Last night the weather was CRAZY. Wind was howling. A torrential downpour was flooding roads. Debris was crashing into windows. At times it was difficult to sleep. But it made me think…
Storms are SCARY. My kids get FRIGHTENED. They don’t know what to do. They don’t know where to turn. They don’t understand what’s happening around them. Storms typically are a sensory nightmare. You SEE lightning. You HEAR thunder. You FEEL wind. It can be overwhelming. It can leave you feeling small and powerless. And it’s in those moments my kids run to me, their father, or to my wife, their mother. They seek comfort. They seek protection. Close by, they feel safe and though it’s crazy all around them, they feel everything is going to be ok.
That’s you.
That’s me.
That’s us.
That’s where God wants us to be.
We’re in this crazy, mixed-up world full of hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Our lives are like rollercoasters full of ups and downs. We stressed at work, at home, at church, EVERYWHERE! We’re so distracted by what we SEE, HEAR, and FEEL that we lose sight of the God who’s ultimately IN CONTROL OF IT ALL! He’s waiting for us to run to Him, crying out to Him, “Father! Father! Father!”
We are powerless; God is POWERFUL.
Don’t be distracted by your surroundings. Don’t focus on the storm. Don’t get lost in your circumstances. That’s where the enemy wants you to be…STUCK! The walls might be crumbling down, the ground might be slipping away, but it’s ok, God has His arms wrapped around you.
God’s waiting…
Your FATHER…
He’ll PROTECT you…
He’ll keep you SAFE…
TRUST Him…
BELIEVE Him…
RUN TO Him.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Your Parenting Leaves a Lasting Impression
Parents, ever have those moments when your kids are a BETTER teacher than you are? I’m talking about that moment when you’re face-to-face with your child, trying to communicate some life lesson, some nugget of truth, and they open their mouths, utter a few words, and it just TOTALLY blows your mind?
If you haven’t experienced this, you need to LISTEN to your kids.
A few days ago I was upstairs in my son’s room. He had made a series of poor decisions, he was acting inappropriately, so I sent him to his room so we could sit down and chat about it. At least, that’s what I should’ve done. Instead, I went upstairs MAD. I allowed myself to get FRUSTRATED before we even spoke. I entered the arena hearing the chant, “Two men enter, one man leaves.”
I yelled.
I pointed out all the things he was doing WRONG.
I spanked him (which isn’t a bad thing, it just shouldn’t be done out of frustration).
And then…from behind teary eyes and a quiet, defeated voice, he said, “Dad, I feel like you never give me second chances.”
My heart hurt.
My spirit was humbled.
My words and my actions were tearing down my son.
Now, he’s either a FANTASTIC manipulator or he’s spoke some serious TRUTH. I believe the later to be true. And it got me to thinking, “What if God, the Father, treated me, His son, like I treat my son?” Pretty sure I’d want NOTHING to do with Him, Jesus, or His church.
I don’t want that for my son. I want to live in such a way, parent in such a way that leads my son, my children, to a GREATER understanding of God’s LOVE, GRACE, KINDNESS, MERCY, and FORGIVENESS. I’m making changes in MY life to be more of an encouragement. I’m learning to speak HOPE into my kids, telling them who I believe God created them to be and pointing out the gifts He’s given them…not the shortcomings my critical nature wants to highlight.
So, parents, if your child’s idea of God was based on your parenting…how would they view Him?
If you haven’t experienced this, you need to LISTEN to your kids.
A few days ago I was upstairs in my son’s room. He had made a series of poor decisions, he was acting inappropriately, so I sent him to his room so we could sit down and chat about it. At least, that’s what I should’ve done. Instead, I went upstairs MAD. I allowed myself to get FRUSTRATED before we even spoke. I entered the arena hearing the chant, “Two men enter, one man leaves.”
I yelled.
I pointed out all the things he was doing WRONG.
I spanked him (which isn’t a bad thing, it just shouldn’t be done out of frustration).
And then…from behind teary eyes and a quiet, defeated voice, he said, “Dad, I feel like you never give me second chances.”
My heart hurt.
My spirit was humbled.
My words and my actions were tearing down my son.
Now, he’s either a FANTASTIC manipulator or he’s spoke some serious TRUTH. I believe the later to be true. And it got me to thinking, “What if God, the Father, treated me, His son, like I treat my son?” Pretty sure I’d want NOTHING to do with Him, Jesus, or His church.
I don’t want that for my son. I want to live in such a way, parent in such a way that leads my son, my children, to a GREATER understanding of God’s LOVE, GRACE, KINDNESS, MERCY, and FORGIVENESS. I’m making changes in MY life to be more of an encouragement. I’m learning to speak HOPE into my kids, telling them who I believe God created them to be and pointing out the gifts He’s given them…not the shortcomings my critical nature wants to highlight.
So, parents, if your child’s idea of God was based on your parenting…how would they view Him?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A Letter to Celebrate Recovery
Hello, my name is Nick; I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who’s in recovery for pride and co-dependency.
LAST WEEK:
Last week was AMAZING! Tonya dug up her junk and laid it out on the table for us all to see. But she didn’t leave it there. By the end of her testimony she stepped back and KICKED THE TABLE OVER and declared, “YOU DON’T HAVE ME ANYMORE!” Now, for those in attendance, you might be thinking to yourself, “I don’t remember her kicking over a table,” that’s because I’m speaking metaphorically. It was a story of VICTORY! She declared that she is not stuck in her past, not stuck in her mistakes, not stuck in the enemy’s lies, but she stands VICTORIOUS knowing her identity is found in Christ!
I was incredibly encouraged by her willingness to get vulnerable. It wasn’t merely a look back at her past, but she shared current struggles, current issues, and how God is CONTINUING to work in her. He isn’t done! Thank you, Tonya!
