. Like other creatures, they are acting on instinct. I, on the other hand, and you—as humans—are the only beings that know right from wrong, have a conscience, and freewills. Unfortunately, for some, poor choices can lead to a life of addiction and behavior choices that destroy everything around us such as relationships, workplace stress, even physical illness.

Because Celebrate Recovery relies heavily on the validity of scripture, a verse from the beatitudes accompanies Step 1. It says: “Happy are those who know that they are spiritually poor.” (Matthew 5: 3a)

Happy? Not miserable? Yes, happy, in the sense that partnering admitting our powerlessness with acknowledging that we can be spiritually poor gives us the power and motivation to change when we truly surrender egos, pride and a need to be in control over to God.

Unlike the pesky bugs that I have described as “invaders as being a nuisance, it’s a wonderful concept that God WANTS to invade our minds and hearts. Over time, our relationship with Him grows as His Holy Spirit waters and feeds our daily thoughts, actions, and circumstances.

Aren’t you happy that He doesn’t trick us into coming to Him? On the contrary, the answers and solutions most of us are seeking can be found easily. They are contained in all of scripture. When we dine, when we feast, when we digest its contents and “share” the treasures with others, we all thrive.

——

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday, beginning at 7 pm, at Fowlerville UB Church. If you’re ready to find out how to begin a new way of dealing with lifes’ hurts, habits & hangups, check us out!

What are some things that only happen one time? I’m listing a few, however, I realize there are many things that could make the grouping exhaustive.

• Being born
• Dying
• A first job
• Purchase first car
• Birth of first child
• Breaking that first bone
• Loss of a loved one
• Viewing a newly released movie hit
• Losing a first tooth
• Falling in love

Easter 2024 has come and gone. This sacred day has been celebrated in Christian churches for over 2,000 years, a repetition I pray we never grow weary or apathetic in our hearts and minds as we remember Friday’s death that was overcome with Sunday’s resurrection! Jesus’ “one time death and one time resurrection” sealed God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. Romans 6:10 says: “For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God”. 

In our list of “one time events” we can add in the events of Holy Week. On Good Friday the words “it is finished” echoed in church services worldwide. What did Jesus mean when He spoke those words as His spirit left His body?

“It is finished” indicates Christ had finished the redemptive work he set out to do since the first prophecy in Genesis 3 (and likely much before then). Because sin had entered the world, a cup of wrath existed. Either man or God had to drink it. So Jesus set out to fulfill the 300+ prophecies found in the Old Testament, telling how God would come to earth and take our place on the cross. (source: biblestudytools.com)

Another item we can add to the list is our individual attendance of services offered during Holy Week? As I reflect over the past 40 years of my journey of faith, I have clear memories of sanctuaries overflowing with people coming to Easter service. In the church I grew up in, our sanctuary could easily seat over 750 people. Often, the balcony was used for overflow. With each passing year attendance slowly dropped. By the time we left to move from Saginaw, average attendance was well below 100. Although various factors are the cause of great decline, one thing stands out–Easter drew in people who often did not attend church the other 51 weeks of the year. And, today, from my current observations, this remains true.

• Go to church on Easter and/or Christmas

If we only did some things one time, we’d fail miserably: drive a car one time and expect to be excellent, practice a sport and anticipate to be an all-star player, tell our child “I love you” and trust they’ll remember it for life, eat healthy for one day, train one day to run a marathon…I think you get the idea.

The only decision we need to make “one time” is how to respond to God’s gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. His sacrifice will not be repeated again–remember, that was taken care of over 2,000 years ago. However, since that event, we continue to have the opportunity to respond to the gift placed in front of us when the message of the gospel is preached. It is God’s heart that “no one perish”, that you not be separated from Him for all of eternity when you take your last breath.

A beautiful trait of God is that He is patient. He is loving. He is merciful. He also is waiting for each person to respond to Him with the decision of “Lord, I believe….” and IF those words are muttered in death’s last breath, you become His child and will be with Him forever. How do I know this to be true?

