There but for the Grace of God go I...

Celebrate Recovery

2011-01-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-09-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-09-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-09-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-16T03:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

Last night, a friend and I were discussing James 2:14 Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone as it relates to living out our faith in Christ. I told my friend last night that my Biblical understanding is extremely shallow, but God's Grace has continually reminded me that I my faith is best expressed through love; that is centered in Christ. I must live out my faith, not just mouth the words. Here in, lies my biggest struggle as a Christian, for I can profess my faith assuredly, pointing to God's Grace evidenced in the mere fact that I am actually breathing air at this very moment. Where I fail miserably as a Christian is carrying this faith into my daily interactions with others outside the church walls. I am reminded that in Galatians 5:6 What is important is faith expressing itself in love. My prayer for today, is that as I go forth, I consistently carry His Love with me in all of my thoughts and actions. Selah

Everlasting Love

2010-07-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-28T05:14:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Follow Me

2010-02-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

My sweet brothers and sisters, I love you. I'm born again, Emmanuel, God's Love lives in me! Hear and share my prayers, that the Holy Spirit will take hold of our lives and never let go. Oh if we could just love each other all the time the way Jesus loves us. Cast off the weight of this world and free yourself of the yoke the hinders you from knowing Him. It's moments like these, when my heart shines with God's Grace, when the weight is lifted, when the chains are broken, that I am given a glimpse of heaven. I pray earnestly with all my heart, with an abundance of sincerity, with faith unbounded, that you come to know God. In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Trust that He will forgive your sins. Repent my brothers and sisters! Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life^[h] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Though the path is narrow, it leads to truth. So let's lose our life and share His Love, with the lost and the broken. Cast down your nets; let go of your tenuous grip on the things of this world. They are but a fleeting illusion of true contentment and pale in comparison to the gifts that He has given us already. Selah!

Let Your Light Shine Before Men

2010-01-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

Mat 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Not much time to blog this morning as I am running late. The Daniel fast has refocused my priorities. Emanuel! The Daniel fast has let the Holy Spirit shine in me. The switch is flipped. Oh but today is a busy day. Let God be with me! I am beginning a brand new alcohol and drug addiction group today. Coincidently, 12 new participants! Setting the tone for the Alcohol and Drug Treatment group is always vital to it's ultimate success. I pray that God guides me today and that my light shines before the men and women in my group, that they may see my Love for them, that I may guide them to God's Grace and Redemption. That the light that was given to me, may light the path of another who is in darkness, stumbling...struggling...unaware of the bountiful and endless Love in Jesus's name, Amen.

Faith and Fasting and Prayer

2010-01-13T03:21:00.000-08:00

The book of James speaks of our faith; instructing us to "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8 James says that we will have trials to our faith. Faith that the trials we experience through Fasting and Prayer will lead us to a deeper relationship with our God is paramount to every Christian. I pray this morning that if you are participating in the Daniel Fast, that you have Faith that great things will come about. Oh Dear Brothers and Sisters! Do not participate in the Daniel Fast half-heartedly, but rather with great expectations that blessings will come, whether it be wisdom or the miracles of His Healing, put no boundaries on your expectations of God, for if you have the faith of a grain of mustard seed, His promise to you will ensue! Selah!

Press On

2010-01-12T04:37:00.000-08:00

Press on my dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. For if you are anything like me, you are also like Paul. Paul's letters strike a chord in the symphony of my life. His story resonates in my soul. I identify with Paul's words. I get it! As the son of an Episcopal Priest I was steeped in the righteousness of the Episcopal doctrines and rituals. Yet despite the nature of my religious pedigree, I was dead to the Holy Spirit; a secular free-spirit, a neo-hippie-child, I proclaimed no religion but Mother Earth sharing my disdain for religion and viewing Christians as gullible sheep, duped into following a false path blindly. Unarguably and quite simply, I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until the scales fell off my eyes. Similarly, I was traveling my personal own road to Damascus, dying slowly from my addictions, I walked alone until one day my chains were broken. There but for the Grace of God, I was saved! Although my conversion was less of a blinding light and more of the educational variety, my conversion was genuine. Born again and Baptized as an affirmation of my Love for him. I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb. It is painful for me to look into the drug glazed eyes of my past life. But the pain of the past is washed away by His living water. Today, He is the harmony of new song in the symphony of my existence. I grow in my faith each day. Today I can gladly declare that "He lives in me!" My comprehension of Paul's letter in Philippians 3 is like that of a new child; it carries a familiar tone singing the melody of my Love of Jesus. The tempo increases as I press on and I am lifted into the heavens. Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Am I A Hypocrite?

2010-01-11T03:38:00.000-08:00

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:16-18). Am I a hypocrite for sharing my experience of fasting through my blog? If there are those who believe so, that is their right and my feelings are not hurt. I will not go to work, telling others of my intent of fasting for the next 21 days. On the contrary, I will go today, carrying with me, His strength; energized and recharged. I am bristling with excitement about the great things that will come as a result of this fast. Thank you Lord, for Your Power...You are alive in me this morning. So many Mondays I have started my work week in Anger and Resentment that the weekend was too short and the tasks of the week ahead are looming large, like dark shadows; consuming. Today though, it is just the opposite. You alone will Light my way today, may I be guided today by the Holy Spirit, that I may be used to do your will. Selah!

Daniel Fast

2010-01-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again; a time when I renew my commitment to Christ by choosing to participate in the
Daniel Fast. The concept of a Daniel fast comes from Daniel 1:8-14, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.’
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.”The background of the Daniel fast is that Daniel and his three friends had been deported to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians conquered Judah (2 Kings 24:13-14). Daniel and his three friends were put into the Babylonian court servant “training program.” Part of the program was learning Babylonian customs, beliefs, laws, and practices. The eating habits of the Babylonians were not in complete agreement with the Mosaic Law. As a result, Daniel asked if he and his three friends could be excused from eating the meat (which was likely sacrificed to Babylonian false gods and idols).
So, a Daniel fast is eating only fruits and vegetables for a certain amount of time and abstaining from meat products. Some people use a Daniel fast as a dieting method. Some people use a Daniel fast instead of fasting from food entirely. The Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. (Taken from http://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-fast.html )Please also see the article on Christian fasting. For more information on the Daniel fast see: http://DanielFast.wordpress.com and http://www.thosewhohunger.blogspot.com )
Dear Lord,
Thank you Father, for your provisions. You alone have amply provided sustenance. Forgive me for frequently overlooking the blessings that You have bestowed upon me. Forgive me Lord for taking credit for earning the things of this world. I know that there are many unfortunates, more worthy than I who will go without the basic necessities. I am guilty of substituting creature comforts in place of Your Love. May I once again, reaffirm, that you alone are sufficient.

Vision Class at Lifepoint Church in Gainesville, GA

2009-12-01T04:13:00.000-08:00

This morning, I pray that God's Vision for Lifepoint Church comes into focus and fruition. I pray Lord, that your hand carries your flock to Vision Class tomorrow evening. May Lifepoint Church grow and flourish, ministering to God's Children, that they may come to know and love the Lord. I pray that blessings upon the Vision Class at Lifepoint Church. May His knowledge be revealed, that others may discover the faith, hope and love of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:9-10 "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"
http://www.lifepointgainesville.com/

An Attitude of Gratitude...Without Ceasing.

2009-11-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 1:15-20 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what [is] the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly [places],
1 Thessalonians 2:18 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
Dear Lord, Thank you for your Amazing Grace, for Salvation. Thank you for the good times and the bad times, may I always remember that Your Grace is sufficient...Thank you for restoration...taking my train-wreck of a life and offering hope, forgiveness and love. Thank you for delivering Faith to a barren life of self will. Lord...may I always remember "How it was..." before Your Spirit came alive in me. Dear sweet Jesus, your name is power and I am powerless without you...For that, I am truly grateful. Therefore, may I always display an attitude of gratitude and praise your name in prayer and supplication, without ceasing. Selah!

Bait of Satan

2009-11-19T04:03:00.000-08:00

Last night in small group, we concluded the 12 part series by John Bevere, The Bait of Satan. As we wrapped things up in small group, Pastor Dave and his wife Liz encouraged us to share about our personal experiences in overcoming "The Bait of Satan." The concept and process of Redemption was an agreed upon solution to "The Bait of Satan" and was echoed throughout each of our personal testimonies. So how does one go about redeeming themselves from the devil's pitfall of feeling offended by some particular situation or another person's seemingly offensive actions or words? Although the cross covers all of our sins, including the sin of offense, recovering from offense, redemption, is part of the process of a Christian's vigilant attendance, and life-long endeavor, of cleansing oneself spiritually through prayer, supplication and study of His word. In short, the word that "The Bait of Satan" small group study has left in my heart, is that it is vital for us as Christians, to constantly take a spiritual inventory of our lives by applying his the knowledge of His Word in our daily interactions with others. For me personally, recovery from the snair of the Devil, 2 Timothy 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. means not letting the sun go down on some perceived offense either delivered by my hand, or received by my own flawed perception of matters. Eph 4:26 "Be angry, and do not sin": [fn] do not let the sun go down on your wrath, Therefore, as a matter of practical application in my life, I do my best to take a spiritual inventory of my day by entering into His Word before I go to bed or in the morning when I rise. It is only then, when I turn this practice into a ritual of spiritual maintenance, that I stand a chance of overcoming my own flesh, and worldly shortfalls. Selah

T.I.M,E.