THIS WEEK:
This Friday, February 1, I will be taking us through Lesson 3: HOPE. It’s one of my FAVORITE lessons of the year. What is hope? Where can I find it? Why do I want it? How can I get it? As we start working through Principle 2 and Step 2 we begin to form a GREATER understanding of who God is and, for some of us, we realize for the FIRST TIME who God is, the power of the cross, and the HOPE of eternal life found in Jesus. This Friday’s going to be an INCREDIBLE time of growth and I believe our lives will NEVER BE THE SAME!!
NEWS & UPDATES:
Here’s something I want you to check out this week…
On April 19, 2013, in theaters across the nation, Home Run The Movie hits the big screen. I have seen this movie three times already. I saw it when it was still in pre-production and thought it was AWESOME. I’ve seen it twice since and it’s STILL awesome! It’s real. It’s true. It’s going to open a LOT of doors and create a LOT of questions for people struggling with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. And here’s where you come in, here’s why I believe it’s important for you to read this, I want you to be there. I want you to be there with family and friends and co-workers and neighbors…basically EVERYBODY you know!
People are hesitant about attending a church (even if it is a recovery program), but they’ll go to a movie. Start planning now. Write a list of people you’d LIKE to invite and start PRAYING they say “yes” WHEN you ask (notice I didn’t say “if,” I said WHEN you ask).
You can watch the trailer and other clips about Home Run on YouTube AND you can share them with your friends on Facebook.
THE END:
CR, in order to change, we gotta be OPEN to change. Are you OPEN to change? Do you really WANT to change? Are you happy and content staying where you are, how you are? Or are you ready for God to transform your life and expose you to the life of abundance He promises? Let’s talk about it this Friday at 7p. See you then!
LAST WEEK:
Last week was AMAZING! Tonya dug up her junk and laid it out on the table for us all to see. But she didn’t leave it there. By the end of her testimony she stepped back and KICKED THE TABLE OVER and declared, “YOU DON’T HAVE ME ANYMORE!” Now, for those in attendance, you might be thinking to yourself, “I don’t remember her kicking over a table,” that’s because I’m speaking metaphorically. It was a story of VICTORY! She declared that she is not stuck in her past, not stuck in her mistakes, not stuck in the enemy’s lies, but she stands VICTORIOUS knowing her identity is found in Christ!
I was incredibly encouraged by her willingness to get vulnerable. It wasn’t merely a look back at her past, but she shared current struggles, current issues, and how God is CONTINUING to work in her. He isn’t done! Thank you, Tonya!
THIS WEEK:
This Friday, February 1, I will be taking us through Lesson 3: HOPE. It’s one of my FAVORITE lessons of the year. What is hope? Where can I find it? Why do I want it? How can I get it? As we start working through Principle 2 and Step 2 we begin to form a GREATER understanding of who God is and, for some of us, we realize for the FIRST TIME who God is, the power of the cross, and the HOPE of eternal life found in Jesus. This Friday’s going to be an INCREDIBLE time of growth and I believe our lives will NEVER BE THE SAME!!
NEWS & UPDATES:
Here’s something I want you to check out this week…
On April 19, 2013, in theaters across the nation, Home Run The Movie hits the big screen. I have seen this movie three times already. I saw it when it was still in pre-production and thought it was AWESOME. I’ve seen it twice since and it’s STILL awesome! It’s real. It’s true. It’s going to open a LOT of doors and create a LOT of questions for people struggling with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. And here’s where you come in, here’s why I believe it’s important for you to read this, I want you to be there. I want you to be there with family and friends and co-workers and neighbors…basically EVERYBODY you know!
People are hesitant about attending a church (even if it is a recovery program), but they’ll go to a movie. Start planning now. Write a list of people you’d LIKE to invite and start PRAYING they say “yes” WHEN you ask (notice I didn’t say “if,” I said WHEN you ask).
You can watch the trailer and other clips about Home Run on YouTube AND you can share them with your friends on Facebook.
THE END:
CR, in order to change, we gotta be OPEN to change. Are you OPEN to change? Do you really WANT to change? Are you happy and content staying where you are, how you are? Or are you ready for God to transform your life and expose you to the life of abundance He promises? Let’s talk about it this Friday at 7p. See you then!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Set List 1.25/27.13
TESTIMONY
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Happy Day—Steve Fee
How He Loves—David Crowder*Band
Marvelous Light—Charlie Hall
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING? (Part 4 of 4)
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Glory to God Forever—Fee
There is No One Higher—North Point Live
Our God—Chris Tomlin
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Happy Day—Steve Fee
How He Loves—David Crowder*Band
Marvelous Light—Charlie Hall
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING? (Part 4 of 4)
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Glory to God Forever—Fee
There is No One Higher—North Point Live
Our God—Chris Tomlin
Friday, January 25, 2013
What Does it Mean to Make the Right Choices?
Reading through the book of 1 Kings, I can’t help but notice a few recurring themes throughout the text…
They did what was right in their own eyes.
They returned to their evil ways.
They turned their backs to God.
They forgot who God was and what He had done.
They did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
It might be stated differently. They might even be lumped together into a single sentence. But again and again and again you’ll read these words. Again and again you’ll find the Israelites turning from God’s way to their own.
As I’m reading this I can’t help but think to myself, “These people need CR!” That’s Celebrate Recovery for those not following along.
I mean these are the exact behaviors that landed us in that bad situation, that bad relationship, that near death experience, that broken marriage, that severed relationship, that addiction, that __________ (Feel free to insert yours). At Celebrate Recovery we learn HOW to turn from our ways and start to walk in God’s ways. His ways promise BLESSINGS. Our ways lead to a curse.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be BLESSED!
