CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

THRIVING IN TOUGH TIMES

Mother Teresa got it right when she said, “A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.” Joy is a gift from God. Joy results when we surrender every part of our lives to God and entrust every detail to His care. Joy bursts forth when we know we have no confidence in ourselves or anything else, but wholeheartedly trust in the Lord. Joy is a sign that a person is thriving rather than just surviving.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 NLT)

It’s up to us to call on God when we are in trouble so that we can move beyond surviving to thriving. Even in times of illness or hardship, God is our refuge and strength. Giving up on God should never be an option. God invites us to depend on Him and rest in the ultimate security that He provides for all our needs. People are joyful when they follow the principles written in the Scriptures and live a life of integrity.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Be still and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:1,10a NLT)

We can fill our hearts and minds with the hope of this new way of life even though it may currently seem impossible for us to achieve. If we resolve to seek Him in all our ways, God will make everything beautiful in His time.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)

We often get discouraged when things don’t work out as we think they should. At times like these we need to ask ourselves, “How is God teaching me to thrive in this situation?” As we trust God and obey His word, God assures us that He is with us and is working for good in everything that concerns us. God’s desire for us is that we would thrive and not simply survive.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that Your desire for me is to thrive and be filled with joy and purpose. Help me to follow your principles and listen for Your guidance when times are tough. You are my hope for a blessed life in which I thrive and not just survive. Amen

(C.O. Partners in Hope)

What a happy serendipitous and synchronistic co-incidence that Ecc. 3:11 is part of today's reading!

I just finished this panel last night I have dedicated it to @Kojikun

Thank you for sharing the beautiful reminder again. now here's todays for Partners in hope.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

We are strengthened to stay free of our addictions because God is guiding us and supporting us each step of the way. Each experience of God’s faithfulness to us deepens our trust and stability as we learn and grow. We share with others and practice God’s principles in all our affairs because this is the proven way to experience life at its best.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

We will know a deeply rooted sense of well-being when we understand that it is “progress not perfection” that we seek. Our lives will be lived in the awareness that God is with us. We will notice the desire to honour God’s will in all we do and say growing stronger. Consistently living this way and truthfully telling our story may encourage others who are trapped in the pit of their addiction. Perhaps as they identify with us and the place we were at when we came into recovery, they may be inspired to turn their own lives around.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. (Galatians 6:2-3, John 13:34; 15:13 NLT)

As we practice these principles in all our affairs, we will find ourselves drawing closer to God, and the peace and serenity of His love and grace will envelop our entire being. We will think and feel differently and find positive new ways to behave because we are being guided by the Holy Spirit. This is the good life the 12 Steps speak of and help us walk in.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing me out of darkness into your wonderful light. Help me, to walk in the light of your presence. Help me to shine for you as I gently and humbly share with others how You have changed my life. Amen

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, … practice these principles in all our affairs.

What Addictions Are We Talking About?


For a variety of reasons, many of us have an underlying structure of disorder that is damaging us and others. We’ve come to understand that addictions and dependencies are not just alcohol or street drugs. We realize that we often switch to expressions of our addictive personality when we leave a certain set of behaviors behind. We want God to meet us and heal us in the deeper areas of our being where we’ve been wounded and carry pain and shame so we can leave addictions of all kinds behind.

Partners in Hope LIFE WITH GOD IN RECOVERY MEETING


THE WELCOME: We are a Christian 12-Step Recovery Group. We practice the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and welcome individuals seeking healing and recovery from a variety of destructive and addictive lifestyles. The only requirement for membership is a desire to love and be loved regardless of one's current condition in life.

We choose to affirm God, the Creator, as our higher power. We believe He has revealed Himself to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

We share through stories, discussion, singing music video/audio and prayer, the experience, strength and hope we have found in relationship with God and with each other. We seek to gain strength from one another in order to carry this message of hope to others who suffer. We gratefully acknowledge God's presence and pray for His guidance and direction in all we do and say.


THE LORD’S PRAYER:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

EXPRESSING APPRECIATION

When we tell someone how much we appreciate who they are or what they did for us we are lifting them up and valuing their service. This can't help but strengthen our relationships and work towards ongoing co-operation. Since we are encouraging others, we even build ourselves up in the process.