2009-11-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

In discussion of the trials and tribulations of life last night, a friend shared with me a helpful acronym that reminded me that God's time frames don't necessarily have to align with my own time frame. My friend said God's time is perfect and when my own expectations that God will provide a solution to my trials and tribulations in a timely manner do not come to fruition, it is because God wants me to walk through these trials by faith, knowing His will be done, not mine. Perhaps God wants me to put more effort into finding a solution. Perhaps he wants me to lean on Him more, to pray more. Perhaps time, as my friend suggested, is an opportunity, to demonstrate my faith. My friend asked me to consider time as Things I Must Earn. I must earn His promises according to his will. If the path that God lays down for me seems less like the golden road to unlimited devotion and more like a goat path over a craggy mountain top, then so be it. Why do I expect God's plan to be obstacle free. Why am I expecting divine solutions to be expedited? Interestingly enough, God fed me a word this morning in my daily meditation that echoed the message my friend delivered to me last night. God's word in Luke 18 reminded me of the fallacy of legalism as it relates to one's expectations. My righteous expectations that I should be rewarded for my diligent attendance to my daily prayer life were crushed. Self-righteously I thought to myself... "I don't understand these trials today...I mean, I started my day in prayer, I even prayed several times in the morning for his guidance and strength. Why am I experiencing an unjust reward? After all, I am a "spiritually centered guy!" I found myself asking "God, why is this happening?" And of course, it hit me like a rock in the head this morning! How could I have allowed such spiritual arrogance to cloud my thinking? Dear God, I ask you humbly for forgiveness this morning. I realize that I am just a babe in Christ. I have so much to learn and know that I will continue to make the blunders along the way. Make me teachable Lord. Help me put aside my hubris of spirituality for it only douses the fire you have lit in my heart. Help me be humble. I know that I must be patient with my expectations in my prayers. I know that the things that you place in front of me on a daily basis, may not always be of my liking. I ask today for a spirit of acceptance. That if I find that the course of my day is interrupted by some trivial trial, that I react to it in a Godly manner, rather than indignantly as if an injustice is being done to me. For I know that it is I who am to blame. Yesterday, I MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY, TO REACT TO A SITUATION BY SHOWING LOVE. INSTEAD, I DEMONSTRATED IMPATIENCE AND INTOLERANCE. FORGIVE ME LORD. I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR GIFTS OF PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE TODAY. I KNOW LORD, THAT WITHOUT A DOUBT, YOU HAVE GIVEN ME YOUR GRACE, MAY I HUMBLY EXTEND IT TODAY, BEING SELF-SACRIFICING TO OTHERS NEEDS BEFORE MY OWN. I KNOW THAT NO SACRIFICE OF MY OWN, DONE A MILLION TIMES OVER WILL EVER MEASURE UP TO THE CROSS. MAY I BE REMINDED THAT YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT! Selah...

7 x 70!

2009-11-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

Healing rain fell down on our small group tonight...Thank you Lord, for your abundant forgiveness. Thank you Lord, for reminding us to forgive those who trespass against us. We know that our forgiveness of others will never measure up. Although we will fall short in offering forgiveness, I pray that we will strive to forgive others of their transgressions, one sin at a time. When I think of the times in my life when I actually came close to 7 x 70 sins in a day needing forgiveness, I am dumbfounded by the enormity of my sin nature before salvation! Dear Lord, Your word and Your Holy Spirit soaked my soul tonight...my heart actually grew two sizes as I realized the frailness of my human capacity without Your tender Grace and Mercy...Once again...in Your presence...and Your presence was thick, I was undone. I surrender. When I least expect it, I am caught off guard, in moments like these, in fellowship with my christian brothers and sisters, I am reminded that You are an oasis in the desert of our collective sin nature. Thank you Lord for drawing me close to You tonight. I pray that I may share Your Love, Your Mercy, and Your Forgiveness with others, the way it has rained down upon my life. Selah!

2009-11-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

Mat 15:8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being by my side this week at work and with my family. I must confess, as the week wore on, my time spend in Your Word waned and by the weekend, the tares had sprung up where I had planted the good seed. I pray God, that you restore my vigilance; that I may spend time with Your Holy Word on a daily basis, not just 4 out of 7 days a week. I pray that today at Lifepoint, you reveal Your Knowledge, that others may discern Your Will for their lives. May I be reminded of Your Way and may I use Your Strength, to grow Your Kingdom. Amen

The Sower of the Word

2009-10-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Word of God is infallible and the might of it's power is unfathonable. Yet so many times we as Christians, let His Word fall by the wayside. I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of turning a deaf ear to the awesome Word of God. Usually, I am wrapped up in some triviality of modern day life. May I become an eager and willing listener like Isaiah.

Isa 6:9 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.

Isa 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Isa 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Jesus brought the Word to his desciples through the use parables; an earthly story with a spiritual truth. The simplicity of an agricultural parable should have been a "no brainer" to the masses for whom farming was an integral part of their daily existence and sustenance. Any common man should have been able to draw applications from the garden parables in Jesus' teachings. Yet many failed to listen, lest apply to their lives. May I be the first to admit, as an avid gardener, I have ignored one of the basic tenets of harvesting spiritual truths from His Word. I have left my garden untended and untilled. I did not fertilize, mulch, water or weed the seeds that were sown by His Hand.
Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Mark 4:3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
Mark 4:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
Mark 4:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Mark 4:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:
Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.
Mark 4:13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:14 The sower soweth the word.
Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
Mark 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
Mark 4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Mark 4:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Mark 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mark 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
Mark 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Mark 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mark 4:31 [It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Mark 4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
Mark4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].
Mark 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Jesus' parable of the sower and the seed were told by Matthew, Mark and Luke. How many times must I read this story before applying it to my daily existence. The simplicity of his message is staggeringly clear!

Luk 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
Luk 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Luk 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
Luk 8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
Luk 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Luk 8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
Luk 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luk 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luk 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Luk 8:13 They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.
Luk 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed; but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luk 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Dear Sweet Jesus, Oh Father in Heaven, Come Holy Spirit,
For my ears are open wide and my heart is rekindled. May your Word fan the flames and burn forever. Thank you for keeping it simple, for it is I who makes it complicated. I pray now that I am vigilant in my efforts to keep the fire that burns in my soul lit. I pray now that I am conscientious and diligent in the manner in which I tend to the seed that You have sown. Thank You Lord for the knowledge that you continue to provide me. May my ears be open and my heart remain willing. Selah!

The Parable of The Sower

2009-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I noticed on the church website, http://www.lifepointgainesville.com/, that Pastor Dave was going to preach a sermon titled, "The Seed Snatcher." I thought it best that I prepare the soil.

Mat 13:18 "Now here is the explanation of the story I told about the farmer sowing grain:
Mat 13:19 The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the Good News about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches the seed away from their hearts.
Mat 13:20 The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy.
Mat 13:21 But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word.
Mat 13:22 The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.
Mat 13:23 The good soil represents the hearts of those who truly accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted."

Dear Lord,
Thank you for supplying me with ample seed to replant the fields of my faith. I pray that this time, I sow your seed in the good soil you have provided. I know I am guilty of living my life on the hard ground by my own will. Season after season, I have stood by idly, like a fair-weather farmer and allowed His seed to fall on rocky ground. I have turned my back on the fertile fields you have supplied me. I have let the thorns grow thick. I have carlessly allowed the evil one to come and snatch the seed from my heart. I pray earnestly now my Lord for Your strength to work the good ground that You have provided, for your mercy is great. I have the tools you have provided to tend and work the field. May my efforts bear fruits and multiply Your Kingdom. Selah

Keeping It Simple Today....

2009-10-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

This verse just jumped off the page this morning...May God's words be my own today, may I be used to do His will not mine own....Help me today Lord, that others may see the your Grace which lies behind the veil that was torn for our salvation.
Psa 60:11 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man [is] useless.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

2009-10-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

I remember the first time I heard these words, they resonated in my ears and were etched in my mind for ever. Why did they have such an impact on me....simply because I was living a life of lies and steeped in the carnal ways come to life of sin and ungodliness. Whenever I am tempted or I catch a glimpse of some ungodly behavior of mine, I return to this verse, for me, it is the "Gold Standard" for right living. In my heart, because I have accepted Jesus as my savior, the Holy Spirit helps me discern the truth and separate it from my own flawed perspective of a situation. For me personally, this does not come easy and I must be vigilant to keep myself focused on God's spiritual path of Grace freely given to me. It means developing a daily routine and consistent ritual of His word in prayer, study and worship. This blog is one of the tools that I use to stay spiritually grounded. Of course, I can't always be reading His word and blogging, that's where the meditation, prayer and worship act as valuable tools that remind me of the Truth, His Word.

Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
My online travels, guided by the Holy Spirit, landed me on a great website with a thoughtful reflection on the necessity for all of us to do a daily thorough, self-examination of our attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, etc...asking ourselves, Are they of God?
http://www.revival-library.org/leadership/rq_selfexam.php

Self-examination

Are we guilty?
Now let us take our sins one by one and deal with each transgression separately. And let us ask ourselves the following questions. It may be we are guilty and God will speak to us.
(1) Have we forgiven everyone? Is there any malice, spite, hatred or enmity in our hearts? Do we cherish grudges; and have we refused to be reconciled?
(2) Do we get angry? Are there any uprisings within? Is it true that we still lose our tempers? Does wrath hold us at times in its grip?
(3) Is there any feeling of jealousy? When another is preferred before us does it make us envious and uncomfortable? Do we get jealous of those who can pray, speak and do things better than we can?
(4) Do we get impatient and irritated? Do little things vex and annoy, or, are we sweet, calm and unruffled under all circumstances?
(5) Are we offended easily? When people fail to notice us and pass by without speaking does it hurt? If others are made much of and we are neglected how do we feel about it?
(6) Is there any pride in our hearts? Are we puffed up, do we think a great deal of our own position and attainments?
(7) Have we been dishonest? Is our business open and above reproach? Do we give a yard for a yard and a pound for a pound? Are we honest in our statements. or do we exaggerate and thus convey false impressions?
(8) Have we been gossiping about people? Do we slander the character of others? Are we talebearers and busybodies?
(9) Do we criticize unlovingly, harshly, severely? Are we always finding fault and looking for the flaws in others?
(10) Do we rob God? Have we stolen time that belongs to Him? Has our money been withheld?
(11) Are we guilty of the sin of unbelief? In spite of all He has done for us do we still refuse to believe the promises of His Word?
(12) Have we committed the sin of prayerlessness? Are we intercessors? Do we pray? How much time are we spending on our knees? Have we crowded prayer out of our lives?
(13) Are we neglecting God's Word? How many chapters do we read each day? Are we Bible students? Do we draw our source of supply from the Scriptures?
(14) Are we burdened for the salvation of souls ? Have we a love for the lost ? Is there any compassion in our hearts for those who are perishing ?
(15) Have we failed to confess Christ openly? Are we ashamed of Jesus? Do we keep our mouths closed when we are surrounded by worldly people? Are we witnessing daily?
(16) Are our lives filled with lightness and frivolity? Is our conduct unseemly? Would the world by our actions consider us on its side?
(17) Have we wronged any one and failed to make restitution? Or, has the spirit of Zacchaeus possessed us? Have we restored the many little things that God has shown us?
(18) Are we worried or anxious? Do we fail to trust God for our temporal and spiritual needs? Are we continually crossing bridges before we come to them?
(19) Are we guilty of lustful thoughts? Do we allow our minds to harbor impure and unholy imaginations?