So, this morning, this afternoon, tonight, this weekend, whatever you choose, grab your Bible (or your iPhone, or iPad, or whatever you use) and turn to the book of 1 Kings. Read through it. Look for correlations between the way they LIVED and the way you’re LIVING! Pray and ask for God to help you break free from the monotony of your life so you can enjoy eternity in His.
They did what was right in their own eyes.
They returned to their evil ways.
They turned their backs to God.
They forgot who God was and what He had done.
They did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
It might be stated differently. They might even be lumped together into a single sentence. But again and again and again you’ll read these words. Again and again you’ll find the Israelites turning from God’s way to their own.
As I’m reading this I can’t help but think to myself, “These people need CR!” That’s Celebrate Recovery for those not following along.
I mean these are the exact behaviors that landed us in that bad situation, that bad relationship, that near death experience, that broken marriage, that severed relationship, that addiction, that __________ (Feel free to insert yours). At Celebrate Recovery we learn HOW to turn from our ways and start to walk in God’s ways. His ways promise BLESSINGS. Our ways lead to a curse.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be BLESSED!
So, this morning, this afternoon, tonight, this weekend, whatever you choose, grab your Bible (or your iPhone, or iPad, or whatever you use) and turn to the book of 1 Kings. Read through it. Look for correlations between the way they LIVED and the way you’re LIVING! Pray and ask for God to help you break free from the monotony of your life so you can enjoy eternity in His.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
No One Higher
There is no one higher
No one greater
No one like our God
There is none more able
Christ our Savior
Great and glorious
Let these words sorta bounce around in your mind for a bit. Read them again. Sing them in want. Declare them LOUDLY! These words echo so much truth. There is no one higher, no one greater, no one like our God. There is none more able, Christ our Savior, great and glorious. He is the pinnacle, he is the peak, he is the ultimate, he is the highest, he reigns over all, he is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Jesus. Death couldn’t even hold him. Three days after his death and burial the tomb was EMPTY! HE IS GREATER! HE IS ABLE!
Focus on the CROSS, not your circumstance.
Focus on his FREEDOM, not your fear.
When you’re anxious, he is ABLE.
When you’re ready to give up, he pours his GRACE over you.
When you say, "I'm stuck," he says, "SALVATION is here."
I love you New Life and can’t WAIT to lift his name high with you this weekend! To prepare for Sunday’s worship experience read the first two chapters of Hebrews and listen to the song “No One Higher” by Steve Fee.
No one greater
No one like our God
There is none more able
Christ our Savior
Great and glorious
Let these words sorta bounce around in your mind for a bit. Read them again. Sing them in want. Declare them LOUDLY! These words echo so much truth. There is no one higher, no one greater, no one like our God. There is none more able, Christ our Savior, great and glorious. He is the pinnacle, he is the peak, he is the ultimate, he is the highest, he reigns over all, he is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Jesus. Death couldn’t even hold him. Three days after his death and burial the tomb was EMPTY! HE IS GREATER! HE IS ABLE!
Focus on the CROSS, not your circumstance.
Focus on his FREEDOM, not your fear.
When you’re anxious, he is ABLE.
When you’re ready to give up, he pours his GRACE over you.
When you say, "I'm stuck," he says, "SALVATION is here."
I love you New Life and can’t WAIT to lift his name high with you this weekend! To prepare for Sunday’s worship experience read the first two chapters of Hebrews and listen to the song “No One Higher” by Steve Fee.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Are You a Dreamer?
Are you a dreamer?
Are you a goal setter?
Are you the kinda person who says, “Here’s where I’d LIKE to be,” and then do whatever it takes to get there?
Are you the kinda person who says, “Here’s what I’d LIKE to be doing,” and then drop everything to make it happen?
Yes? No? Don’t know?
Maybe you started out this way. Maybe you started out as a dreamer, but for whatever reason, you’ve backed down, you’ve given up, you’ve thrown in the proverbial white towel. Maybe you stumbled. Maybe you fell. Maybe you failed to realize your dream, failed to see your goal fulfilled, failed to keep going.
Or, and what I would suggest happens to many of us, WE are bigger than our dreams. WE are greater than our goals. We fix our eyes on things just out of reach, things WE can grab with just a bit more effort, just a bit more sweat, just a bit more time. We fear the BIG dream because we fear the BIG failure. So, instead of shooting for the impossible, we settle for the near and probable.
God wants to see you succeed.
God wants to see you prosper.
God wants to help you.
God loves you.
However...
God is not going to do your part.
God is not going to pick up your slack.
God is not going to make your dreams come true while you sit watching and waiting.
God loves you too much to let you do nothing.
Are you a goal setter?
Are you the kinda person who says, “Here’s where I’d LIKE to be,” and then do whatever it takes to get there?
Are you the kinda person who says, “Here’s what I’d LIKE to be doing,” and then drop everything to make it happen?
Yes? No? Don’t know?
Maybe you started out this way. Maybe you started out as a dreamer, but for whatever reason, you’ve backed down, you’ve given up, you’ve thrown in the proverbial white towel. Maybe you stumbled. Maybe you fell. Maybe you failed to realize your dream, failed to see your goal fulfilled, failed to keep going.
Or, and what I would suggest happens to many of us, WE are bigger than our dreams. WE are greater than our goals. We fix our eyes on things just out of reach, things WE can grab with just a bit more effort, just a bit more sweat, just a bit more time. We fear the BIG dream because we fear the BIG failure. So, instead of shooting for the impossible, we settle for the near and probable.
God wants to see you succeed.
God wants to see you prosper.
God wants to help you.
God loves you.
However...
God is not going to do your part.
God is not going to pick up your slack.
God is not going to make your dreams come true while you sit watching and waiting.
God loves you too much to let you do nothing.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A Letter to Celebrate Recovery
Hello, my name is Nick; I’m a grateful believer in Jesus who celebrates recovery from drugs, alcohol, and pornography, and is currently working on pride and codependency.
