Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery Habersham

http://celebrate.freeyellow.com/
Thank you Lord for the blessing you have bestowed upon Celebrate Recovery Habersham.  I would like to extend my appreciation to all leaders and volunteers that dedicate their time to this ministry.  Celebrate Recovery Habersham is a place to bask in God's Love. It is a time of worsip, a time of healing, and time of sharing His abundant Grace with others in Celebration.  Please don't miss an opportunity to experience this ministry. The sharing of Psalm 116 and the Testimony was awesome. Selah!
Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“LORD, save me!”
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10 I trusted in the LORD when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”
12 What shall I return to the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, LORD;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—
in your midst, Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!
May God guide Celebrate Recovery at Lifepoint Church in the footsteps of Celebrate Recovery Habersham. Thanks again for your support!

Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin

Often in my life, like Belshazzar, I see the writing on the wall, but I fail to understand the significance of the true meaning behind the words.  Steeped in my intellectual pride and blinded by my epistomological hubris, I am unable to discern the true meaning of the words.
 "Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin."Dan 5:25
It is at this point, that I can either stubbornly try to lean on my own fallible logic in an attempt to decipher the true meaning of the words, or I can call for my own personal "Daniel" in my life for discernment.  When I do this, do I not find myself in the same position as Belzhazzar?  Perhaps I am given advice and words of caution by the one who offers to provide an explanation for me.  Do I dismiss the "writing on the wall" if I am not in agreeance with it?  Am I gripped with fear if the words incict me?  Do I try to avoid culpability for my own sin? Do I take this opportunity, to practice acceptance and repentance.  Do I apologize for my arrogance and make ammends for my sins? I am convinced that God puts people in our lives, to help us interpret the "writing on the wall", to accept the truth, and to give us an opportunity to repent.  I know that when I stand in judgement before the King of  Kings, I will be held accountable.  Dear Lord, just for today, help me listen to the "Daniels" in my life that God has given me.  Help me to abandon my own knowledge Lord for for your truth articulated so clearly by the your messengers, who open my ears to the sunlight of the spirit, which shines truth on all. Selah!

Anonymously following Him bringing light to the world...

Wow, Thank you my anonymous friend for bringing light where there was darkness! Your simple inquiry about the spiritual drought evidenced by my lack of blog posts landed with impecable accuracy in my heart...Complete transparency begs me to humbly admit that in the days between my last post and this Monday, November 29th, I had abandoned my Bride at the altar, straying from the aisle and wandering away from the path of righteousness most gracefully afforded to me despite my unworthiness. I have wallowed in shame, riddled by guilt, I disguised my contempt for my own hypocrisy in anger. In my hour of darkness I beseeched forgiveness. And from the depths of my aching heart with humble contrition, I dropped to my knees and declared victory over the stranglehold of despair that obscured His Truth. Holy Holy Holy With the Holy Spirit rekindled, and the scales on my eyes removed, I see clearly the path before me. Thank You for shining the light on that path, whatever moved you to comment was IMHO God's Grace working through you. May Blessings abound in your life and may you feel His Love shine from me to you. Selah! Jhn 8:12


Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Romans 5

Romans 5

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I wake this Monday in peace.  Miraculously, no fears or worries cloud my mind today.  This morning, I am choosing to simply bask in faith and stand in His Grace today! In Thanksgiving, I start my day; grateful for a multitude of blessings.  I know that God is constantly with me, molding me into a new man.  God, I humbly ask for your strength today.  I am nothing without you.  In the past, I jumped out of the boat, not on faith, but to vainly attempt to prove my self-sufficiency. I flailed, swimming with all my strength against the tide in rebellion, but was powerless and was swept away by a secular world of sin.  Lord, I am in the middle of the boat today,  Once again I am ready to step out of the boat, but this time on faith and your promises.  Thank you Lord, for you are a God of mercy and redemption.  I love you.

Celebrate Recovery

God has opened a door along my path of recovery, inviting me to carry my bride Jesus accross the threshold of that doorway to Celebrate  Recovery ( http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ ). I have finally stepped up my commitment to recovery into the house, no longer keeping my "Christian World" of church brothers and sisters, separate from my AA/NA family of recovery.  My prayer is for a smooth reconcilliation between these two worlds...my fears are many, and I know they are unfounded lies planted by the enemy who desires my destruction.  I am no longer afraid to speak these truths.  God, please continue to give me strength and boldness of tongue to speak the Truth. Help Lord to press in, press in, press in.  Take away my anger, my cynism when they arise.  Help me remember, just how fragile and precious this very moment is.  Let me savor my Savior, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me up. I know Lord that there is truly strength in admitting my weakness.  Give me Your Courage to share my brokeness and my willingness to accept the gift that was given by God to humanity; through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Selah!

Brokeness...