Seedtime and Harvest

2009-10-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Mark 4:14 The sower sows the word.
Mark 4:15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Mark 4:16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
Mark 4:17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
Mark 4:18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; [they are] the ones who hear the word,
Mark 4:19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept [it], and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
Dear Lord,
I pray that Your Seed lands in my heart this morning. Let me hear your Word, that I may sow in the fertile field of hope and salvation that You have given me to minister to others. I pray now for Your knowledge, that I may use it to grow Your Kingdom and do Your Will. I love You, God. Lead me, guide me, and point me in the direction You have sown for me. Selah

Freedom From Bondage

2009-10-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Dear Daddy, Sweet Lord, I pray that today that I may be a witness that the spirit of Christ is alive in me. May my actions along with my words, be a testimony to others. Selah

My Sin, Estrangement , Petition and Prayer for Forgiveness and Redemption

2009-10-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Sin leads me to an estrangement from God. Sin is a reality. Sin is a barrier. It is part of my ego and leads to selfishness and self-centeredness that blocks me from God and from others. My sin affects my relationships with family, friends, coworkers and strangers. I must surrender my life to God. I must do this daily, dying of myself so that the Holy Spirit may come alive in me. In order for me to sustain this relationship with God, I must develop a manner of living, a daily routine that allows me to surrender my will and my ego every morning in prayer and thankfulness for His Grace and His Mercy. Most importantly, at the end of the day, I must humbly confess my sins to God, asking for forgiveness while knowing He has already forgiven. I must be willing to do this on a daily basis for the rest of my life in order to be cured of my spiritual disease. I pray that the "Great Physician and Divine Healer" will guide my "Soul Surgery" and cure my shortcomings that I may experience a genuine change in my life. I accept and understand that despite the abundance of Grace that He has bestowed upon my life, there will be trials along the narrow path. I fear I am of the "educational variety" in the heavenly gardens of spiritual conversions. Yet still, I pray, I seek, I yearn for a "White Light Experience"..."Perhaps more pennance?" (my self delusions run rampant). Oh Lord I seek a dynamic life change! I must confess that in the past few months, even my focus on helping others as an Certified Addiction Counselor became more about me and my career and less about those around me who are sufferring. Dear Lord, I sincerely petition, you in earnest; to once again, light my soul on fire so I may burn with Love for You and your creations. Let me hunger for Your Word, Let me thirst for Your wisdom. Guide me. Lead me. Sweet Jesus, I lay my life down on your path, may you find me disarmed once again, prone for your capture. Selah!

Fear and Loathing in the Morning?

2009-10-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

Fear and Loathing in the Morning

I awoke this day in fear, restless, irritable, discontent. My mind swam with work related worries...about appointments, co-workers, paperwork, etc...I knew immediately that these feelings and my accompanying emotions were not of the Light but rather delusions of self, bent on self-destructions and put in place by the darkness meant to erode the fertile ground around my seed of faith. My action was to resolutely turn to morning meditation of His Word and discern His Will for me today, which I knew almost certainly was not one embodying a destructive nature, but one of redemption and uplifting.

Psalms 64:1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
I begin my morning meditation then by praying it in. I ask God to give me a word to derail my fear. Lord teach us to pray...Luke 11:1
I asked Him to reaffirm that His Will for my life is one of healing.
I know God that you revealed yourself as Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord your Healer, Exod 15:26).

I know in my heart that He wants to heal those who are sick and hurting.
By beginning my day in meditation and prayer, I give Him the opportunity to heal me first.
By coming to Him in prayer based on His Word and listening for His Will, I then become His instrument.
I am reminded that it is up to me to sustain my personal relationship to the Lord Jesus.
I believe that God has healed me to remind others and stand as an example of His Amazing Grace and Healing Powers and Redemption.
Therefore, Lord, I petition you to give me Your Strength today to carry with me as I proceed.
May darkness and fear disappear and Your Light shine down and guide me. May I be reminded of Your Grace and all the goodness in the world. May I be a messenger as Saint Francis of Assissi was:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Morning Revelation

2009-10-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Skipped the Third Day Family Picnic yesterday at Verizon Amphitheater in Alpharetta due to a self-imposed financial diet I am trying to stay on...the "bloggers" said it was a great show b/c it turned into an opportunity to raise money for those devastated by recent flooding. I have already been to two Revelation tour shows anyway so I made due with the album and listened to what He had to say about my life in the last month or so...
My life,
Has led me down the road that's so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way,
Trying to find the faith that's gone
This time,
I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You

My life,
Has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn I'm always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without...

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won't You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it's the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation...

I've got nothing without You
I've got nothing without You...this is the one thing I am certain of and can be sure of...No matter where I am, He will be there with me...Dear Lord, I pray that you let Your Love live in my heart. Thank You for all you have done for me...Thank You for the good times and the tough times...Forgive me as I may forgive others today...May Your Will for my life be revealed as you wish...you are the Conductor, may I follow your lead...I know you hear my heart crying out for you...May, I learn to be vigilant in listening for Your Word, Your Will, Your Way and practice putting my own aside,
Amen

Jeremiah 29:11-13

2009-08-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all you have done for me...I have wandered and found myself astray. I have let the worries of the world weigh me down and make me weary. When I should have turned to you, I instead looked for comfort in the pleasures of this secular world. God, I thank you for awakening me out of my sinful slumber. I know now you were with me as I stumbled. How many times must I repeat the same mistakes? How many times must I buy into the fallacy of this fallen world. Oh Lord, forgive me! I am yours to do with me as thy will. I pray Lord that you fill my heart once again; that I may share your unfaltering love for humanity with others in order to do thy will! Hear my cries Lord for they come from the bottom of my heart, where the seed of truth was planted. May it grow again. May I follow the way of the righteous, in your footsteps, with your Holy Spirit alive in me....Selah!

Words from Jesus

2009-07-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

My precious one, My repentant and forgiven child, I have seen your tears. I have felt your remorse. Come into My arms of forgiveness and mercy and let Me wipe away the sorrows of condemnation.
He that is forgiven for much also loves much, learns much from past mistakes, and learns to forgive others for their mistakes. The eyes of criticalness are converted into eyes of love and forgiveness, knowing how much you have been forgiven for. You have been given a new lease on life, a new outlook, a new vision.

2009-07-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

God's Grace....His Plan Unfolds...

2009-06-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

OK...I passed! Thank You God for this miracle for I surely thought I failed. My sweet Lord, my apologies for doubting you...for second guessing your plan for me...Let Go and Let God I did not...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...Psalm 37:23"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 "But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)"I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye." Psalm 32:8 "The Lord will guide you continually ..."Isaiah 58:11"O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Jeremiah 10:23"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:4,7 God's Word clearly tells me that He is in charge of my life. It's so obvious to me now...There is really no reason for me to be alive, breathing air considering all the foolish maneuvers I pulled off back in my drug crazed daze. Surely he saved one or two brain cells to help me go on and get certified as an addiction counselor. So whats next? I don't know, but He does...I can relax now...enjoy my 10% raise in my salary, and wait patiently for Him to give me direction. It's really weird, reflecting on the path He has dragged me on despit my resistance. My downward spiral was the Devil's path for my destruction; beginning with losing my provisional certification and contract as a special ed teacher, dropping out of my Masters degree program and eventually being told to leave my home by my wife,leading to living in my RV, failing to get any job to pay bills and eventually getting to the point of not being able to even feed myself,drowning in alcoholism, over-dosing on pills, hitting Rock-Bottom, and then by God's Grace finding my way to Detox, going directly to residential treatment facility for 7 months, getting hired by a state agency as a Counselor and starting on the path of my 4 year quest towards Certification as an Certified Addiction Counselor II, even while on His path, I faltered. I slipped into the trap of the Devil: self-doubt and self-deprecation...Oh ye of little faith... "C'est Moi!" Yes my faith hath faltered and He has delivered despite myself. Yes Lord, I surrender again...Hello God...whose move is it? I am listening...

Peace, Be Still....

2009-06-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning with the words of wisdom in my ears from Dr. Karen Kelly, who has helped me a great deal in preparation for my Board Exams. "Be sure, that you know, what you know." Coincidentally, on the eve of my Oral Board Exams, I returned, 5 years to the date of me entering residential treatment program, to an AA meeting that was instrumental in giving me my foundation in sobriety, held at a Presbyterian church on Peachtree Corners in Alpharetta, Georgia. Miraculously, another mentor of mine was returning to the meeting to visit after a hiatus of two years, to pick up an 11 year chip as I picked up my 5 year. He told me that he had just passed his Board Exams in January. His advice also echoed Dr. Kelly's, instructing me to think about what I did on a daily basis with the addicts I work with and make it real and "keep in simple. Don't try to impress them with what you know." As I sat in the meeting, I reflected upon where I came from and where God has brought me to. I am truly grateful for His Grace, for it is sufficient whether He wants me to pass or He wants to teach me more about perseverance, patience, commitment, dignity, and a simple task that I often forget..."To Thy Own Self Be True"..In other words, it is imperative and paramount in order to sustain my usefulness to other addicts, that I model, loving myself as He loves me. For in my fear, I recognize that I unwittingly dishonored His work, as the supreme potter of this Fresh Clay...as His Hands work the wheel of life. Amen, Amen and Amen.

Fear of Failure

2009-05-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Fear has over-taken me. I am caught in the devil's web of lies; telling me I will not succeed. Oh help me Lord! How may times have I cried out to you to drive this fear out of my life. I know the pattern, I understand it's deceit yet I trudge forward, bogged down. Cumbersome weight growing heavier each day I procrastinate. Self-sabotage, I play the tape that I know so well. Guide me Lord! I need your strength. Loose the chains that bind me from fulfilling your purpose for me. Open my mind to your knowledge. The path narrows, take my hand and walk with me.

Day 40 Living with Purpose

2009-02-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

I am actually writing this post, almost two months after my 40 days of Purpose. Towards the end of the 40 days, I felt challenged to find time to write in my blog. Since then, I have completely abandoned blogging. I have to admit, I miss it. I miss my daily routine of getting up in the morning, starting my day off meditating on his word, praying for direction, and turning my life over to His direction. Although I have continued to keep God in my life, my level of commitment has waned and I have put other things of this world, such as work related tasks and routine household chores on the front burner. My biggest excuse for getting sidetracked lately has been my wife having ankle surgery and having to lay low on household responsibilites for the last two months. I felt justified for putting time into other areas of need in my life. I pray that I will get back on track soon, I feel Him calling me, I feel him pulling.