LAST WEEK:
If you weren’t there last week, Steve brought it! Here’s the message summed up in 5 Tweets:
If you missed it, don't worry! You can listen to online at newlifecommunitychurch.tv—simply CLICK HERE to access this lesson as well as others.
THIS WEEK:
It’s TESTIMONY night at Celebrate Recovery this week! Yes! Each week over 100 people walk through those doors. And here’s why that is significant—every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God! EVERYONE has a story and this week we get the opportunity to share in the struggles, the pain, the hardships, AND the victories of someone who is walking the road of recovery. Join us Friday night and discover HOPE is real and available as Tonya shares her story!
NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 3 things I want to share with you this week…
#1 Celebration Station—Wow! On average we’re seeing 20 kids attending our Celebration Station since it’s launch a few short weeks ago AND they’re LOVING IT! We have a great team of leaders back there teaching, leading, and guiding our kids every Friday night. They are doing a FANTASTIC job helping our kids form healthy ways of coping with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
Serving in Celebration Station is a GREAT opportunity! We don’t want to get caught up on the “Only ifs” BUT, what would’ve happened had you been exposed to the different recovery principles and ways to cope with pain and hurt? Each Friday night you have the chance to make THAT difference in the life of another. I want you to BE the difference! I’d love to see this team grow to 10+. Is it you? If interested, please email celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org and let me know.
#2 Home Run The Movie—GREAT news! Martinsburg, WV has been officially selected to host this movie on opening weekend! A BIG thanks to local businesses, churches, and community leaders for coming together and making this happen! BUT, the work is not done. We need YOU to become this movie’s greatest supporter! This means telling your friends, telling your family, and inviting everyone you know! Imagine, on April 19, people are going to see what it’s like to be a part of the Celebrate Recovery family. How many people will you bring?
#3 BBQ Chicken Dinner—Who remembers our super awesome fantastic BBQ chicken sale we had a few years back? I do. It was good. REALLY good. And the best part of it, aside from the taste, we earned enough money to cover the cost of CR’s Friday night dinner FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR! I just wanted to let you know that it’s in the early stages of planning and we’re probably shooting for a date somewhere between March and April. In 2011 we sold 200 dinners. What if that number doubled? We’re going to need volunteers to operate the BBQ, prepare the side dishes, serve the dishes, set up tables, and a WHOLE LOT MORE!
THE END:
I love you. I’m excited we GET TO walk this journey together. Remember, recovery is a PROCESS not a quick fix. Remember, people MATTER (and this includes YOU)! I’m PUMPED for Friday and can’t wait to see you there!
LAST WEEK:
If you weren’t there last week, Steve brought it! Here’s the message summed up in 5 Tweets:
- Recovery is a lifelong process and admitting you’re powerless is the first step.
- We need to learn to live in reality!
- Resentment is gonna eat you up from the inside out!
- When you’re running on empty nothing satisfies you. Jesus changes that!
- Nothing can separate us from the love of God, except not allowing God to be God in our lives.
If you missed it, don't worry! You can listen to online at newlifecommunitychurch.tv—simply CLICK HERE to access this lesson as well as others.
THIS WEEK:
It’s TESTIMONY night at Celebrate Recovery this week! Yes! Each week over 100 people walk through those doors. And here’s why that is significant—every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God! EVERYONE has a story and this week we get the opportunity to share in the struggles, the pain, the hardships, AND the victories of someone who is walking the road of recovery. Join us Friday night and discover HOPE is real and available as Tonya shares her story!
NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 3 things I want to share with you this week…
#1 Celebration Station—Wow! On average we’re seeing 20 kids attending our Celebration Station since it’s launch a few short weeks ago AND they’re LOVING IT! We have a great team of leaders back there teaching, leading, and guiding our kids every Friday night. They are doing a FANTASTIC job helping our kids form healthy ways of coping with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
Serving in Celebration Station is a GREAT opportunity! We don’t want to get caught up on the “Only ifs” BUT, what would’ve happened had you been exposed to the different recovery principles and ways to cope with pain and hurt? Each Friday night you have the chance to make THAT difference in the life of another. I want you to BE the difference! I’d love to see this team grow to 10+. Is it you? If interested, please email celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org and let me know.
#2 Home Run The Movie—GREAT news! Martinsburg, WV has been officially selected to host this movie on opening weekend! A BIG thanks to local businesses, churches, and community leaders for coming together and making this happen! BUT, the work is not done. We need YOU to become this movie’s greatest supporter! This means telling your friends, telling your family, and inviting everyone you know! Imagine, on April 19, people are going to see what it’s like to be a part of the Celebrate Recovery family. How many people will you bring?
#3 BBQ Chicken Dinner—Who remembers our super awesome fantastic BBQ chicken sale we had a few years back? I do. It was good. REALLY good. And the best part of it, aside from the taste, we earned enough money to cover the cost of CR’s Friday night dinner FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR! I just wanted to let you know that it’s in the early stages of planning and we’re probably shooting for a date somewhere between March and April. In 2011 we sold 200 dinners. What if that number doubled? We’re going to need volunteers to operate the BBQ, prepare the side dishes, serve the dishes, set up tables, and a WHOLE LOT MORE!
THE END:
I love you. I’m excited we GET TO walk this journey together. Remember, recovery is a PROCESS not a quick fix. Remember, people MATTER (and this includes YOU)! I’m PUMPED for Friday and can’t wait to see you there!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Set List 1.18/20.13
POWERLESS
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)—Casting Crowns
Your Love Never Fails—Jesus Culture
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
Show Me Your Glory—Jesus Culture
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING?
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Our God—Chris Tomlin
Like a Lion—David Crowder*Band
The Stand—Hillsong United
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)—Casting Crowns
Your Love Never Fails—Jesus Culture
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
Show Me Your Glory—Jesus Culture
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING?