My father’s oldest brother chose to live his life not being part of God’s family by attending church or embracing a relationship with Him. As he lay in a hospital bed dying various family members visited and prayed “for” him. Before he left this world, he surrendered and said “yes, Lord, I believe.” He had one last chance and he took it. In his last breath of life in the flesh, God breathed new life into his spirit. 

We are in the final week of Lent, with Sunday’s celebration of the resurrected Christ. Most commonly, we call this holy day Easter. For Christians around the world it has become very sacred in the traditions of the “church”. Altars will be draped in white and purple linens surrounded by white lilies. Triumphal music will fill sanctuaries and auditoriums… as well as crudely made churches in impoverished communities. No matter the magnificent or humble decor, the message will be the same–Christ crucified has conquered death and rose from its grip–proclaiming victory over a grave and a strong message to satan that he did not win.

What can you and I glean from the resurrection story? 

A trip to Israel is not complete unless one visits the supposed burial tomb of Jesus. Located in a beautiful garden, visitors from around the world line up for an opportunity to step inside and briefly gaze on the slab of stone where His body lay. Interestingly, as folks stand in line there’s a lot of chatter and conversation in the waiting, but as soon as several people can actually be inside the tomb, reverence silence descends in the tight space, bringing about bittersweet awareness that “this” is where a beaten, pierced, bloodied body of a beloved savior was laid to rest.

While our particular group was guided through the garden, our hostess told us a beautiful story from years ago. A number of men from Korea had come to Israel to work on a major building project. Their financial resources were limited and the men made an inquiry asking “what can we do or go that does not cost a lot of money?” They were instructed to visit the Garden of the Tomb because admission is “free”. Those who have preserved the garden and volunteer as guides have done this because the gospel message is free to all too; they don’t want any hindrance to someone hearing the “good news” of salvation. Our guide continued the story telling us that the men came. They walked through the garden, saw the place where we believe the cross was placed for Christ’s crucifixion and the tomb for burial. Elegantly laced into the account these men heard–as does anyone listening to their experience–was the “why” behind Jesus dying on a cross, for the redemption of ALL mankind and that He did so willingly even though under tremendous suffering. What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The men numbered about 30 in all, and upon hearing the gospel message they fell to their knees and said they wanted to follow Jesus, too. They were moved towards the cross’ message of salvation because this person Jesus–whom they most likely were not taught about–gave His life willingly so their sins could be forgiven and the gift of eternal life delivered in an instant to a receptive heart.

The message those men responded to years ago still echoes today in the caverns of minds and hearts that hear words of Christ’s  great sacrifice, rejection, humiliation, but above all–love and hope! That is the message God wants all of us to hear loud and clear, the well known words of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. While that verse is beautiful and holds incredible truth, we often forget verse 17 that comes next…”For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” In verse 18 John instructs us “whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed”....and further into verse 19 an admonition…”Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil”.

Resurrection Sunday reminds us of God’s plan for mankind. Woven into history from the beginning of time, His plan of salvation came to pass according to His perfect timing when Jesus left heaven, born as a baby in humble surroundings, growing to adulthood and ministering to all who were curious about Him, teaching us how to love and foster reconciliation with our enemies. Through Jesus each one of us has an opportunity to step out of our own dark deeds and into His light, leaving past sins behind, embracing new life.

What can you glean from the resurrection story? Is this holy day merely another day to mark off your calendar? In the fray of egg hunts and baskets of candy that seem to now outweigh the actual trappings of Good Friday through Sunday, will you be like one of the 30 men who heard for the “first” time, God’s immense love for them and fall to your knees in gratitude?

I know a lot of hurting people who are “empty” inside and weighed down by life’s hurts and struggles. But God! By giving us Jesus who overcame every obstacle in front of Him, we can gaze upon an “empty” tomb and be “filled” with new life, renewed hope, and everlasting life.