What does it mean to be broken, poor in spirit, humble? For me personally, it means taking a journey in my head, remembering the place and the time in my life when I had exhausted my own resources, my own intellect, reason, and capacity to manage my own life, my thoughts, my feelings and my actions.  Unfortunately, there have been many times in my life where I have figuratively waived the white flag of surrender, turning over my will to others, to God, for help...realizing that my own self-sufficiency had failed and that I could not do it on my own.  Sometimes, in my own stubborness and pride, as soon as the pain faded away, I wrestled back some semblance of what I perceived as self-dignity, and took control of the wheel, directing the show, and doing my best to "manage well."  When things did not work out as I planned, I was quick to point my finger, placing blame on someone else, some external event or force that derailed my well laid plans for success and happiness.  And yes, I am not proud to say, that once again, I would turn back to my own self-sufficiency over and over again, repeating this same pattern, until I became completely broke, powerless, undeniably convinced that left to my own devices, I am nothing! Oh God, please let me never forget this!  Help me please remember that my own will for my life, never works out.  Reveal your plans for me God! Remind me of my brokeness on a daily basis!  Give me a contrite heart! But let me also, walk quietly...listening...for there are times, when I disgrace you.  Understanding the paradox that there is strength in weakness, I take your word, and twist it, using my humbleness as a some sort of pretense, for honor.  Forgive me Lord, for even in my brokeness, my ego flexes.  I build my self up as the best of the worst! I use my pain for gain.  Oh God, turn me inside out!  Hear my cries~Do I need to be knocked down again?  Help me lay to rest these things that I despise in myself.  Let your Love replace the hurt, the anger, the shame that lie behind my false righteousness!  Make me knew again Lord...know my heart...climb inside Lord, take the wheel, please?  Hear my words, bring me peace, I ache, I long, I yurn for you, for salvation, peace, love, redemption.  I am at your Cross this morning Lord, asking for your help, Come.

Be humble...

Phl 2:3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.  Self, self, self.  Let me be removed of the bondage of self.  Oh, how I struggle with my selfish ways and thoughts...I pray for mercy and grace; that I may be healed, and become whole and walk humbly, restored through redemption. Today, may I take measure of the twelve steps that will lead me to the Cross.  Selah...

He brought me out into an open place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
  —Psalms 18:19
Dear Lord,
When I wandered off the path; when my steps were my own; when I took back from You, what I called my own; Your loving hands were there; for one so undeserving; You picked me up again, and wrapped Your arms around me; whispering gently; Your promises and The Truth.  When you delight in me, I am undone.  I am in an open place, exposed to the world, as the day I was born.  I give you my praise.

 Psa16:8 
⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
      I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
My sweet, sweet Lord,
Your Holy Spirit lives in me this morning.  I feel your presence inside of me.  Oh, let your light shine through me.  Let my steps be yours, let me speak your words, let my eyes see the beauty in all your creation.  I give your my heart today Lord.  I give you my soul. Catch me as I jump off the cliff of this world, into your arms, I know you will catch me. Selah.

Morning Prayer.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for Today.  Let me rejoice today in the struggle and pain that spring from my own weaknesses and provide a foundation of opportunities to change my own ways.  Let me abandon the notion that I know what is good and right; align my motives with your will.  Give me your strength this morning Lord, that I may fight Your battle, not mine.  Use me today God to bring good to this world, letting me give of myself, rather than take for myself.  Show me my errors and correct me when I stray from Your path.  Put words in my mouth, to encourage and minister to others, who may be sharing my burdens, and struggling in the wilderness of this world.  Thank you Lord for the simple things, that are given freely, by Grace and often over-looked as trivial, but truly blessings in themselves.  Selah.

James 2:14

Everlasting Love

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. —Jeremiah 31:3

Whenever I take the time to seek the lord, asking for some word of encouragement to pierce my world-worn heart of indifference, He catches me off guard, reminding me of His unending Love for me, I am undone.  Such was the case this morning, when the verse above, brought me back to my moment of Grace, my Salvation, I am undone, amazed and filled with gratitude; the tears welled in my eyes, Thank You Lord for your Everlasting Love.  Selah

You will fill me with joy in your presence. —Psalm 16:11

I dragged myself out of bed early this morning and took a walk with my yorkies up my back trail.  I was filled with peacefulness and joy.  Recently, I have neglected my prayer time in the morning hour, leaving just enough time to slap a shirt and tie together and hit the road for the office.  Thank You God, for delivering me from my slumber this morning.  May I continue, to put aside time at the beginning of my day, to honor you in prayer, and remember to walk in the Joy of your Grace-filled presence as I beginning each day! Selah.

Nehemiah

The message of today's sermon on the book of Nehemiah and it's relevance to Lifepoint Church and Kindom-building was powerful; impacting my heart. I learned the book of Nehemiah is a platform for God's account of His faithful servants.  It is clear that Nehemia was proud of his wall-builders. He valued them for their commitment and sacrifice. They dropped what they were doing, their livelihoods and families, to do back-breaking work. Nehemiah knew that it would not have been completed without these people. Likewise at Lifepoint Church there is a group of 40 people, serving God faithfully in a similar fashion.  Introspectively, my heart ached, pierced by the arrow of truth. I humbly questioned whether I was among the accounted 40.  With humility I accept my name's likely omission. I hover on the fringe, aware of my shortcomings, knowing I could be doing so much more.  Thank you Lord, for providing discernment, and prayers over me today, that I may heal my heart, in order to be a useful servant, building the walls, sustaining the foundation and furthering the ordained commission of Lifepoint Church.  Selah

Walk in the Light

My prayer for all today, is that we walk in the light, bearing witness where there is darkness, carrying His Love, sharing His Word in order to change hearts and lives.  Selah.