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Our God—Chris Tomlin
Like a Lion—David Crowder*Band
The Stand—Hillsong United
Friday, January 18, 2013
No One Is Looking
Who are you when no one else is looking?
What’s happening behind those closed doors?
How’s your though life?
Would the people you call “friend” recognize you?
Does anyone really know you?
How are your secrets treating you?
We do CRAZY things when we think no one is around, no one can see us, no one can hear us. Why just this morning, as I was driving my youngest to school, a car flew around a turn in MY lane! Obviously the driver believed he could see just far enough to conclude there were no other drivers on the road, so, instead of doing what he should, he cut the turn short and drove in my lane, endangering my life and the life the my son (so many my’s in this paragraph).
Let’s make it personal. A few years ago, if I knew no one was around, if I even had the slightest hint that I’d be alone for a set amount of time, my computer would be lit up with pornography. Sure, there were moments of guilt and shame afterwards, but that didn’t stop me from doing it again and again and again. Even when I confessed my desire, and I say DESIRE because at that time I was unwilling to admit it was an ADDICTION, to look at porn, I didn’t stop. Not even when it was damaging my marriage and hurting my wife.
We think it’s ok because we’re alone. We don’t think we’re hurting anything. Who’s around? Who’s gonna find out? The truth is, we’re killing ourselves AND the people around us.
So then, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in broad daylight, and whatever you have whispered in private in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.
Luke 12:3 (GNT)
You can’t hide forever. Eventually you’ll be found out. Either someone’s gonna walk in on you or you’re going to hurt someone. Simple as that. You already know you need to stop. You already know something’s gotta change. Why wait?
It doesn’t matter if it’s driving or porn or drinking or drugs or abuse or cutting or whatever it might be…YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT! And if you can’t stop, you know it’s a problem. You’re not in control, it’s controlling you. Alone we are POWERLESS, but Christ in us has unfathomable POWER! In Christ you have the power to BREAK FREE!
Who are you?
Who are you REALLY?
Who do you want TO BE?
What’s happening behind those closed doors?
How’s your though life?
Would the people you call “friend” recognize you?
Does anyone really know you?
How are your secrets treating you?
We do CRAZY things when we think no one is around, no one can see us, no one can hear us. Why just this morning, as I was driving my youngest to school, a car flew around a turn in MY lane! Obviously the driver believed he could see just far enough to conclude there were no other drivers on the road, so, instead of doing what he should, he cut the turn short and drove in my lane, endangering my life and the life the my son (so many my’s in this paragraph).
Let’s make it personal. A few years ago, if I knew no one was around, if I even had the slightest hint that I’d be alone for a set amount of time, my computer would be lit up with pornography. Sure, there were moments of guilt and shame afterwards, but that didn’t stop me from doing it again and again and again. Even when I confessed my desire, and I say DESIRE because at that time I was unwilling to admit it was an ADDICTION, to look at porn, I didn’t stop. Not even when it was damaging my marriage and hurting my wife.
We think it’s ok because we’re alone. We don’t think we’re hurting anything. Who’s around? Who’s gonna find out? The truth is, we’re killing ourselves AND the people around us.
So then, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in broad daylight, and whatever you have whispered in private in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.
Luke 12:3 (GNT)
You can’t hide forever. Eventually you’ll be found out. Either someone’s gonna walk in on you or you’re going to hurt someone. Simple as that. You already know you need to stop. You already know something’s gotta change. Why wait?
It doesn’t matter if it’s driving or porn or drinking or drugs or abuse or cutting or whatever it might be…YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT! And if you can’t stop, you know it’s a problem. You’re not in control, it’s controlling you. Alone we are POWERLESS, but Christ in us has unfathomable POWER! In Christ you have the power to BREAK FREE!
Who are you?
Who are you REALLY?
Who do you want TO BE?
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Is That Song Making You a Liar?
If you don’t already have it, check out the song “You Are My God” by Derek Johnson (off the Emerging Voices Album). It’s a phenomenal song! Musically and lyrically it’s just a great song.
BUT…
It’s one of those songs, that, if you take an HONEST approach, as in, “I can’t sing those words because, when applied to my life, they simply aren’t true,” you’re not going to sing it. Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean, because if you really don't, then you don’t really pay attention to what you’re singing.
Here’s a small selection of the lyrics:
You are my God You are my King
To You alone my heart does sing
You are all I ever wanted
You are all I ever needed and
You are my God and You're my King
Read over them. They’re POWERFUL! But can you see why I would struggle to sing these words? I sing words like “You are all I ever wanted” and I asked myself, “Really? Is God all I’ve ever wanted?” In an instant my focus changes from God to critically examining myself, taking an inward look at who I am and what I believe. And it’s HERE I believe God wants us to be, wants us to stay, wants us to work things out.
Don’t brush off those moments when God’s trying to work in you. Don’t ignore the work of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide and direct you. Don’t shut out His voice as He tries to speak with you. Don’t be afraid to work out your faith…STRENGTHEN it!
What is God trying to show you today?
What is God trying to teach you today?
What is God trying to reveal to you?
BUT…
It’s one of those songs, that, if you take an HONEST approach, as in, “I can’t sing those words because, when applied to my life, they simply aren’t true,” you’re not going to sing it. Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean, because if you really don't, then you don’t really pay attention to what you’re singing.
Here’s a small selection of the lyrics:
You are my God You are my King
To You alone my heart does sing
You are all I ever wanted
You are all I ever needed and
You are my God and You're my King
Read over them. They’re POWERFUL! But can you see why I would struggle to sing these words? I sing words like “You are all I ever wanted” and I asked myself, “Really? Is God all I’ve ever wanted?” In an instant my focus changes from God to critically examining myself, taking an inward look at who I am and what I believe. And it’s HERE I believe God wants us to be, wants us to stay, wants us to work things out.