Christ is risen! May you experience the hope that Resurrection Sunday gives to all who place their trust in Jesus. 

I’ve attended my fair share of parades over the years from childhood until the present. Standing or sitting on a curbside street with a crowd of people of all ages, everyone eagerly anticipating the appearance of the “first” float is invigorating. Scattered among the floats are often musicians, clowns, folks walking or riding on floats, each one meant to entertain us and enjoying our shouts of joy and applause as they pass by, making their way along the parade route, and as the last entry passes, the crowds quiet, cheers fade to casual conversations, families disperse and soon the street returns to normal traffic.

We have reached the point in the season of lent referred to as “Palm Sunday”.  Palm Sunday remembers and celebrates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as foretold in a prophecy in the Old Testament in Isaiah and Zechariah. 

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Prior to entering the city, a week ahead of what was to come–His death and resurrection–Jesus spent time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Under a weight of deep anguish He is before His Father, face planted on the ground actually, prayerfully crying out  “if there be any other way….”

When we visited Israel in 2019 the Mount of Olives and the Garden were part of our tour. Both places were awe inspiring to me as I became aware that I was walking and standing on ground that carried Jesus’ feet 2,000 years ago. The garden is small. Its atmosphere is one of tremendous serenity and its well cared for grounds boast of a beauty I cannot describe. Standing on the mount, looking down at the “old city” and its walls that surround it, gave me yet another sense of awe and feeling God’s supernatural presence. 

Our tour also took us inside the walls of the “old city”. The streets are narrow. They are filled with pedestrians and even small cars making sharp turns to navigate the buildings that house shops, places of study, homes. As I walked along the streets during our time in the city, I tried imagining a time all those years ago when Jesus made His entry on a donkey, people standing on the sidelines cheering for Him and believing that He was coming in order to give them victory to topple Rome.  Jesus did come to defeat an enemy, but not the one they had in mind. Instead, He came to defeat the enemies of sin, death, and the devil that ensnared every man and woman since Adam and Eve.

So why did the people wave palm branches and place them at the feet of Jesus’ colt? No doubt, in Palestine, where Jesus ministered, there were plenty of palm trees scattered throughout the land. But what is the meaning of “palm branches”? According to Easton’s bible dictionary,  the branches and trees actually have a significant meaning. People didn’t just grab whatever leaves they could find for no reason. “Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9) . “Rising with slender stems 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen.” The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., “the land of palms.” (source: biblestudytools.com)

I want to take you back to when I gazed at the Eastern Gate. Standing on the Mount of Olives gives the eyes a very clear observation of the gate which is sealed. In 1541 the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman ordered the gate sealed for the final time. Why? It was either to defend the city or because he wanted to prevent the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy of the Messiah’s return through the Golden Gate. I found myself laughing as I listened to our tour guide explain man’s attempt to actually prohibit Christ’s return through this heavily bricked wall. Afterall, if a huge boulder that sealed a tomb could not contain a resurrected body, how will a stone wall prevent His triumphal return at a future time not indicated on our calendar, but only noted on God’s timeline. (Read Matthew 24)

When the Jewish people lined the streets cheering and giving praises to Jesus their motives were from a place of individual desperation and ignorance understanding God’s plan which would unfold for them in the coming days. We, who now have all of scripture which is recorded history of these events, have a choice to observe Palm Sunday with eyes of deep understanding and appreciation as we reflect on every event from that final week of Jesus’ life among His disciples, followers, and personal enemies.

Many of our churches no longer strew palm branches in our sanctuaries for us to remember this important day in Christian teachings. Yet, even with the absence of a palm branch, as we come together in corporate worship we can lift our voices, raise our hands, and honor the One who came to defeat sin, death, and the devil himself. “This” is a plan worth cheering. “This” is a plan for all to consider and choose whether to be a “spectator” or a “participant”….