Day 39: Balancing Your Life

2009-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Day 38: Becoming A World-Class Christian

2009-02-12T04:11:00.000-08:00

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.
Psalms 67:2 May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.
Philippians 2:4 Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
1 Corinthians 2:12 And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
Last night at church, the youth pastor mentioned a mission trip to Nicaragua again. I have been toying with the idea of going on a mission trip for quite sometime now. I usually talk myself out of it due to selfish motivations, such as "I would have to use my summer vacation time at work" and that "I have been saving my Delta Sky Miles for a trip to Europe not a third-world country." I pray that if God sees this mission trip to Nicaragua in His plans for me, that he will help make it happen. I also pray Lord, that I do those things that are expected of me by you to make this trip happen. Help me Lord, get out of myself, and into this great big world to carry Your Love and Your Grace and Your Good News to others less fortunate than myself.
Amen

Day 37: Sharing Your Life Message

2009-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

1 John 5:10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself
2 Corinthians 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
Your Life Message has four parts to it:
- Your testimony: the story of how you began a relationship with Jesus
- Your life lessons: the most important lessons God has taught you
- Your godly passions: the issues God shaped that you care about most
- The Good News: the message of salvation
Divide your testimony into four parts:
1. What my life was like before I met Jesus
2. How I realized I needed Jesus
3. How I committed my life to Jesus
4. The difference Jesus has made in my life.
You have many other testimonies besides your salvation story. You have a story for every experience in which God has helped you. You should make a list of all the problems circumstances, and crises that God has brought you through. Then be sensitive and use the story that your unbelieving friend will relate to best. Different situations call for different testimonies.
Point to Ponder: God wants to say something to the world through me.
Verse: “Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect,”
Question: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with

Day 36: Made For a Mission

2009-02-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

Jesus Freakin at WinterJam

2009-02-09T03:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Jam rocked last night! Lot's of decisions made last night for Him. I also think it was great for the young peeps, our small group from the Torch, to party-down with Jesus, in an environment which was uplifting and positive. I just wish they had reached out to some of the teens they know who are not completely sold out on Jesus yet and invited them to the show. Toby Mac, Brandon Heath, Hawk Nelson and Newsong were great. Toby won a Grammy last night during the show, Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album...He brought down the house!

TOBY MAC - JESUS FREAK
What will people think
When they hear that I"m a Jesus Freak?
What will people do
When they find that its true?
Separated, I cut myself clean
From a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams
Been apprehended by a spiritual force
And a grace that replaced all the me Ive divorced
I saw a man with tat on his big fat belly
It wiggled around like marmalade jelly
It took me a while to catch what it said
Cause I had to match the rhythm
Of his belly with my head
jesus saves is what it raved in a typical tattoo green
He stood on a box in the middle of the city
And claimed he had a dream
What will people think
When they hear that Im a jesus freak
What will people do when they find that its true
I dont really care if they label me a jesus freak
There aint no disguising the truth
Kamikaze, my death is gain
Ive been marked by my maker
A peculiar display
The high and lofty, they see me as weak
Cause I wont live and die for the power they seek
There was a man from the desert with naps in his head
The sand that he walked was also his bed
The words that he spoke made the people assume
There wasnt too much left in the upper room
With skins on his back and hair on his face
They thought he was strange by the locusts he ate
The pharisees tripped when they heard him speak
Until the king took the head of this jesus freak
People say Im strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
People say Im strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
What will people think
[what will people think]
What will people do
[what will people do]
I dont really care
[what else can I say]
There aint no disguising the truth

Day 35: God's Power in Your Weakness

2009-02-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

2Cr 12:9 My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.2Cr 13:4 Although he died on the cross in weakness, he now lives by the mighty power of God. We, too, are weak, but we live in him and have God's power--the power we use in dealing with you
"A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change. Everyone has weaknesses. In fact, you have a bundle of flaws and imperfections: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Usually we deny our weaknesses, defend them, excuse them, hide them, and resent them. This prevents God from using them the way he desires. When you think of the limitation in your life, you may be tempted to
conclude, “God could never use me.” But God is never limited by our limitations.

Day 34: Thinking Like a Servant

2009-02-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Service starts in your mind.
1) Servants think more about others than about themselves
2) Servants think like stewards, not owners
3) Servants think about their work, not what others are doing
4) Servants base their identity in Christ
5) Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation
The closer you get to Jesus the less you need to promote yourself.
It begins with thinking not less OF me but less ABOUT me. Think of others first.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Day 33: How Real Servants Act

2009-02-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

"Gotta Serve Somebody"
(Bob Dylan Lyrics from Slow Train Coming 1979)

You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage,
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage,
You may be a business man or some high degree thief,
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk,
You may be the head of some big TV network,
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame,
You may be living in another country under another name

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You may be a construction worker working on a home,
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome,
You might own guns and you might even own tanks,
You might be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride,
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side,
You may be workin' in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair,
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk,
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk,
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread,
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy,
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy,
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray,
You may call me anything but no matter what you say

You're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody.
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

These words have always carried weight for me. Especially in the daze when I was serving myself and the devil. These words echo a reminder that I have made a decision to serve the Lord. I must remind myself of that decision constantly. God knows my decision to serve Him. He knows my heart. He sees me when no one else is watching. He is watching to see how I serve Him. In Heaven, I will give an accounting of my servitude to Him...that is what counts. Often, I am too concerned with my image as a Christian... I want others to know that I serve the Lord. Why is it important to me for others know that I am a servant of God? My honest answer is that it makes me feel better about myself because I spent so many years being a self-centered shmuck. I know that I am forgiven and must do a better job being OK with that. I still have a tendency to want to affirm to myself and to others that I am on the path of redemption trying to give back what I spent years taking away." “You can tell what they are by what they do.” Matthew 7:16
In our self-serving culture with its me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept. We all want a piece of the lime-light. Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you. Knowing this, don’t be discouraged when your service is unnoticed or taken for granted. Keep on serving God! “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Even the smallest service is noticed by God and will be rewarded. Remember the words of Jesus: “If, as my representatives, you give even a cup of cold water to a little child, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42

Day 32: Thinking about my purpose

2009-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Point to ponder: God deserves my best.
Verse to Remember: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Question to Consider: How can I make the best use of what God has given me?
Sometimes, on days like these, when I have not presented myself to God as one approved, when I am ashamed of my effort as His workman, when moments of selfish martyrdom seem OK, when I am full of cynicism, when I am cranky, when I am not much fun to be around, when I let my yoke weigh me down, when I trudge begrudgingly through the mire of my workday that I have created for myself at the office, when even the drive home is void of a sense of relief, when none of the Christian songs on my car stereo are able to pull me out of my tailspin of self pity and doubt, when the simple tasking of greeting my daughter and wife with a smile seems to take the last of my energy, when my Yorkie goes to bed mad because we didn't do playtime, when I have to force myself to read the Purpose Driven Life, when pondering my purpose becomes a belaborous task, when opening my laptop to blog is an obligatory gesture rather than an act of worship...that is when...God deserves my best... When I let fear creep inside me today, I pushed you aside, when I doubted the abilities and gifts that you have given me, I doubted you. Forgive me God for falling short of the mark today. I pray tomorrow, when I wake, I will greet the new day with your Love in my heart, your words of truth in my head and your knowledge of your purpose for my life.

Day 32: Using What God Gave You

2009-02-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

"Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant"Mark 10:43"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."2 Timothy 2:15 "Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be."Romans 12:5 God deserves my best. He shaped me for a purpose, and He expects me to make the most of what I have been given.

The Torch Worship Center - View/Listen Online

2009-02-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

The Torch Worship Center - View/Listen Online

Day 31: Understanding Your Shape

2009-02-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

Romans 12:6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well...Romans 12:7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching.Rom 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it!
Point to Ponder: Nobody else can be me. (I must say humbly, and with a note of self-deprecation that it is a blessing that there is only one of me! I have been told more than a few times that I broke the mold!"
Verse to Remember: 1 Peter 4:10 God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.
Question to Consider: What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church? "I am waiting patiently for an opportunity to share my testimony, my personal story of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction and my salvation. I have shared my story many times as a speaker in 12 step meetings. Maybe one day I will share my testimony with my brothers and sisters at my church. Oh I do not try to hide it from my brothers and sisters at church and share briefly when I feel led. I am forgiven and do not walk in darkness anymore but in light. However, I do not share my personal recovery story with my clients at work, not just because the counseling process is not about me, but because the clinical setting that I work in leans more towards the application and employment of a set of counseling skill groups and encourages the use of "best practices" which are often cognitive and behaviorally based within the framework of a government agency. That is not to say that the counseling process is devoid of spirituality...for certain there days when the spirit is thick and those who I am counseling can feel His presence without a mention that He is present...I pray that they see His shape in my shape, His will guiding my role as their counselor, I hope they see His light shining through my eyes, His love for humanity crying out...Calling them into the light...but for the time being, I continue to abide by His call and I am focusing on completing my certification, honing my counseling skills and immersing my self in His Word for a time in the future, when I hear His Call to go forward and carry His message of Grace and Salvation to all who are struggling and suffering in the stranglehold of addiction. Oh Bless our God for He is with us and is our redeemer. Emanuel! Haggo'el!

Day 30: Shaped for Serving God

2009-02-02T16:49:00.001-08:00

God has given me an assignment. I have been shaped to serve God as an addiction counselor.
Spiritual Gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience
I have fulfilled all of the educational requirements, completed my Clinical Supervision hours, passed my written examination, submitted my case history which was accepted and I will stand before members of the Certification Board on February 28, 2009. Please pray for me this month as I prepare for my Oral Examination.

Day 29: Accepting Your Assignment

2009-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

We are put on earth to make a contribution. Eph 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Anyone reading this who has truly been delivered from a life of hedonism and narcissism knows that God's grace and salvation was bestowed so you could fulfill His purpose as part of His plan for you. Warren writes

"Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. In light of these incredible benefits Paul concluded, "Because of God's great mercy...Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service."

Our living sacrifice for God, our service to do God's work in this world is our ministry. Ministry goes beyond what most people consider traditional ministries such as service as a missionary, a pastor, nun or other full time church worker. Ministry is being useful to God. Often, it means sacrificing your own self-interests, sublimating your personal wants and needs in order to serve His purpose. When you stand before God to give an accounting for your life, will you be able to tell God that you made a difference in his world? Will your legacy reflect God's purpose? Warren tells us "What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived. Warren finishes Day 29 with an apt assumption; that many of us who have been redeemed and found salvation, will offer up excuses for not being involved in some sort of ministry. Warren's Point to Ponder: Service is not optional. Warren's Question to Consider: What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve him?

Day 28: It Takes Time

2009-02-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

There are no short-cuts to spiritual maturity. The Apostle Paul said that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. He assured us that once this process is begun, God will complete this process according to His plan. Phl 1:6 And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Like a fruit ripening, spiritual maturity takes time. Eph 4:13 ...we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Eph 4:14 Then we will no longer be like children...Rick Warren reminds us that spiritual maturity is a process. He encourages us to cooperate with God stating "Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it."(pg 221 PDL)Wouldn't it be great if all of our defects of character were miraculously removed? There is no doubt that many of us have experienced God's miraculous power move us forward spiritually, However, it is wise to remember that we are all God's "miracle in the works." Our universal experiences teach us His life lessons, "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season" Unfortunately, character development is a long process. Warren encourages us to be patient with ourselves and others around us, looking for the good, rather than fault-finding. PBPGINFWMY: Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finish With Me Yet! Selah!