Don’t brush off those moments when God’s trying to work in you. Don’t ignore the work of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide and direct you. Don’t shut out His voice as He tries to speak with you. Don’t be afraid to work out your faith…STRENGTHEN it!
What is God trying to show you today?
What is God trying to teach you today?
What is God trying to reveal to you?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel
For those of you who do not live around my neck of the woods, the weather was less than desirable this morning. It’s cold. It’s rainy. It’s dark. It’s dreary. It’s cold. Did I mention it’s cold? Yes? Ok. So, as I was saying before, the weather isn’t what I would categorize as great or anything, which means driving in it is not so fun either. In fact, it seems like when it rains people around here forgot how to drive. Here’s where I start to blame others…
I placed my youngest in the van, turned on one of his jams (“Hurricane” by Bridget Mendler), and started off towards his school. As I reached the intersection I looked to my left and to my right. I noticed some cars off in the distance, but nothing to worry about…then BAM! No, I didn’t get into a wreck, but I nearly did.
As I was pulling out across the lane I barely caught a glimpse of a dark, maroon colored car (basically hidden in the dark rainy…and cold…weather). Why didn’t I see this car? How could I miss it? Then I realized why I hadn’t noticed the car, whoever was driving neglected to turn on the headlights and because of THEIR mistake, I nearly sideswiped them.
Yes…it was THEIR fault!
Or so I started to try and convince myself…and then it was like the Spirit of God took hold of my heart, pulled in close to my ears, and whispered, “You’re going to write about this later.” Then I knew it. It wasn’t the fault of the OTHER driver, it was MY fault.
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 11:30 NIV84
I had fallen asleep. I had grown so accustomed to my routine, so accustomed to driving back and forth between my house and my son’s house, so accustomed to setting expectations on every other driver, that I had fallen asleep behind the wheel. I had the subconscious assumption that everyone was going to have their headlights on, so my mind didn’t even pick up on the other car…they remained unseen to my closed eyes.
And I started thinking, man this is how so many of us approach our recoveries. We get in the program. We start working the 12 Steps. We start applying the 8 Principles. We experience a bit of healing. We catch a glimmer of hope. We feel like we’re getting better. We start to think, “I got this.” Without knowing it, we fall asleep.
We let our defenses down.
We become lazy.
We lose sight of reality.
We fall asleep.
Then without warning, BAM! Wreckage. Destruction. Death.
Take a few minutes this morning and really look at where you are today and how you’re doing. Are your eyes open or have you fallen asleep?
I placed my youngest in the van, turned on one of his jams (“Hurricane” by Bridget Mendler), and started off towards his school. As I reached the intersection I looked to my left and to my right. I noticed some cars off in the distance, but nothing to worry about…then BAM! No, I didn’t get into a wreck, but I nearly did.
As I was pulling out across the lane I barely caught a glimpse of a dark, maroon colored car (basically hidden in the dark rainy…and cold…weather). Why didn’t I see this car? How could I miss it? Then I realized why I hadn’t noticed the car, whoever was driving neglected to turn on the headlights and because of THEIR mistake, I nearly sideswiped them.
Yes…it was THEIR fault!
Or so I started to try and convince myself…and then it was like the Spirit of God took hold of my heart, pulled in close to my ears, and whispered, “You’re going to write about this later.” Then I knew it. It wasn’t the fault of the OTHER driver, it was MY fault.
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 11:30 NIV84
I had fallen asleep. I had grown so accustomed to my routine, so accustomed to driving back and forth between my house and my son’s house, so accustomed to setting expectations on every other driver, that I had fallen asleep behind the wheel. I had the subconscious assumption that everyone was going to have their headlights on, so my mind didn’t even pick up on the other car…they remained unseen to my closed eyes.
And I started thinking, man this is how so many of us approach our recoveries. We get in the program. We start working the 12 Steps. We start applying the 8 Principles. We experience a bit of healing. We catch a glimmer of hope. We feel like we’re getting better. We start to think, “I got this.” Without knowing it, we fall asleep.
We let our defenses down.
We become lazy.
We lose sight of reality.
We fall asleep.
Then without warning, BAM! Wreckage. Destruction. Death.
Take a few minutes this morning and really look at where you are today and how you’re doing. Are your eyes open or have you fallen asleep?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Letter to Celebrate Recovery
Hi, my name is Nick Scott; I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who’s in recovery from codependency and pride.
LAST WEEK:
Last week was FANTASTIC…for me, and I can only speak for me because I was out of town, down in Florida, spending some much needed time with my family. While away I followed the Seahawks vs. Redskins game AND our Celebrate Recovery on Twitter. Yes, I did. And, I heard it was GREAT! The game AND CR!
Christy walked on that stage and shared her heart. She walked through her past. She shared the struggles of her present. And she painted a picture of hope for, not only HER future, but her FAMILY’S! One of the most important aspects of her testimony that I believe we ALL can relate to on some level, is the illusionary sense that we can fix others. We can’t do it. You can’t do it. I can’t do it. Yet we think we can and we try and we try and we try until we get so frustrated that we throw our hands up in the air and shout, “I GIVE UP!”
And this is sorta where we need to be from the very beginning…throwing our hands up in surrender, realizing WE can’t fix someone else (let alone ourselves). But there’s a BIG difference between doing it in frustration and doing it in surrender. You can either give up control OR you can be controlled by your emotions.
Which will you choose?
THIS WEEK:
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
This is Step 1. It’s the beginning. It’s the start. It’s our first step in the journey of recovery. And this Friday Steve, who assumed the role of Ministry Leader this year, will lead us through a lesson that will give us insight into this thing called recovery. POWERLESS. That’s the lesson. That’s the key. That’s the single greatest ingredient to the recipe, the variable in the equation…powerlessness. It’s not until we realize we are powerless that we can start the process, the journey of recovery.