The Golden Gate of the Old City wall that has been sealed since 1541, the anticipated entry way for the return of Jesus.

One common method for studying scripture, especially when reading an actual account or a parable, is to insert yourself in the storyline. By asking questions such as “what is the setting?”, “who is speaking”, “who is present?”, “what would you be thinking if you were there, too?” the  reader is able to bring the story to life.

This week I read Mark 14: 12-26 which gives an account of Jesus’ last Passover meal that He celebrated around a table with His disciples. The Passover meal was one in their Jewish tradition that was very familiar and I believe that this particular festive meal posed no differences for them. A guest room had been found. Groceries for the meal were purchased. All was ready as the 12 gathered at the table set before them, reclining as each settled in to enjoy the food and each other’s company.

In the midst of casual conversations around the table, laced with laughter or healthy banter, Jesus offers an interruption that brought a halt to their otherwise bouts of banter and reflections on the day. There is no buffer, no preface for what He’s about to reveal. In a matter of fact way, Jesus declares that “one of you will betray me”.

Immediately, Mark lets us know that the 12 became saddened. I imagine cups were set down on the table. Postures took on a rigid stance. Platters ladened with food were now ignored. All eyes are on Jesus now and each disciple begins uttering “is it me?” “Is it me?”.

The only answer given is that “it is one of you….” the disciples are left hanging, their only clue is that it is one of the 12 at the table, who has feasted with them, who has walked with them and Jesus during his three years of ministry. But Jesus doesn’t leave the 12 in the midst of their dismay, questions, or saddened emotions. He interrupts the atmosphere again, taking up bread and cup, to reveal a new mystery–a broken body that is to come, represented by common bread, and a drink cup–most likely wine–to personify the shed blood which is to come.

The season of Lent is drawing close to the end. The account here in Mark is often referred to as “The Last Supper” which is where we Christians derive our celebration referred to as “communion”. Now, instead of 12 disciples around a table, millions of believers around the world participate in this sacrament…but sadly, instead of “one” person being singled out as a betrayer of Christ, many of us fall short. But God!

Through the shedding of Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins, by actively participating in building a sincere relationship with Him, we are not seen as the “one” who betrays, rather God considers us His child, a saint made righteous by the shedding of His son’s blood and our response to that sacrifice.

Lent offers us an opportunity to surrender any apathy we have toward God, family, friends, or neighbors. Just as Jesus was actively present with the 12 around a festive table that began with common foods and later served under a new teaching, a new directive–to eat, drink and remember–we have God’s active presence in our lives, too.

This Lent, may you receive His love for you in the offering of His body and blood. May we all feast at the table He has set before us to remember His sacrifice for all.

“What are you free to stop doing and start doing when you know Jesus to be your King?”

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Notice how the first part of the question gives you an opportunity to make a decision for yourself–inside of being free you have the liberty of choosing to stop doing “something” and begin “doing” another thing. In the latter part of the question it allows a decision to actually “know” that Jesus is King. In there lies the rub.

A lot of people I’ve met in my life claim to know God and Jesus, but He wasn’t King of their lives. Let’s be honest, we humans don’t like being told what to do; this is an area I still struggle with in my own personality. Recognizing this character flaw is why I like Step 3 from Celebrate Recovery: “Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control”. 

What about “free will”?

There is a context in which the position of free will does have biblical support: the grave responsibility of making choices. Because beneath the canopy of God’s sovereignty, man does have free will. In the beginning, God established the principle of choice by giving Adam and Eve an entire garden containing a forbidden tree—this, but not that—a thread that weaves through the tapestry of future generations into the present.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” (John 7:17)

Scripture also states clearly that…

• making choices is a crucial part of our lives 
• that we will all be held accountable for the choices that we make 
• and that our choices can grieve the Lord or please Him (source crosswalk.com)

What do you need to surrender? Maybe it’s how you spend your leisure time. Do you get caught up in scrolling social media comparing your life to someone else? Is there a habit that is causing you deep heartache….visiting websites that are harmful? Pornography is an addiction, not a healthy escape. Do you unwind after a hard day from work with a few drinks? In excess, alcohol is addictive. Even stuffing your emotions with excess food–mainly sugar–is addictive. Did you know that most addictions cause the same responses in the human brain? 