Day 27: Defeating Temptation

2009-01-31T04:01:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."The battle for sin is won or lost in you mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you...Temptation begins by capturing your attention...Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it...keep your mind occupied with God's Word and other good thoughts." Remind yourself of God's grace in your life...For me, it's my mantra...There but for the Grace of God go I... To defeat temptation, turn your thoughts to discipleship, for if you are fighting to win souls, with Christ at your side, His Grace will abound, and temptation will be the last thing on your mind. 2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Calling All Alcoholics and Addicts: God Wants To Help

2009-01-31T03:52:00.000-08:00

Believe that God is and rewards those who seek Him: (Hebrews 11:6—“But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”)
He will heal all that obey His commandments: (Exodus 15:26—[the LORD] . . said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”). (Psalm 103:2-3—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases”).
God’s commandments and love summarized: (1) 1 Timothy 2:3-4—“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (2) John 3:16-17—“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (3) Matthew 22:36-40—Master, which is the great commandment in the law. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (4) 1 John 5:3—“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
Ask according to His will: (1) 1 John 5:14-15—“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (2) 1 Samuel 3:10—“And the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for the servant heareth.” (3) Acts 22:8, 10—“And I answered, Who art thou , Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecuted. . . . And I said, What shall I do Lord?” (4) John 14:13—“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (5) John 15:16—“. . . that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Call out, as one of His children, asking for deliverance in accordance with His promises: (1) Psalm 92:14-16—“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (2) Psalm 55:16-17—“As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (3) Psalm 107:19-20—“Then they cry unto the LORD in their troubles, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml

Toby Mac: Winter Jam 2009

2009-01-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

Toby Mac is headlining Winter Jam on February 8, 2009 in Duluth, GA at the Gwinnett Center Arena. Toby Mac was the “GMA Artist Of The Year” for 2008, and will headline the tour with special guests Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters (on select dates), and new artists Francesca Battistelli and Stephanie Smith. NewSong will host the evening, which will feature Tony Nolan as the guest speaker.
What's weird is about the show is the “no tickets” policy that allows people to simply pay $10 at the door for admission...can't beat that price...I am taking our small group from The Torch for a night of fun and fellowship...hopefully everyone that goes will get in...

Day 26: Growing Through Temptation

2009-01-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

Temptation is ubiquitous. Even Jesus faced temptation. Temptation is a reality for all Christians. Temptation insidiously and methodically works it's way into our lives when we least expect it...often when we believe we are walking a committed spiritual path because Satan does not like to see us strive to be Christ-like. As Christians, we are targeted by Satan. Satan identifies a desire within you, produces doubt and deception and replaces His Word with twisted version of truth...we know what to do and how to act, yet we still give in to temptation. When we succumb to temptation, we are making a choice to disobey His word which clearly instructs us how to handle temptation.
James 1:14 Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. James 1:15 These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death.
James 1:16 So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. [fn] Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
James 1:18 In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
James 1:20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
James 1:21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.
James 1:22 And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself.
James 1:23 For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve
1 Corinthians 10:13 But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
When temptation comes ask for God's help. Recite His Word. Pray for His strength to resist. Invite the Holy Spirit to intercede. Make the choice to resist the temptation and give in to sin knowing that it will make God happy. Don't be afraid to call a brother or sister in Christ for support to help you resist acting on the temptation. When you do succeed in resisting temptation, give the Glory to God, for although you made a choice to obey Him, it was his Grace that brought you through to the other side! Dear Father, thank you for allowing me to recognize the patterns of temptation in my life. Help me resist the temptation to slip back into my old ways of thinking and acting. I humbly ask you to forgive me for my poor choices in the past. I need your strength and wisdom to conquer my sin nature because by my own will, I am defeated. I need your guidance and your wisdom in order to make the choices in my life that will bring you honor and glory. I pray that I will grow more like Christ every day.

Day 25: Transformed By Trouble

2009-01-29T03:37:00.000-08:00

God has a purpose behind every problem. Warren writes "God uses problems to draw us closer to himself. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit Your most profound and intimate experience of worship will likely be in your darkest days-when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great-and you turn to God alone. It is during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-God prayers. When we're in pain, we don't have the energy for superficial prayers." Warren nails it when he writes, "You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got." When I think back to my darkest days of addiction, I am baffled by the fact that I am still breathing air. Like many addicts, I tried my best to self-destruct, whether through intentional overdosing or reckless behavior which put my own life and others around me at risk. Addicts often, upon becoming sober, marvel as to why God, who is in control, choice to wrap His arms of protection around them. During some of my darker days at the outset of treatment at a half-way house, I had some questions for God as I wrestled with understanding His plan for me. I remember asking God, why me? I thought with all the tragedy in the world, certainly there is someone more deserving than I. My Aha moment was his answer to me: I was to fulfill His purpose for me, to minister to other drug addicts. I was to use the gift of teaching that He had given me, to teach others His ways. I know I must never forget God's plan for me. When things of this world seem overwhelming, when the trivialities of everyday living seem oppressive, even when pain and suffering strikes close to home, whether it is the death or illness of a family or some other challenging life circumstance, it is at this point that I reflect on my memories of my darkest days and His reasons for sparing my life. I remind myself that everything works for His purpose, His plan, and that I am here to honor and obey his commandments and his directions in my life. Selah

Day 24: Transformed By Truth

2009-01-28T02:45:00.000-08:00

John 8:31 & John 8:32...If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 17:17 Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.Dear Lord, Thank you for your sanctification. Words can not express my gratitude for teaching me the way, the truth, the light.

Day 23: How We Grow

2009-01-27T03:28:00.000-08:00

...."Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him" Mat 9:9. I believe that like Matthew, Jesus called me to be his disciple...because of my belief that I have been called to discipleship, I have made a conscious decision to aspire to grow spiritually and to become like Christ. Rom 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Rick Warren puts it this way "You take on Christ's outlook and perspective...There are two parts of doing this...stop thinking immature thoughts which are self-centered and self seeking...start thinking maturely which focuses on others, not yourself." Changing your your attitudes, beliefs, thinking and behavior is no small task...Warren writes that "This kind of thinking is unnatural, counter-cultural, rare, and difficult. Fortunately we have help." God has given us his Holy Spirit to guide us in discipleship. Through one's commitment to a routine of prayer, repentance, and studying his word, I believe the Holy Spirit will guide our actions towards becoming more like Christ. Warren captures the essence of discipleship when he writes, "Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle."

Day 22: Created to become like Christ

2009-01-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

Life is happening. I am falling behind on my journal...I am exhausted from a busy day at of individual counseling, group work...and referrals...emotionally draining...Did Christ experience compassion fatigue? God, give me strength to be more like Christ. Help me put aside my own needs for the needs of others...Help me to develop a character of perseverance...take away my tendency to become a martyr...help me remember it is not about me...Let His Spirit sanctify me...Amen

Soaking in the Holy Spirit at Free Chapel

2009-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Our small group took a road trip to Free Chapel for praise and worship. Soaking with Ricardo Sanchez and the Free Chapel praise band tonight was wonderful. Dear Lord, Thank you for using Ricardo Sanchez's music ministry to deliver your grace and love into our lives. Amen. http://www.ricardomusic.com

http://www.freechapel.org

Day 21: Protecting Your Church

2009-01-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Torch Worship Center: Living the Word, Loving People, Lighting The Way. I love The Torch Worship Center in Demorest, Georgia. http://www.thetorch.net God is witnessing dynamic spiritual changes at our services. The Holy Spirit has been ignited. There is a rekindled sense of unity. The Torch family is corporately committed to 40 days of Purpose and small groups. In Day 21 of a Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren declares that "Unity is the soul of fellowship." The Torch family is becoming more unified and is out to capture God's attention! It's amazing to see my brothers and sisters in Christ set free from their chains holding them back from worshiping God! At the 11 AM service, the Holy Spirit descended upon the congregation. The soul of fellowship was woven tightly, His Love connected us as brothers and sisters. There was peace in His fellowship. Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Though we are living in trying economic times, I pray that as a church, we invite those lost sheep that might be struggling and lost into our flock to join our family so that we may love them as he has loved us. I pray that The Torch Worship Center continues to be a place where His genuine love is not just felt, but practiced by our church family. Amen, Amen & Amen!
Please check out this YouTube link of worship at The Torch. http://www.youtube.com/torchworshipcenter

Day 20: Restoring Broken Fellowship

2009-01-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Reconciliation is about restoring broken fellowship. God reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. 2Cr 5:18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. Matthew Henry states that, "Reconciliation supposes a quarrel, or breach of friendship; and sin has made a breach, it has broken the friendship between God and man. God gave man the message of reconciliation to share with sinners." Therefore, as Christians, it is of utmost importance to demonstrate the message of reconciliation in our own lives by practicing forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships. If you are new to Christ, I urge you to make peace with family, friends, and other people in your life where there is conflict. Mat 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. If you are struggling with getting the courage to make amends, think about how God comforts you and loves you and gives you forgiveness, redemption and healing. As Christians it is our job to extend His grace to others. Rom 12:16 Live in harmony with each other. I am so grateful that others shared the message of reconciliation with me when I was in residential treatment. I was able to restore a broken relationships within my family. I had not talked to or seen my father for 18 years. Today we have a wonderful relationship. I was also able to restore broken relationships with my two brothers. Though tragically, my brother who was a year old than me died suddenly from an aneurysm. By God's grace, I had the God-given opportunity to visit him for a week, one month before he passed away. During that week, we forgave each other for our transgressions and restored our brotherly relationship. At the funeral I was able to begin the restoration process with my oldest brother as well as many other family members with whom I was estranged. Through his death, our family has begun the process of reconciliation and the process of restoration of broken fellowship and families ties.