No! You won’t really LIVE or ever truly GROW or understand or grasp the love and grace of God until you acknowledge your powerlessness. I invite you to join us this Friday as Steve shares the message that will change your life.
NEWS & UPDATES:
I’ve been out of town for a week, yet it feels like I’ve been gone for a whole lot longer! I feel out of touch. So, I can really only think of one thing I’d like to share with you this week, one thing that I believe could be the most important NEED or WANT in our Celebrate Recovery program…
#1 Celebration Station—it’s been 2 weeks, just 2 weeks, and we’re already seeing growth in our children’s program (notice I didn’t say childcare). You could say we NEED you, but I like to think of it more as I WANT you here, helping, leading, guiding our kids to a better tomorrow. I can think of no greater privilege than helping children discover a voice for their emotions and struggles. I WANT to see our Celebration Station filled with people who are passionate about kids, LOVE kids, and have a desire to see them grow up with a chance, a head start at living a healthy life.
If this is you, please email me at celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org with your contact information and I’ll get in touch with you immediately.
THE END:
I love you. I want the best for you. Let’s be real, I want the best for ME! So let’s lump us together and say I want the best for US! This COMMUNITY! Our marriages! Our families! Our EVERYTHING! I’m believing the best is YET TO COME! See you on Friday.
LAST WEEK:
Last week was FANTASTIC…for me, and I can only speak for me because I was out of town, down in Florida, spending some much needed time with my family. While away I followed the Seahawks vs. Redskins game AND our Celebrate Recovery on Twitter. Yes, I did. And, I heard it was GREAT! The game AND CR!
Christy walked on that stage and shared her heart. She walked through her past. She shared the struggles of her present. And she painted a picture of hope for, not only HER future, but her FAMILY’S! One of the most important aspects of her testimony that I believe we ALL can relate to on some level, is the illusionary sense that we can fix others. We can’t do it. You can’t do it. I can’t do it. Yet we think we can and we try and we try and we try until we get so frustrated that we throw our hands up in the air and shout, “I GIVE UP!”
And this is sorta where we need to be from the very beginning…throwing our hands up in surrender, realizing WE can’t fix someone else (let alone ourselves). But there’s a BIG difference between doing it in frustration and doing it in surrender. You can either give up control OR you can be controlled by your emotions.
Which will you choose?
THIS WEEK:
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
This is Step 1. It’s the beginning. It’s the start. It’s our first step in the journey of recovery. And this Friday Steve, who assumed the role of Ministry Leader this year, will lead us through a lesson that will give us insight into this thing called recovery. POWERLESS. That’s the lesson. That’s the key. That’s the single greatest ingredient to the recipe, the variable in the equation…powerlessness. It’s not until we realize we are powerless that we can start the process, the journey of recovery.
No! You won’t really LIVE or ever truly GROW or understand or grasp the love and grace of God until you acknowledge your powerlessness. I invite you to join us this Friday as Steve shares the message that will change your life.
NEWS & UPDATES:
I’ve been out of town for a week, yet it feels like I’ve been gone for a whole lot longer! I feel out of touch. So, I can really only think of one thing I’d like to share with you this week, one thing that I believe could be the most important NEED or WANT in our Celebrate Recovery program…
#1 Celebration Station—it’s been 2 weeks, just 2 weeks, and we’re already seeing growth in our children’s program (notice I didn’t say childcare). You could say we NEED you, but I like to think of it more as I WANT you here, helping, leading, guiding our kids to a better tomorrow. I can think of no greater privilege than helping children discover a voice for their emotions and struggles. I WANT to see our Celebration Station filled with people who are passionate about kids, LOVE kids, and have a desire to see them grow up with a chance, a head start at living a healthy life.
If this is you, please email me at celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org with your contact information and I’ll get in touch with you immediately.
THE END:
I love you. I want the best for you. Let’s be real, I want the best for ME! So let’s lump us together and say I want the best for US! This COMMUNITY! Our marriages! Our families! Our EVERYTHING! I’m believing the best is YET TO COME! See you on Friday.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Set List 1.11/13.13
TESTIMONY
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Revelation Song—Kari Jobe
Beautiful Things—Gungor
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
Came to My Rescue—Hillsong United
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING?
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Like a Lion—David Crowder*Band
Your Love Never Fails—Jesus Culture
With Us—Hillsong Live
All Because of Jesus—Fee
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Revelation Song—Kari Jobe
Beautiful Things—Gungor
You’re Everywhere—Third Day
Came to My Rescue—Hillsong United
SERIES: WHERE THE HECK ARE WE GOING?
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Like a Lion—David Crowder*Band
Your Love Never Fails—Jesus Culture
With Us—Hillsong Live
All Because of Jesus—Fee
Friday, January 4, 2013
Is Hope Lost?
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
These words written by Edward Mote echo the truth of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24-27. Such truth! Such power!
Where is your trust? Where are you placing your faith? Better yet…where am I placing MY trust and faith (let’s make it personal).
It’s not in my marriage.
It’s not in my kids.
It’s not in my job.
It’s not in my position.
It’s not in my paycheck.
It’s not in my abilities.
It’s not in my house.
It’s not in my car.
It’s not in my bank account.
It’s not in my wallet.
It’s not in my friends.
It’s not in my family.
It’s not in a program.
It’s not in my favorite sports team.
It’s not in a bottle.
It’s not in a pill.
It’s in Jesus.
It’s in Jesus.
It’s in Jesus.
Sometimes you just gotta say it a few times and let it sink in. Let it sink in. No other name. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He lived. He died. He rose from the grave. He ascended to heaven and now reigns as King. His name is Jesus.