It is good to praise the Lord. God Most High, it is good to praise your name. It is good to sing about your love in the morning and about your faithfulness at night. Lord, you make us very happy because of what you did. I gladly sing about it. (Psalm 92:1-2, 4 ERV)

Expressing appreciation begins with our relationship with God. All we are and have comes from Him. The day before us is a fresh opportunity to experience all the good things God has planned for us. Beginning the day in God’s presence, remembering His love and forgiveness and His promises to us, is a strong foundation on which to build a successful day. It also puts us in a positive mindset as we focus on God rather than ourselves. We are ready to be guided by Him.

We also know that being with others in this life is better than being alone. How much do we appreciate someone who notices what we do and compliments and thanks us for our time and effort? Most of us find it very encouraging and heart-warming. One of the most valued gifts we can give someone is to take time to be aware of what they do for us, or on behalf of others, and let them know how much we appreciate them and their efforts.

Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. ….. Recognize the value of those who work hard among you—those who, as followers of the Lord, care for you and tell you how to live. Show them the highest respect and love because of the work they do. (Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ERV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and for the people who walk alongside me. Help me to have eyes to see and a heart to appreciate what You and they are doing for me and with me. Help me to build others up by taking time to express my appreciation. Amen

(co Partners in hope ministries Vancouver B.C.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

CHANGING LEAVES

It’s autumn. The temperature has cooled. The sun sets earlier. The leaves are changing colour and falling to the ground. Autumn breezes blow and the multicoloured leaves are sprinkled across the lawn and the sidewalk. Things are changing. A new season is upon us.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)

The focus has shifted from summer fun and recreation to the responsibilities of education or employment. That can bring pressure and anxiety for some of us. The colder and wetter weather brings many extra challenges for folks who live in vulnerable circumstances.

Change is difficult for most of us because the known always seems easier to deal with than the unknown. In the middle of change it’s good to know that some things are constant and reliable. The love of Jesus for us never changes. His presence with us, his forgiveness offered to us, and His commitment to giving us a life that is rich and filled with peace and joy is faithfully offered to us.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. …The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Hebrews 13:8, Psalm 33:11 NIV)

Changing seasons are no surprise and no challenge to God who holds all time and seasons in His hands. Long before we were born God had a wonderful life planned for us – a life lived in His tender love and goodness. As we consult with God, He will gladly make His plan known to us in this new season.

I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6 NIRV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, As I notice change around me, help me to settle my heart with the assurance that Your goodness and love never change. Fill me with Your wisdom and power so I can fulfill the plan You have for me to serve You and bless others. Amen

(co Partners in Hope)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

SUNDAY PSALM – A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Shout for joy to the Lord, everyone on earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come to him with songs of joy. Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people. We are the sheep belonging to his flock. Give thanks as you enter the gates of his temple. Give praise as you enter its courtyards. Give thanks to him and praise his name. The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come. (Psalm 100:1-5 NIRV)

What does it take to make a community sing, shout, and celebrate together? Winning a national or international sports championship certainly fits the bill. In today’s Psalm we have a picture of a community filled with joy but there’s no sports event. They are remembering the goodness of the God who created them and so much more. They are celebrating the wonderful truth that they belong to God. They are praising God and acknowledging that He cares, protects and provides shelter for them, along with everything else that comes with “belonging.”

We see lots of good things around us but there’s something that goes much deeper within us when we experience ourselves loved and having a sense of belonging. We can enter in and be part of something good and safe. We can know the safety and peace that comes from the assurance that someone “has our back.” That’s what the community is celebrating.

