Lenten Devotional - Day 37

Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:1-21

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” (Rom. 5:1-2)

  Peace is an elusive concept. In cultural terms, it may be the absence of war. But humans know on a very gut, instinctual level that there is a different kind of peace. We’re not sure how to find it or even what it might feel like when we get there, but we search for it in many ways. Some think they will find it if they make enough money, if they buy a bigger car, if they get a different job, a different spouse. It might be hiding in the bottom of a bottle or in the next pill. The search grows, consuming the searcher’s time, money, talents, until there is nothing left. But the search cannot stop. Like an infection, the searching moves from one member of the family to the next, leaving discontent and fear in its wake. Searching wears us down, shuts us down, and takes us down. Like a shiny object, it distracts us and disrupts our plans, our hopes and our dreams.

  Active addiction is a never-ending search, not only for the addict but also for those who love and care for her. While the addict is searching for his next high, his release from pain, the family is searching for the next treatment option, the way they can “cure” their loved one or, at the very least, keep him safe. Unsuspecting but caring individuals have been bilked out of millions of dollars trying to find the magic cure for what ails them, ranging from home remedies to expensive, intensive therapies at exotic locations to torture disguised as therapy.

  Thank God that His grace has the power to interrupt this cycle of searching! God’s grace is the antibiotic for our fear, the chain-breaker, and the peace-bringer. “My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”  (Isaiah 54:10). But how do we, as people of God, participate in the movement of the Holy Spirit to bring hope and peace to searchers? Pandita Ramabai, a social reformer and educator from India, said, “People must not only hear about the kingdom of God but they must see it in actual operation, on a small scale perhaps and in imperfect form, but a real demonstration nevertheless.” Your steps, however small and imperfect they may be, will set you on the path to peace. Resolve today to take a step.

Susan Perry, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Our ability to see God’s grace alive and well around us.

Click Here PDF - Day 37 Devotion

Informational Resources

National Clearinghouse of Drug and Alcohol Information

The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is the world's largest resource for current information and materials about AOD.

Lenten Devotional - Day 34

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

“As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you." See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor. 6:1-2)

  “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” Paul is eager to redirect the Corinthians attention to view the gospel of God’s grace witnessed around them with an urgency for fear that they will “accept the grace of God in vain” (v. 1). The fervent urgency of his comments begs the question: Why have the Corinthian Christians failed to see salvation and grace in their midst?

  As an addictions counselor, I began to understand that God had given me a remarkable opportunity to witness God at work in the world in ways I never imagined. At first I believed my responsibility was simply to help these individuals recover from their addiction. What I received was unexpected and lead me to a deeper understanding of my faith and practice. I had witnessed the amazing grace of God in these recovering people and I had obtained a wonderful gift.

  Paul summons us and the Corinthians to see and hear the cries of our own neighbors as they struggle with a host of problems. When we fail to acknowledge these cries for grace and salvation we are missing out on receiving a wonderful gift both for the church and us. Our inattention to their suffering leads us to the possibility “to accept the grace of God in vain.” (v. 1) Paul is calling us to not delay, “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (v. 2) this is the day we are called to act. Paul reminds the Corinthians that in day’s past he took the time to listen to them and helped them to gain salvation. Now it is our turn to do the same for our neighbor.

  Paul urges the church to open their hearts. Paul reminds the church that the gospel calls them to establish new patterns of responsibility and behavior toward the community around them. These new patterns should be reflected in their actions of gratitude, in the same way that God's gracious acts had been shown within their lives. Like the Corinthians, churches today struggle to know how to live faithfully and with gratitude. Sometimes that struggle produces strain in the very relationships that are meant to help church members live authentically and graciously. For Paul, failing to love one another is a sign of accepting the grace of God "in vain." Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to exhibit faithfulness, not simply through words, but through action. Now is the time to live as witnesses of God's new creation.

  As a counselor, I relied upon the movement of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the Holy Spirit calls me to patiently wait for the “acceptable time” when a AOD dependent individual was ready to surrender. When I thought, all might be lost, God surprised me. At the acceptable time the Holy Spirit led me to right moment, that God was preparing.

Lee McDermott, Contributor

Remember in Prayer:  Ask God to give you the patience to watch and wait for the "acceptable time" to do what is appropriate.

Click Here PDF - Day 34 Devotion

Lenten Devotional - Day Nine

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15-16)

  It takes courage to admit, even to yourself, that you need help, that life has spun out of control because of addiction. To acknowledge the ways you’ve harmed yourself and others is not for the faint of heart. We increase our burden when we think of God and fear a great disciplining parent in the sky, ready to dole out the punishment we deserve.

  The fact is, all of us deserve punishment for our waywardness; the addict is no different from the person who seems to have it all together. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. That is why we need and have a Savior in the person of Jesus Christ. Not only do we have a Savior, we have someone who understands why we might have a deep-seeded desire to escape the reality of this life, even if that escape is through substances that end up making things worse. Jesus knows what it means to be human and live in this fallen world. He was betrayed by one of his closest followers. Jesus grieved at the tomb of his good friend Lazarus. Jesus was the target of others’ scorn. The devil visited Jesus and tempted him to deny his status as God’s beloved Son. Jesus many times could have taken the easy way out, the way that did not involve a cross, but he did not.

  Jesus understands how we are tested, the trials and troubles we have seen. Not only does he understand, he shows us mercy because he knows how hard it is, and he remembers that we are human. We don’t have to fear a parent’s wrath. Instead, we can come confidently to Jesus, knowing he will offer pardon…and not just pardon, but mercy and grace to help us in our time of need, not just in our time of confession.

  Let us pray for all who fear God, that they may know our Savior’s grace and favor. Let us pray for fear to be transformed into confidence that will then guide them on a new path.

Alice Tondora, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Individuals finding it difficult to admit to their problems and need courage to move forward.

 Click Here PDF - Day Nine Devotion

Informational Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science

Wide range of information related to research, studies, and facts on drug abuse. www.drugabuse.gov/