This morning I had an incredible quiet time. I spent a little over an hour in prayer, the Bible, and devotions. I put on my armor of God and clothed myself in Him. It's been many months since I had a quiet time like this. God new I needed this time, Today. Only a few hours later I received some terrible news - a love one had passed away.
So this Memorial Day as we honor those who gave their lives serving our nation, I’m mourning the loss one of the greatest warriors in my life, my Celebrate Recovery sponsor. She made the most of her time, her life by serving others. She truly loved others and has made a HUGE difference in the lives of many, many people.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Clothed in Him
Lately I seem to be distracted by the business of life. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Last year I had so much free time that it was easy to focus solely on my recovery and my relationship with God. It was easy to stay connected and maintain an attitude of prayer throughout my day. For a season I was sheltered and protected from the business and conflict that often arise in life. It was easy to maintain my “perfect” recovery image.
But lately that’s not the case. I get distracted , I lose my cool, I’ve even made some poor choices. Why is it that 18 months into my recovery journey I still find myself leaning on my own understanding and strength while trying to control things? His word says that “a righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord deliver him for all” (Psalm 34:19). I trust God and know that He is far bigger than all the trials that I face. So today, as I prepare for this day, I clothe myself in Him – the strength I need to make it through the day.
Father God, help me to hear your voice throughout my day. Guide me in your wisdom. I know that you are far bigger than all my problems and all the negativity that has crept into my mind. Today, renew my mind. I want to see you clearly, not just in this very moment, but throughout my day. Show me where there is sin in my heart, or anything that is pulling me in the wrong direction. Help me to turn my mind to you rather than try to face them on my own. I want to be clothed in you. Love, Me
But lately that’s not the case. I get distracted , I lose my cool, I’ve even made some poor choices. Why is it that 18 months into my recovery journey I still find myself leaning on my own understanding and strength while trying to control things? His word says that “a righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord deliver him for all” (Psalm 34:19). I trust God and know that He is far bigger than all the trials that I face. So today, as I prepare for this day, I clothe myself in Him – the strength I need to make it through the day.
Father God, help me to hear your voice throughout my day. Guide me in your wisdom. I know that you are far bigger than all my problems and all the negativity that has crept into my mind. Today, renew my mind. I want to see you clearly, not just in this very moment, but throughout my day. Show me where there is sin in my heart, or anything that is pulling me in the wrong direction. Help me to turn my mind to you rather than try to face them on my own. I want to be clothed in you. Love, Me
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Grace -
When I began my recovery journey I believed that I had fallen to far from grace, but I soon discovered that God was faithful even when I wasn’t. I now realize that God was with me always. He placed so many people and warning signs in my path, but I was too stubborn to admit my struggles. But God didn’t quit, He was willing to do whatever it took to get my attention, to save me from the path I was on. His grace was there when we sold our home to the first person that looked at it and then the same thing happened for my parents and they relocated here to help me on this journey. God has used this trial to restore my marriage and heal my family. He has restored my relationship with Him and using my experience to help others. He knew that it would take something this big to get my attention, yet His grace was there protecting me from more severe consequences. God’s grace has picked me up from my rock bottom choices and now my daughters’ will not be growing up as children of an alcoholic and acquiring all the baggage that goes with that.
God’s grace is sufficient for even me & His power is made perfect in my weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me ( 2 Corinthians 12:9). I receive God’s grace by faith. When I humble myself and confess my sins, He is faithful to forgive me. Jesus did all the work for me. I just have to accept His grace.
God loves me in spite of my mistakes. He has forgiven me and wiped my slate clean. God has not given me what I deserve so I choose to forgive others even if they don’t deserve it. I sure don't deserve the forgiveness that God has given me. I'm learning to give that grace freely to those around me, even the ones still in denial.
Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others. “Happy are the merciful.” “Happy are the peacemakers”(Matthew 5:7,9)
Step 9: I Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. “There, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and e reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-23)
God’s grace is sufficient for even me & His power is made perfect in my weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me ( 2 Corinthians 12:9). I receive God’s grace by faith. When I humble myself and confess my sins, He is faithful to forgive me. Jesus did all the work for me. I just have to accept His grace.
God loves me in spite of my mistakes. He has forgiven me and wiped my slate clean. God has not given me what I deserve so I choose to forgive others even if they don’t deserve it. I sure don't deserve the forgiveness that God has given me. I'm learning to give that grace freely to those around me, even the ones still in denial.
Example of Grace in Les Miserables
Friday, May 17, 2013
I'm changed - Victory in You.
I've tried to change on my own and nothing happened. I kept doing life my way, expecting to get different results - INSANITY. I now realize that I have to allow God to make the changes, and I have to stop getting in His way.
He is changing me from the inside out. It's a process. That is so opposite from my ways. I tend to control the outward appearance and surface issues. God goes straight to my heart and begins by renewing my mind. God is changing me and for the first time in my life, I'm experiencing victory and freedom.
As I'm working my second step study, God is challenging me to dig deeper and take a closer look at my personal character defect. During my first step study I dealt with the surface issue of alcoholism and all the guilt associated from the mistakes I made. Now I'm ready and willing to submit to any and all changes. I no longer want to justify my flaws. I truly want to become more Christlike.
He is changing me from the inside out. It's a process. That is so opposite from my ways. I tend to control the outward appearance and surface issues. God goes straight to my heart and begins by renewing my mind. God is changing me and for the first time in my life, I'm experiencing victory and freedom.
As I'm working my second step study, God is challenging me to dig deeper and take a closer look at my personal character defect. During my first step study I dealt with the surface issue of alcoholism and all the guilt associated from the mistakes I made. Now I'm ready and willing to submit to any and all changes. I no longer want to justify my flaws. I truly want to become more Christlike.
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