Day 19: Cultivating Community

2009-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Cultivating community requires commitment. When I committed to 40 days of Purpose, I committed corporately with other interested members of my church, The Torch, to becoming a small group leader. As a small group leader, we have been encouraged by our pastor to cultivate a real sense of fellowship within our small group. As a small group, we begin each gathering with prayer. We pray for each others needs and invite the Holy Spirit to guide us and reveal His direction in our lives. On Day 19, Rick Warren urges members of small groups to make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship. Warren asks us to "share our true feelings (authenticity), encourage each other (mutuality), support each other (sympathy), forgive each other (mercy), speak the truth in love (honesty) admit our weaknesses (humility), respect our differences, (courtesy), not gossip (confidentiality), and make group a priority (frequency)". Of course, the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship have not completely manifested themselves within the first three meetings of our small group but will gradually come to fruition over time naturally as the group process moves towards maturity. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer ( Acts 2:42)."We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave His life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." (1 John 3:16 )

Day 18: Experiencing Life Together

2009-01-23T03:12:00.000-08:00

Fellowship. I have to admit just sound of the word fellowship is corny to me. I guess that's because as the son of an Episcopal Priest, my father upon dismissing the congregation at the end of the Sunday morning service, would say something trite like "Won't you please join us after the service in the fellowship hall." As the priest's kids, we were expected to be at his side, ready to shake hands during his introductions to members of the congregation. We did so diligently, but it seemed all so rehearsed. My two older brothers and I would play our role as his perfect angels, but the minute we hit the church parking lot we would shed our angelic skins and the dysfunction would begin. These fellowship experiences in my early years, had a profound effect upon how I would approach social situations and fellowship for many years to come. As a child, and later a young man, through my experiences at church functions, I learned social graces and how to introduce myself. I learned social niceties. I learned that you can keep people at a distance by employing theses skills dispassionately, devoid of feeling. In essence, I learned to keep my relationships at a surface level with many around me. In retrospect, I believe that my inability to "fellowship", to connect with other believers, had grave consequences; I became isolated. By my early teen years, I managed to learn how to isolate myself even in the middle of a crowd of people. Self-imposed isolation cut me off from the sunlight of the spirit; love. And without His light, as humans, I believe we wither...Warren writes.. "God wants you to be in regular, close fellowship with other believers so you can develop the skill of loving. Love cannot be learned in isolation." At 12 years of age, I found that alcohol and drugs allowed me to feel comfortable in "fellowship". Unfortunately, fellowship that is dependent on being drunk or high, limits a person's ability to connect to others. Consequently, my time spent in true fellowship with others was limited...my time spent learning to love others around me was hindered. It wasn't until I got into a residential treatment program and started attending AA and NA meetings, that the term "fellowship" came to have a different meaning. Fellowship was not driven by alcohol or drugs and was not "corny" anymore, but vital to my very existence. Fellowship became driven by a need for others in my life. A need for His love as manifested by the Holy Spirit in others. My treatment counselors made me "stay for the meeting after the AA meeting". They had me practice fellowship and practice loving others which brought me closer to God.

Day 17: A Place to Belong

2009-01-21T03:59:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren starts off Chapter 17 in The Purpose Driven Life simply stating, "You are called to belong, not just believe. " He continues, "We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God's pusposes by ourselves....In God's family you are connected to every other believer, and we will belong to each other for eternity."Eph 2:19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Being a "member" of God's family is not just about enjoying the benefits...there are many responsibilities as well. Eph 4:16 Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. As members of God's family, 1Cr 12:7 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us..." to exercise and benefit God's family. God wants us to use our gifts to carry His message to the rest of the world.Eph 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. God's family is not immune to backsliding and sin. Therefore it is our responsibility as a brother or sister in Christ to help other family members who are struggling with sin.Hbr 3:13 You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Committing your lives to God's family is vital. 2Cr 8:5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them. Commitment entails "surrending all" to your family. When we made a decision to give our lives to Jesus, we did not say to Him "I give you a part of my life." I encourage all who have made it this far in this post to ask of themselves...what part of my life am I selfishly refusing to give up for the sake of God's family? Are you ready to leave your nets and follow him?

What Matters Most: Love

2009-01-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

Life is all about love. Throughout the scriptures God reaffirms this; he commands that we Love our neighbor as ourselves Gal 5:14. Warren writes "Because God is love, the most important lesson he wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like him, so love is the foundation of every command he has given us." Everybody wants to be loved. I believe God made our need for Love a part of the human condition...in essence, we were made to need him. Unfortunately, somewhere down the line of humanity, our attitudes and beliefs about the true meaning of love became tainted; is it fair to say that most of humanity misconstrues the true meaning of love?I think many people out there, myself included, have been taught that love is conditional, with strings attached. Many of "us" have developed an unhealthy conception of love. Perhaps we had some semblance of understanding the nature of true Love as a young child, but then sadly, our conception of Love became tainted by society and things of this world. I believe, my belief in agape love was lost after my parents divorced around the age of 10. I was angry and alone and felt the world was cold and harsh. At the age of 11, I found a new Love; alcohol. At the age of 13, drugs. For the rest of my teen years, I looked for "love" wherever I could find it... alcohol, drugs, sex were my love. I continued the same pattern into adulthood, looking for some sort of collective love through shared experiences at Grateful Dead concerts and Phish shows... I associated the drug induced care-freeness of sex, drugs and Rock and Roll as some sort of twisted version of love. This is when my emotional development came to a screeching halt and stayed virtually unchanged until sobriety. Eventually, I just used alcohol and drugs as an escape from what I believed had become a loveless life. I must admit...it hurts to say that I am still learning how to love...Since getting clean and sober, I try with all my heart to Love my family unconditionally. I am working on loving my brothers and sister around me. Perhaps that is why when I feel His love rain down on me, experiencing His Grace and His pure love, I cry in awe of the simplicity of God's unconditional love for me. It's just so beautiful...I want to learn to love as God loves. Pure love, agape is what God commands of us. Agape love is Song of Solomon love ( Sgs 1:1). 1Jo 4:12 if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us. 1Cr 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. 1Jo 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Warren notes that once we have learned to love God as commanded, we can begin to learn to love others as we love God. I practice this task everyday, praying for God's help. It is so easy for me to slip back into my selfish, self serving, condescending attitude. Learning to love means being vigilant and faithful to God through prayer and worship which help remind me of His unending love. I constantly have to take a step back from interactions and situations sometimes and start over. I often have to self instruct myself to "cease and desist" from my flaw-finding tendencies and find the good in people and situations that I am caught in the downward spiral of perceiving negatively and either dismantling verbally or taking prisoners emotionally. To do this effectively, I reminisce back to memories of the fall out from negative situations during my full-blown addiction...cathartic moments when all my character defects were flaring up. In retrospect I can honestly say I was a thorn in my family's side. At these less then honorable moments, even my so-called friends were avoiding my because of my self-centered state of being. I truly can see why my friends and my family had a hard time sustaining their love for me. It is the memory of those moments that I never want to forget because it they allowed me to reach the crux of my salvation; rock bottom. For at that point, by earthly standards, I believe I was truly unlovable. But God loved me. Selah! I pray that I never forget that because I know deep in my heart...that there are Billions of people in the world right now that feel unlovable...and that brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat because I've been there. They might be in a mansion on the hill or under a bridge on the highway...Please, wont you help me find them so we can share His love?

Benefits of Being in God's Family

2009-01-19T04:50:00.000-08:00

OK so here we go again with complete transparency...When I first read Rick Warren's section in Chapter 15 entitled Benefits of Being in God's Family, I had some old irrational addict's feelings arise telling myself that I do not deserve His benefits then I heard His voice telling me that His Grace is sufficient. It's weird...but wonderful that life has really become so simple since being born again. When I say simple, what I mean really is void of the feeling of impending doom. I completely trust in God and know that He has a purpose for all things that He places in my path. I also trust that he will supply all my needs which are few. Phl 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. However, I understand that God expects me to work for him 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers...I do so today gladly, not because I know there will be a pay off, but for my boundless love for God and his mercy. Amen

Day 16: Formed for God's Family

2009-01-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

Let there be no doubt about it..."You were formed for God's Family." Please become my Brother...become my Sister...join God's Family for he desires many children. Warren writes "Every human being was created by God, but not everyone is a child of God. The only way to get into God's family is by being born again into it. You became part of the human family by your first birth, but you become a member of God's family by your second birth. However, once we are born again we must live a life that is pleasing to our father Romans 8:15 ...You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family [fn]--calling him "Father, dear Father."Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
James 1:18 In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Luke 20:36 And they will never die again. In these respects they are like angels. They are children of God raised up to new life.
John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 11:52 It was a prediction that Jesus' death would be not for Israel only, but for the gathering together of all the children of God scattered around the world.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children* of God.
Romans 9:8 This means that Abraham's physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. It is the children of the promise who are considered to be Abraham's children.
Galatians 3:26 So you are all children* of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:15 so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
1 John 3:10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the Devil. Anyone who does not obey God's commands and does not love other Christians* does not belong to God.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.

Why So Many Haters of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life?

2009-01-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

I will keep this post short and too the point. After doing a Google search and a Google Blog search with Purpose Driven Life, I became dismayed with all the critics and the negativity espousing their doctrines about how Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life falls short of the mark in representing what others see God's wants our lives to look like. I could probably spend all day detailing the critics objections to a Purpose Driven Life but probably would not accurately represent some of Mr. Warren's detractors because some appear to have quite a large arsenal of Biblical and Literary refutations to assail Mr Warren's "fuzzy Biblical doctrine" as one disgusted critic describe his book. Since I lack sufficient knowledge of the word, and I am using Mr. Warren's 40 Days of Purpose corporately with my church brethren, as a metaphorical vehicle to move my knowledge of His word in a forward direction, I am not worried about "the Hater's" comments. I will tell you why...I spent so many years engaging myself in pseudo-intellectual discourses on this and that in my college years that I can accept that there will always be those people out there, that put so much effort into arguing their opinions that they are essentially casting their own shadow on the sunlight of the spirit. In other words, instead of spending all that time cognitively dismantling a well intentioned book to motivate people to seek God's Purpose for their lives, my suggestion is that they spend more time spreading the Good News and Loving God and Loving People, not hating.

Day 14: When God Seems Distant

2009-01-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I am facilitating a Cognitive-Behavioral group at work, I am assisting my clients in methods of discerning between their feelings, their attitudes, their beliefs and their behaviors. We try to move through the process of sifting through what is often a very tangled web of emotions based on dis-congruent beliefs. I emphasize that most people's feelings and attitudes are driving their behavior. The long and short of it is if we become more aware of feelings, attitudes and belief systems, we will gain insight into why as humans, we do the things we do...and a well-know mantra within my groups is that you do not have to let your feelings drive your actions..."It's just a feeling." Although this type of cognitive-behavioral approach may seem cold, harsh and quite frankly very clinically disconnected to the human experience, there is worth to it. I am not advocating a complete disconnect between our feelings, attitudes and behaviors. Rather I am suggesting that the prudent person uses his God-given intellect for discernment before acting on their feelings. If we understand the composition of the ground that our feelings grow out of, we are in a better position to behave in a manner that aligns with our belief system. Hence, if we believe with no uncertainty or unsureness that God's nature is good and loving, all powerful, and in control and that he notices every detail of our lives, has a plan for our lives and will be our salvation, we have a firm foundation for an awareness of whether our emotions and feelings are aligned with our faith. Warren observes that as believers, we find a disparity between our faith and our feelings and find ourselves crying out to God asking the same questions David asked of God: "Lord,why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hid when I need you most? Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help? Why have you abandoned me?" He instructs us to reaffirm our belief that God's promises are absolute. As we mature as Christians, and walk through tests to our faith and trust in God, whether it be financial difficulties, illness, death, etc...reflect upon the feelings that Jesus must have experienced, and the trust that He put in His father...Reflect upon the basis for our belief and our faith. Personally when I do this my feelings become insignificant in the light of The Cross; they are just feelings and carry little weight. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Day 13: The Purpose Driven Life Worship That Pleases God