Addiction is now understood to be a brain disease. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription pain pills, gambling, nicotine or something else, overcoming an addiction isn’t as simple as just stopping or exercising greater control over impulses. That’s because addiction develops when the pleasure circuits in the brain get overwhelmed, in a way that can become chronic and sometimes even permanent. This is what’s at play when you hear about reward “systems” or “pathways” and the role of dopamine when it comes to addiction. (source yalemedicine.org)

What do you need to surrender?  Maybe now is the time to take a heartfelt inventory of your life, your character flaws, evaluate what you think you know about Jesus and move towards taking a seat in the humility section of life and ask  some hard questions. Find people who have known Jesus for a long time, whose lives you watch and wonder how they are kind, loving, full of peace and joy…no matter their circumstances.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11:28)

These are the very words of Jesus. He offers an invitation to “all”. Weariness creates feeling burdened, but there is hope!  He acknowledges our struggles and pain and remedies it with “rest”…..the kind of rest that our addictions cannot give!

At Celebrate Recovery I’ve met people who have surrendered their addiction to pornography, gambling, anger, pride, alcohol and drugs, codependency….numerous habits.  As a group of flawed men and women, we are surrendering….adopting healthy habits….leaning into Jesus….and bringing the good news of Jesus to others.

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Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at Fowlerville United Brethren in Christ Church. Meetings begin with a meal at 6 followed by large group at 7. We have several groups for men and women for a variety of recovery struggles: sexual integrity, chemical substance abuse, general issues, codependency, and *mental health (*women only at this time) All adults age 18+ are welcome! Meetings are safe & confidential. For more information please email: celebraterecovery@fowlervilleub.org

Habits. We all have some. Grabbing your first cup of coffee each morning. Looking out your window to take in the morning view, checking the weather, making breakfast, watching the clock to get showered and in the car if you have a regular job to get to on time. 

Habits are good. They keep us on an orderly schedule if followed with discipline. Some habits are not beneficial to us…sleeping in too long which causes stress getting out the door on time. Stopping for a drive through breakfast which decreases finances and increases caloric intake that maybe isn’t the healthiest option if chosen far too often. 

Personally, I no longer have a regular job outside our home that dictates my morning schedule. It’s rare that I need to be “somewhere” most mornings which allows me the luxury of waking when I’m ready, grabbing a mug of coffee that’s already been brewed, and settling in my usual chair with my Bible, notebook, and whichever devotional I’m currently using to take me through scripture. My favorite is the YouVersion app which is downloaded on my phone. 

What about “spiritual habits”?  Lent is a good time to start some good habits. Where to begin? This season is a great time to begin making prayer a daily habit. If you try structuring your life around God but don’t take the time to talk to Him, you will find it difficult to keep your desired focus on God. 

If you’re not sure where or how to begin praying, I suggest praying through the Lord’s Prayer: 

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

These are Jesus’ own words from Matthew 6: 5-15.

Finding time to pray doesn’t not have to be cumbersome. God isn’t looking for that perfect person who is able to devote lengthy minutes or hours in solitude with Him–although there are some devout Christ followers who enjoy that luxury! No, what He truly loves is that we give Him a portion of our day talking with Him. You might do so as you shower…on your commute to work…maybe sitting alone at a table in your lunch room at work or school…going for a walk on your break. Wherever you can carve out intentional time, remember He is with you always as a constant companion, a best friend waiting for a good conversation!

May  you feel encouraged today and always that God is always waiting to draw near to you and nothing you say to Him could ever stop Him from loving you. Nothing–!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4: 6