Working Toward That Day

Phl 3:12

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.

I am working toward that day, immersing myself in His word.  Each day, when I read and study the Bible, I am humbly realizing how little I know, affirming that "more shall be revealed." As He leads me towards His purpose, reminding me... John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 

Christian Counseling

As my faith and spirituality have developed over the last 5 years since I became a child of God, I have been led by the Holy Spirit in both my personal and professional life.  Although I have fallen short of God's expectations for me, I continue to strive forward on the path that I discern through my daily prayer.  God continues to open doors and close others.  I too, persist in taking my own will back frequently, and am learning to humbly accept the frailty and shortcomings of human capacity; my sin nature.  One door that I believe God has led me through is in the professional arena of addiction counseling.  By his grace, I have been provided an opportunity to fulfill a portion of his Great Commission in a secular world.  However, as I become more convicted of purpose in life, I am beginning to discern a bend in the straight path of secular addiction counseling.  I have taken a turn, with His guidance, towards Professional Christian Counseling.  The last 5 years, during the Certification process for addiction counseling has provided me an opportunity, to cross paths with many gifted professional Christian Counselors in the addiction counseling field.  Each time, in the course of my conversations, whether at Conferences and Seminars, or in the daily practice of addiction counseling, I have felt a nudge, in that direction.  I once again would like to humbly reiterate, my lack of knowledge in this new arena.  There is so much to learn and I understand, from my initial undertakings in my internet explorations of the field, there are a number of paths to consider. Here are just a few of the websites that I have been dipping into:  www.acadc.org  www.aacc.net  www.ncca.org  www.ccef.org  www.christiancounseling.com  www.christianpsych.org

Craving The Pure Milk of The Word

What a great day!  His Word has come alive today and once again, I am held captive by His Love!

1 Peter 2:2  Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation

1 Peter 2:3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
I found myself on the Assembly of God website today because I am a new member of an Lifepoint Church in Gainesville www.lifepointgainesville.com and I felt it was my duty to delve deeper into the core beliefs of a church of which I claimed to be a member.  As I was studying and reading the 16 Fundamental Truths, I found myself, referencing the scripture with the aid of www.Blueletterbible.com and www.Biblegateway.com  , I ended up on a rabbit-trail, completely immersed in a sense of insatiable craving to know more of truth.  I realized, just how little I know!  I pondered the idea of progressive sanctification, wondering whether this aligned itself with the Assembly of God's approach to the fundamental truths  www.ag.org .  I found myself so caught up in my own spiraling, man-made, epistemological and teleological debate, that I I almost became overwhelmed, and then was granted, a spiritual peace, spoken to me through His Word, that I would be carried along by the Holy Spirit, at a pace of His choosing.
2 Peter 1:21  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 
2 Peter 1:3  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
I humbly accept that I am just a babe in Christ, and know so little, but so much!  I know that his Glory and Goodness will continue to be revealed.  Thank You Lord! 

 
Romans 8:26  
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  
Spirit of God, pray in me, through me, 
and in spite of me. Amen.
Sometimes, it is the simplest of morning devotions, that move me the greatest. Thank You God, for keeping it simple today, for without out you, I tend to complicate things. 
 
 

Prayer in the Morning

Prayer in the morning is essential for my spiritual development.  I wish I could say I have reached the point where my morning prayer time occurs ritualistically.  I usually fall short in my commitment to prayer time in the morning during my busy work week, when I am rising at 5 AM, and consumed with the responsibilites of the day ahead.  On these early mornings, I find myself, running around like the proverbial chicken with his head cut off, I pray in my car during my commute to my office.  However, prayer times on weekend mornings allows me to delve into His Word and spend at least an hour in prayer and reading morning devotionals from Crosswalk  http://www.crosswalk.com/  and Charisma Magazine http://www.crosswalk.com/  .  Weekends also afford me the opportunity, to really listen to the Holy Spirt giiding me in my life.  Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. I always begin my prayers with supplication, praying for the forgiveness of my sins.  I open the door to my heart, to my mind,  to my soul, knocking; so that the Holy Spirit may show God's will for me. I pray with the Holy Spirit, listening.  1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  I know that God has a plan for my life.  I also know that I have free will.  I humbly ask God to take away my will,  I lay myself on His alter, turning my life over to Him.   This morning, I was given assurance that He hears my prayers.  I saw God smiling, knodding his head, inviting me to bring my life into harmony with His will. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.  Dear Lord, Abba Father, I give all my Love to you.  I humbly ask for your forgiveness, guidance and strength to do your will.  Come to me Holy Spirit, let me bathe in your living waters, that I may shine in Your Light.  Oh sweet Jesus, teach me your ways, help me share Your Love with those whose path crosses mine on this day,
Amen.