2009-01-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment.
Jam 4:8 Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.
Rick Warren's first words of the Chapter are undeniable.
"God wants all of you."
But how? Do I sell everything and become an international missionary in Vanuatu like my Brother-in-law...don't think the thought hasn't crossed my mind. But then I snap back to reality and ask myself...What if God's Purpose for me is what I am doing right now, to minister to addicted felons. Sometimes though, I do think God is preparing me for something great. I know that there is a whole world out there who is lost...some are my neighbors. I understand that it is not an imperative to even travel out of my neighborhood in order to spread the good news. Oops...Tangent..I digress...back to Warren's Day 13 message. Warren's four highlighted points of this chapter are:
1)God is pleased when our worship is accurate.
2)God is pleased when our worship is authentic.
3)God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful.
4)God is pleased when our worship is practical.
Ok...so I am definitely working on seeking the Biblical truth, as I am reading His word on a regular basis and seeking out sources who are Biblically well-versed.
Because of my unending appreciation for his Grace, my authenticity is from the heart and not just skin-deep. I am thoughtful in my worship as well...let me explain. As a "recovering Episcopalian" (no harm intended) but as the son of an Episcopal Priest, I spent many years in thoughtless, vain, repetitious, dis-genuine and pretentious worship that I am now thoughtful and purposeful in my worship. Practical...my worship is bringing me closer to God and in the practical sense of it, it is allowing others who knew me in the past, observe the transformation of my life from a self-centered, egotistical, God-less individual to a man with a God-given purpose. Amen.

Day 12: Developing Your Friendship with God

2009-01-17T03:59:00.000-08:00

1)I must choose to be honest with God.
2)I must choose to obey God in faith.
3)I must choose to value what God values.
4)I must desire friendship with God more than anything else.
Like many Christians, there are days in my life when the things of this world distract my worship and there are days when I am on fire for Jesus.
The editing of this post, a day after it was written is a perfect example of being distracted for upon my first reflection on 40 Days of Purpose day 12, I only took the time to note Warren's four main points above. However, now on day 13, I feel stirred to share something a brother in Christ and in recovery, shared with me yesterday after a men's breakfast at The Torch. I asked him whether God expects perfection from us and he gave me his interpretation and the analogy of Paul asking God to remover the thorn in his side. The thorn Paul's side metaphorically represents man's weakness; his shortfalls. He told me that God could have taken that thorn from Paul's side anytime he wanted to. God's reply to Paul is that He fights for Paul best when Paul is totally helpless, weak and dependent on Him. This is God's grace in action -- God doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Thus God's Grace is sufficient when are efforts are not. So I will continue to the best of my God-given abilities in these 40 days of Purpose to write these blog journal entries. Some days they may draw me closer to God in worship and others they may point out my unique flaws in my character, the spiritual thorns in my side that limit the quality of my worship on a human level but demonstrate that despite my best efforts at Worship, I know that His Grace is sufficient, despite my shortcomings. Selah.

Becoming Best Friends With God

2009-01-17T03:20:00.000-08:00

Romans 5:10(NLT)Since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still enemiesI am going to share with you an encounter I had in May of 2004 in Atlanta at a gas station at @ 1 AM. Miraculously enough, I believe it was my third day in residential treatment and some of the senior residents of the half-way house had made a trip to the convenience store. As I stood outside the store an old black man came by on a shiny new black beach cruiser bicycle. For some reason, he stopped right next to me and I felt compelled to start a conversation with him about being sober...I was shocked as I looked into his eyes because they were slate blue and mesmerizing. He said to me as I told him it was great being sober, that "God has been waiting for me..." Wow, how his simple words grabbed hold of my soul and moved me to tears. I remember calling my wife, waking her up, and trying to explain what had just happened. You see...to this day, I truly believe that old black man with the slate blue eyes in an otherwise deserted Atlanta city gas station was sent by God to affirm that God Loves Me! I couldn't love myself for I was not lovable in my own mind...so when even I couldn't love myself, God sent me a messenger to tell me that God Loved Me and that despite living as an enemy of God for 39 years, Jesus died for my sins so I could be redeemed and become a friend of God living a life that brings Glory to Him. 1Jo 4:10 This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

The Heart of Worship is Surrender

2009-01-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

I will never forget the day I first surrendered (a moment of surrender). Unwittingly, it was an act of submission. I was tired of losing. I was defeated. I had been brought to my knees. I was homeless, jobless, I had been kicked out of my house...my car was about to be repo'd, I couldn't feed myself and at that point would rather get drunk or high anyways...my so-called friends had left me...it was the end of the line...I forfeited the game I had been playing for years. I had been driven by self, I was Godless and addicted...I was at the pinnacle of patheticness...I was honestly "sick and tired of being sick and tired." I knew there had to be a better way...Looking back this was the beginning of my surrender...it was His will that I went to detox, to 9 months of treatment, AA & NA and then back to Church, into His loving arms where He was waiting for me all along...You see I gradually came to...and when I did, I came to believe in Him... and even though I was baptized as a baby as an Episcopalian, I turned my life over to his was Baptized again in His Living Waters...I was Born Again! I surrendered completely and gave my life to Jesus. He rescued me...Thank You Jesus! Everyday, I must continue to practice surrender, sometimes many times over when I try to take back my will from Him. From the 12-Step programs in treatment, I learned from Step 3to make a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God and to do this on a daily basis by starting my day on my knees by bed and humbly asking for God's will and direction in my life. Although I don't start my days as humbly as I used to on my knees, I continue to pray in the morning and all day long as a matter of fact for God's will and the strength to surrender my own to His. I must continually practice surrender because unfortunately, my sin nature like to wrestle back control...However, the more that I pray, especially during this 40 days of Purpose, the less I have to conciously return my will and the more I reside in His will for me. Oh to live a life where I am not torn away from Him by the petty worries of this world...Lord, I pray that I continue to surrender to your will, your wishes for me. I pray that I surrender my life to you O'Lord the way I did when I was at "rock bottom." Reveal to me Lord what you desire from me on a daily basis so I may please you and share your grace, love and wisdom as freely as you have shared with me. Amen.

What Makes God Smile

2009-01-14T02:37:00.000-08:00

Numbers 6:25 The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;Oh to make the Lord smile...I cannot imagine anything better than to please him. "God smiles when we love him supremely...God smiles when we trust him completely...God smiles when we obey him wholeheartedly...God smiles when we praise and thank him continually...God smiles when we use our abilities...(PDL)" Oh sweet Lord, This morning I wake with gladness in my heart. I can feel change as Your Holy Spirit begins to come alive in me. Never before in my life have I committed to pleasing you as I have these 40 days of Purpose. I pray that through my committment to you, I come to know you better. My daily reading of your Word in the evening has filled me with a deeper sense of awe and amazement at your Grace and Love...it's indescribable and words could never bring justice to my love for you!

You were planned for God's Pleasure

2009-01-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

OK, my first response to this title was guilt and shame; an addict's ingrained response when they did not meet the expectations of their loved ones...I momentarily thought "Wow, I certainly didn't bring God pleasure back in the daze of addiction!" Then, I focused on my redemption and God's imminent Grace in my life. I pondered on the valley of addiction and deceit that I trudged through before I reached the foot of His glorious mountain. I thought of God's plan and his purpose for me and I honestly can say that the path I am on now is His and I am indeed making Him smile. I am blessed to be a Child of God and must remember that my Daddy walked with me in the valleys to bring me where I am today...Therefore I must diligently obey the commandment Deu 11:13 to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Dear sweet father, I pray that you are pleased with my life today. I hear you telling me to share the Good News with those suffering from addiction so that they may know Your Grace and Your Love. I ask you to continue to show me my errors and correct me when I stray off the path that you have laid before me...Amen.

The Reason For Everything

2009-01-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren states that "There are many ways to bring Glory to God, butt they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life." Warren asserts that God's five purposes for our life are: We bring Glory to God by worshiping him, loving other believers, by becoming like Christ, serving others with our gifts and telling others about him. Simply listed these 5 ways can be viewed as Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Ministry and Fellowship. After evaluating these five areas in my life, I have discerned that my weakest area is fellowship. Outside of church, I do not spend any time with other believers besides my family. On one hand, it is good that all of my time is devoted to my wife and kids, yet on the flip side I need to fellowship with other Christians. My strength in these five areas is my ministry. My addiction counseling acts my ministry. I try to extend the same God-given Grace, Love and understanding that was extended to me to others entrenched in addiction and disfunction. By striving to be a living example of His Grace I can bring Glory to God. Although I will continue to fall short of the goal that God has set for me...I believe that walking on the path that God has laid down for me is his will for me as well...this means continuing my spiritual journey and striving to be more like Christ.

Life is a Temporary Assignment

2009-01-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

OK so here's complete transparency again. I often like to preface the remarks I make with the fact that I am newly saved Christian, a recovering Episcopalian who was born again to share His Gospel. In other words, I am not a Biblical scholar in any way, and am most likely wrong when I presume things about what God's message is for us. So with that being my disclaimer...I understand the basic gist of Warren's message which seems to say in layman's terms there are better things to come in Eternal Life so don't get caught up with the here and now. The problem I am having is that I have moved past the here and now and the trapping of materialism and am striving to live a god-centered life fulfilling his purpose for me by sharing the Good News with others. When I think about the transformation that has occured from my previous hedonistic life; the deliverance from a life of narcism and sin to a life focused on the salvation of lost souls through my addiction counseling ministry, I am confounded by Rick Warren's assertations that God wants us to keep our eyes on the prize which is Heaven when there seems to be so many lost souls here on earth that have not experienced God's amazing saving Grace. "Back in the day" I used to feel so out of place here on this earth, I was just waiting for the Aliens to come and "Beam me up" and take me away from this world...call it angst, call it dis-ease, call it what you will...alcohol and drugs were the solution, bringing me comfort and solace...Today, the Holy Spirit and my faith have replaced the alcohol and drugs...I find comfort and security through Him here on earth. His Grace has povided a new lease on life and a sense of purpose...I am not looking to eternal life yet, but rather a "God-filled" life here on earth first. Perhaps that is why looking in the direction of the life hereafter is not yet attractive as I feel that my purpose here on earth has yet to be fulfilled...Please give me some time God to do your will...maybe I am just having a blond moment...