Are we celebrating? Do we know that not only has God created us, but He has made a way for us to belong? Have we received forgiveness and new life by trusting in what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross? Are we coming close to God today with confidence because we believe and are trusting that when Jesus washed us clean from our sin, guilt and shame had to go too? Our God loves us and will always be good to us. One question remains for each of us. Will we stand on the sidelines and just watch the community celebrate or will we join in? Will we come joyfully to God with thanks that our sins are forgiven and, confident in His love and goodness, hold onto hope for the future?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m so glad that You and I have today together. I’ve needed the love You give for so long. As I surrender my will and life into Your care help me to trust that You “have my back”. Help me to look beyond myself and really notice and celebrate Your generous goodness and mercy all day long. Amen

(co Partners in Hope)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

DEVELOPING INTEGRITY

Integrity is one of the most valued character qualities a person can have. A person of integrity has strong moral and ethical principles. They are known to be honest regardless of their circumstances or the company they are keeping or when alone with no one watching. What you see on the outside is the same person they are on the inside.

May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. (Psalm 25:21 NLT)

Integrity is a character quality developed in a person who has been living according to the Word of God. A person with integrity can stand with confidence before God.

I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. (Psalm 41:11-12 NIV)

People of integrity have the peace of a clear conscience. When we live according to the Word of God, we experience a deep inner peace knowing that we have not violated our conscience by doing wrong. We are confident that when someone examines us, we will be proven innocent. In contrast, when our lives lack moral wholeness, we live in constant fear of being “found out” as frauds. People of integrity are not perfect. We occasionally make mistakes and sin, but we do not cover up our offences. We confess them and deal with any consequences that arise.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NIV)

Men and women of integrity can be depended upon. People look to them with trust and respect. Neighbours speak highly of them and they are helpful in their community or place of work. Integrity is built over time as we diligently apply God’s teachings to the choices we make.

Prayer: Loving God, Help me to consider the impact of my actions and behaviour on those around me. My desire is to love and care for others as You faithfully love and care for me. Help me to follow Your principles in all my affairs and to become a person of integrity. Amen

(co Partners in Hope.)

Thanks, that was different.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019

LOVED WITHOUT CONDITION

We don’t really know God until we know that God is love and that God’s love for us is unfailing. We can depend on God’s love. We often hear the term “unconditional love.” What does that mean? Is God’s love unconditional? Can we do whatever we like, and God will continue to pour out His love on us?

Often when people speak about God’s unconditional love what they are really saying is that God’s love is available to everyone. Thankfully, there is no special race or social class we need to belong to in order to be loved by God.

God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ERV)

We speak of God’s unconditional love because He is willing to forgive all sin. There is no sin that the blood of Jesus will not wash clean. When we humbly repent of our sin and ask God to forgive us, He will cleanse us. There is no further payment required, our sin debt has been paid in full. We need no longer live in guilt and shame.

In Christ we are made free by his blood sacrifice. We have forgiveness of sins because of God’s rich grace. (Ephesians 1:7 ERV)

While God is willing, His holiness prevents Him from pouring His love into our hearts when we live in pride and selfsufficiency, and refuse to admit our failings.

To live in the love of God requires our willingness to turn away from sin and follow God’s way rather than our own. We can’t say we are allowing God to love us and live in hatred and selfwill. To receive God’s love we must be willing to take these first three steps – admit we are powerless and a mess; get to know this amazing God and believe He can restore us to new life; turn our will and our life over to His care and humbly live there on a moment-by-moment basis.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have gone my own way, made a mess of my life, and harmed others in the process. I turn away from living apart from you in self-will. I ask You to forgive me. I place my trust in the freedom from sin that Jesus provided for me when He died in my place. Help me to receive Your unfailing love and live in Your tender care. Amen (co Partners in Hope)

Your welcome, I was just listening to a song, different as well.

That was kind of dark but I've been there only my river was a rocky jetty overlooking Santa Catilina Island. The sea to me, put's my life into perspective. Almighty God created the very mighty seas. And we can live with what we have or just get washed away. It's life on life's terms and Gods terms. Else we may feel like a cork, aimless and lost in an overpowering world. Without a compass, a map, or a sextant.

unfortunately dark is a reality in this broken world, in the song the author speaks of hearing that still voice drown in the words, water can be extreme yet needed to sustain life so the river I think it’s a reference to that God being the only answer.

maybe why you came to sea to find comfort in the struggles of life.

It was a reality check for me. It helped me see my own scale in relation to the world around me. So it humbles me.

Great post and so true too. I love the panel too.