Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

When I was new to recovery from my various addictions, the Lord led me into a traditional 12 Step recovery program before leading me more directly into His Church. There I was introduced to the concept that before I could properly work the 12 Steps I had to take the step before the first step. This involved entering into a relationship with truth. When the founder of that program wrote about this, he was not referring to the “cash register” variety of truth but to Biblical Truth (John 14:6). It is important to remember that the natural or unsaved man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God . . . (1 Corinthians 2:14). Around the recovery tables we have seen many who just were not “getting it”. Too often this was because they wouldn’t or couldn’t stay away from their compulsive disorder(s). Many times, a person’s pride in or arrogance about their circumstance of life (i.e. education, profession, social status, religious convictions) stood in their way as well. Those who still suffered these maladies were often referred to as being “stuck on stupid.” From a past study of marijuana abuse by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, Info & Facts 2009) this is referred to as possibly “functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all the time.” Although the NIDA was focusing on daily marijuana abuse, I strongly suspect this refers to continuing abuse of other substances, other compulsive disorders. I believe this can also apply to Christians who continue to justify some sin(s) because it is pleasurable, profitable, convenient . . .. I also believe that sin is the ultimate addiction – we all have it and will continue to be affected by it (Romans 3:23). Unfortunately, it is all too easy (for me included) to see others as worse than ourselves and to deny, minimize and/or justify our own sin (see Luke 18:9-14, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector).Many of us are sincerely seeking revival and the healing of our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 clearly indicates this must begin with the GOD’s own people. As I continue the process of examining myself in the light of Truth (2 Corinthians 13:5) I recognize the job’s not done yet.

​Shalom, Pastor Bill