Seeing Life from God's View

2009-01-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren writes "The way you see your life shapes your life." Warren encourages us to identify unspoken "Life Metaphors" in our lives that he says are the key to understanding our expectations, values, relationships, goals and priorities. For example, if you view your life as a marathon, you will value endurance...if you view your life as a game, winning will be very important to you. Warren writes "You may be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor. To fulfill the purposes God made you for, replace it with the biblical metaphors of life. The Bible says, Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God. The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God's view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. These ideas are the foundation of purpose driven living."
My life metaphor is definitely one of a Garden where like Adam, I was a trustee and ate from the tree over and over again, letting the rest of the Garden become over-grown with weeds, fruit and vegatables rotting on the vine because I was to selfish to share the garden's bounty. Today I am diligently tilling the soil and pulling the weeds when they pop up...I am learning to be a better gardner but have a long way to go. Can God trust me in His garden? I hope so...I pray that I keep His purpose, my own. Luk 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Living in the Light of Eternity

2009-01-09T01:27:00.001-08:00

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Ok...are you ready for complete transparency? I have a niche in my armor of my belief...in all honesty...I can't wrap my head around the concept of Heaven. I can verbalize that I believe there is a Heaven. I look at the picture of me and my brother on my bedside table and know that he is in Heaven looking down on me and I am excited about getting to reunite with him...I mean I look forward to it...I know that this life on earth will pale in comparison to the glory of Heaven...yet I am emeshed in the trappings of this life. Maybe it was that secular bumper sticker I read when I was young which skewed me..."Life is not a dress rehearsal". It wasn't till after I was saved four years ago that someone clued me in on the fact that the meaning of the bumper sticker implied there was no Heaven. I on the other hand always thought that bumper sticker meant live a life filled with purpose here on earth...I guess I was wrong...Rick Warren purports that "it would be wiser to live each day as if it were the last day of your life." I like that and can deal with that... because here's the deal...my tiny pea brain just can't seem to grasp eternity...I can accept it, but I can't cognitively conceptualize it. So for now...I will continue to live a life that will please My Father until my last day on earth and the first day of eternity!

What Drives Your Life?

2009-01-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, just Google "What Drives Your Life?" and check out the myriad of responses...I must say that most of my life has been pretty darn self serving...narcisistic to sugar-coat it. My drug filled years were spent either living hedonistically or finding ways to avoid taking responsibility and joining the rest of the general population who "back in the day", I viewed as a bunch of robotic "stuffed shirts", driven by the media and deluded into thinking that a house in the burbs with 2.3 kids, a paid off mortgage and a 401k was "the ticket". Back then, I believed everybody else was filled with hypocrisy and I knew the truth and the truth was not the His truth but one of my own devise that I twisted depending on the situation. I was a liar, a cheat and a thief most of the time...oh I had some redeemable qualities but my life was not guided by a set a beliefs built on a foundations of moral turptitude...Thank God, no thank God literally that His Grace abounded in my life a million times over when I should have died in a fiery drunken alcoholic car crash or one of my overdoses...instead He brought me to my knees, gave me humility and taught me how to be Humble. I am still on the learning curve, learning everyday to be more like him, falling short of the mark, repenting, praying, crying out to God passionately to guide me, lead me, let me do your will Lord PLEASE! I have so much wasted time to make up...I want to give back all that I have selfishly taken away. I want to leave a legacy for my kids...others....I want to please him....it no longer suffices for me to answer the question "What Drives Your Life?" to just answer with a simple "I just want to be happy" but rather to "live simply and love others the way that he has loved me." Emanuel.Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

You Are Not An Accident

2009-01-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44 (CEV)I know you, I see you, and I care about you. I care about each of your heartbreaks. I care about how you feel. I care about what you think. I care about the difficulties and hardships that you face. I care about your children. I care about your health. I care about your struggle for finances. I care about your material needs. I care about the things that you need for your children and the repairs that your vehicle needs. I care about your spiritual struggles. There is not one detail of your life that does not concern Me.(Courtesy Activated)
I can remember being at Rehab...that first month when I still was unsaved, living in my secular world of doubt...The treatment staff required us to read Og Mandino's "The Greatest Miracle in the World" encouraging us to open our minds to the possibility that perhaps there was a "higher power" than ourselves...Ha, Ha Wow have I come a long way because I remember reading a passage about the miracle of our biology our DNA makeup and being mesmerized by the intracacies of our biological design and thinking surely we are no accident...Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace...How can you not look at that tiny foot in the womb and marvel at the beauty of His design?...Yet did I take the quantum leap at that point and become a believer...No, but I do believe that was a starting point when I began to accept that God made me...9 months later...after graduating from treatment and attending my new church, I remember the first time I let go...conceding to myself that God made me and loves me unconditionally and that God does not just love us, but that His Spirit, His Essence, is Love...I cried, oh boy did I cry. Tears of happiness and joy, knowing that He cared and has a purpose for my life. I no longer saw myself as a speck of dust in a Universe out of Control, but one of His own special creations, A Child of God, Selah

What On Earth Am I Here For?

2009-01-06T04:08:00.000-08:00

My tree of life tattoo before my salvation....

"A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump, a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree." Proverbs 11:28
"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord...They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."Jeremiah 17:7 Thinking about my Tree of Life tattoo which is barren compared with The Purpose Driven Life Tree allowed me to see the irony of a barren life before salvation compared to God's purpose for me today(perhaps I will add some green leaves on my tattoo down the road?:)...God is beginning to reveal his plan for me which involves using my skills as an addiction counselor to reach those sufferring in hopes of them finding God's Grace as I did...As I embark on my fourty days of purpose, I pray that I find my purpose through His because after all, it's not about me. Warren asserts that
"the purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose." So then it's back to discovering His purpose which for me is living a life that mirrors the life of Christ. Amen

The Garden Analogy

2009-01-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

I am the good Gardener. I have planted a beautiful, wide, glorious garden of special flowers. In My garden, each flower is different and unique, special and beautiful to My eyes. Each one serves its own purpose and has its own place in the garden and in the heart of the Gardener.
You are unique to Me. You are a special flower in My eyes. I know all about your gifts, your talents, your battles, your weaknesses, and all the things that bother you about yourself. I know about the nagging problems that you can't seem to overcome. I know your spiritual strengths and your spiritual weaknesses, your idiosyncrasies and all the funny things about you that make you an individual. I know your heart's desires and your secret longings.
I know about the times that you compare yourself to others. I know about the times that you think negatively about yourself, when your weaknesses bother, embarrass and discourage you. I know about all these things and I love you anyway.

Ah the Garden Analogy has always been a favorite of mine because as an avid garnener, I can relate to the metaphors and believe that although we are fallen, "if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he surely care for you..." Matthew 6:30 Water and feed those around you...feed and nourish others when they are wilted...protect them from intrusive weeds, help their roots grow strong.

Courtesy of Activated

40 days of Purpose, Daniel Fast & Small Groups

2009-01-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

As 2009 unfolds so does my purpose...I wish I could adamantly say that I know definitively in what direction my path will lead...of course my hope is that I will grow as a person multi-dimensionally, as a father, friend, worker etc as well as spiritually, mental and physical health, etc...Oh it would be great to keep it simple and declare that I just want to love and be loved but I tend to complicate things without really trying. I would not describe my attitude as predominantly pessimistic or optomistic...I am a fence straddler depending on the situation. My pastor told us today to get off the fence and move forward with a Purpose Driven Life as laid out by Rick Warren. Sad to say that so often we go through life mechanically devoid of passion and purpose...Even in times of steadfast prayer and spiritual committment... things change...more shall be revealed...I am starting 40 days of purpose, Daniel Fast, and co-leading a small group for my church...I have given up my laptop time in the afternoon/evening (starting after this blog) in exchange for exercise and Bible Study...I pray that good things develop and that I will soon see the path God has laid before me...Amen

Living Amends 1 John 3:18

2008-12-16T04:33:00.000-08:00

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18
Has someone you cared about mistreated you? Hurt you deeply? Even though years may have passed, you might still harbor resentment and anger. And that unforgiveness is most likely affecting other relationships, maybe even your whole outlook on life. Try as you might to forget the offense, you find yourself rewinding and reviewing again and again.You will never be able to overcome the hurt of the past and move on freely with your life until you forgive the offender and yourself. A living amends, a choice to free yourself from the bondage of resentment and the chains of the past, by letting the blood of Jesus Christ wash away the past, atone for your sin, and let our actions, guided by the Holy Spirit, practice forgiveness by the way we treat others and ourselves, with the loving gentleness of our Savior.

Mac Powell and Jentzen Franklin at Free Chapel

2008-12-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

I wanna be a Rockstar...as humble and filled with God's Love as Mac Powell, who is probably the most incredibly genuine musician on this planet. OK so you guessed it, I am enamored by Third Day's music which has ministered to me daily whether in the car, at work, at home or at one of their concerts...Back in "the day" I attended over 80 Grateful Dead shows and probably 60 Phish shows. Last year, with the utmost ease and not an ounce of regret, I gave up my whole collection of probably around 4oo CDs of live Dead and Phish shows because I just don't listen to any other music these days beside worship music, usually Third Day...Singing Christmas Carols with Mac at Free Chapel today was really cool. Of course Pastor Jentzen's sermon, filled with humor, scripture, and anointed by the Holy Spirit rocked as usual too!
Emanuel!

The Comprehensive, Freely Giving Plan of God

2008-12-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
By the free gift of God's grace, ministry is given to us. "I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me" (Ephesians 3:7). By His grace at work in us, our ministry can be marked with courage and selflessness. "None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself" (Acts 20:24). This pattern of grace fits the entire plan of God, because His plan is a comprehensive, freely giving plan.
As we have seen, give is the language of grace. Note the extent to which God desires to give to us. He wants to "freely give us all things." Everything that God considers as needful for fullness of life, He freely makes available by His grace. The scriptures repeatedly speak in such comprehensive terms. "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3a). All that it takes to live as God intends and to grow in godliness as He desires has already been given to us in Christ. As we continue to get to know the Lord, all that He has given us in Christ is progressively brought into our experience: "through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3b).
The death of Christ is our assurance of having the comprehensive dimensions of God's grace fully available to us: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all." Jesus is the Father's deeply loved Son. Through a prophet of old, the Father proclaimed this divine love. "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!" (Isaiah 42:1). When the Son was on this earth, the Father directly declared His loving delight from heaven. "And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus is persistently revealed as the object of the Father's love: "The Father loves the Son...the Son of His love" (John 3:35 and Colossians 1:13). The magnitude of the Father's love for His Son is behind His love gift to us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Our loving and generous Father has not held back from us the sacrificial gift of His beloved Son, who died for our sins. Now, if He did not hold back His most prized treasure (His own beloved Son), there is no way that the Father will hold back any lesser gift from us. "How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"
Loving Father, I praise You for Your great love, in giving Your beloved Son to die for my sins. I thank You for the assurance this brings that everything else that I need will be freely given with Him! (Courtesy of Blue Letter Bible - Day By Day Grace - December 13)