Maybe you gotta shout it today. Maybe you need to call someone. Maybe you need to stop where you are and pray. Maybe you need to stop what you’re doing and turn back to the God who saved you. Maybe today is the day you finally acknowledge him as Savior and give him your life.
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
These words written by Edward Mote echo the truth of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24-27. Such truth! Such power!
Where is your trust? Where are you placing your faith? Better yet…where am I placing MY trust and faith (let’s make it personal).
It’s not in my marriage.
It’s not in my kids.
It’s not in my job.
It’s not in my position.
It’s not in my paycheck.
It’s not in my abilities.
It’s not in my house.
It’s not in my car.
It’s not in my bank account.
It’s not in my wallet.
It’s not in my friends.
It’s not in my family.
It’s not in a program.
It’s not in my favorite sports team.
It’s not in a bottle.
It’s not in a pill.
It’s in Jesus.
It’s in Jesus.
It’s in Jesus.
Sometimes you just gotta say it a few times and let it sink in. Let it sink in. No other name. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He lived. He died. He rose from the grave. He ascended to heaven and now reigns as King. His name is Jesus.
Maybe you gotta shout it today. Maybe you need to call someone. Maybe you need to stop where you are and pray. Maybe you need to stop what you’re doing and turn back to the God who saved you. Maybe today is the day you finally acknowledge him as Savior and give him your life.
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Proper Response to Any Situation
Take a few moments and read Genesis 39. I’d copy and paste it all here, but I’m sure there’s some sort of copyright issue depending on the version you use or whatever, plus, sometimes it’s good to seek and to search and to find on your own. So grab your Bible, go to YouVersion.com, open the Bible App on your phone, and go to Genesis 39.
It’s a small part of the story of Joseph.
Joseph the dreamer,
Joseph the wearer of a coat of many colors (no, not Donny Osmond),
Joseph the favorite son,
Joseph the most loved,
Joseph the betrayed.
It’s a nasty story. If you’d like the catch a bit of the backstory, turn back a few pages and read Genesis 37. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Ok, I waited.
I believe most of us, if not ALL of us can relate to this story. We’ve all BEEN hurt by someone or HAVE hurt someone. We’ve all been Joseph or we’ve been his brothers. BUT, I’d like to suggest that in our mess, in our hurts, we’ve responded completely different than Joseph did. Here are just a few principles pulled from his story that I think we can apply to our own and hopefully help deal with past crap and also give us insight to deal with all the stuff that will happen (yes, stuff WILL happen).
#1 Joseph LOOKED up, he didn’t give up – imagine you’ve been betrayed by the people you love most, the people you trust, the people you believe have your back, your family, your friends, your spouse, your kids…you name it, imagine they did it. For some of us we don’t have to imagine because it’s already happened or is happening right now. How did you respond? Most of us run and hide and by hide I don’t mean pulling the covers over your head, I mean hiding behind fear, hiding behind anger, hiding behind drugs and alcohol, hiding behind revenge. We give up. We turn our back on the truth of God (if you know Him) and allow our feelings to guide and lead us. Joseph didn’t give up, he LOOKED up. He turned TO God, not from Him. He prayed. He trusted. He believed. And in the end…well, you gotta keep reading to find that out.
#2 Joseph was FAITHFUL in the face of fear and failure – ha! THAT’S some good alliteration! Looks like I'm becoming more and more assimilated into church culture…anyways…Joseph could’ve ran away, he could’ve cursed his brothers or slept with his boss’ wife, but instead Joseph was FAITHFUL to the God who had always been faithful to him. He didn’t allow himself to become shaken or rattled by his circumstances and I don’t know about you, but being sold into slavery by my brothers and then thrown into prison for something I DIDN’T do would probably shake me up a bit. Joseph shows us that God is GREATER than our circumstances and that He is ABLE to bring us through them. God is ultimately in control and though bad things happen (after all, we live in a fallen world) God is working it together for my good, your good, the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
#3 Joseph was WILLING to be used, so God used him – we all want to make a difference in this world, or as Pastor Jim said recently, we want to BE the difference. Time and time again Joseph was thrown into a difficult situation and time and time again Joseph responded with obedience to God, not a reaction to his circumstance. It’s in our OBEDIENCE, it’s in our WILLINGNESS to be used that God works through us. Guided by the situation we REACT. Guided by God we FOLLOW. Reaction leads to hasty decision-making, mistakes, poor choices, and a bunch of other bad stuff. Following leads to walking the path God has set before you and, in just in case you were wondering, His plans are BETTER than yours. Do not be lead by your surroundings, but by the God who created you and saved you. Choose to follow Jesus and see what He’ll do through you!
I believe if we take these 3 principles and apply them to our every day life, our decision-making, our marriages, our parenting, our work, our EVERYTHING, we’ll discover God’s definition of SUCCESS and PROSPERITY and BLESSING! And I don’t know about you, but I WANT THAT (for me AND for you)!
It’s a small part of the story of Joseph.
Joseph the dreamer,
Joseph the wearer of a coat of many colors (no, not Donny Osmond),
Joseph the favorite son,
Joseph the most loved,
Joseph the betrayed.
It’s a nasty story. If you’d like the catch a bit of the backstory, turn back a few pages and read Genesis 37. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Ok, I waited.
I believe most of us, if not ALL of us can relate to this story. We’ve all BEEN hurt by someone or HAVE hurt someone. We’ve all been Joseph or we’ve been his brothers. BUT, I’d like to suggest that in our mess, in our hurts, we’ve responded completely different than Joseph did. Here are just a few principles pulled from his story that I think we can apply to our own and hopefully help deal with past crap and also give us insight to deal with all the stuff that will happen (yes, stuff WILL happen).
#1 Joseph LOOKED up, he didn’t give up – imagine you’ve been betrayed by the people you love most, the people you trust, the people you believe have your back, your family, your friends, your spouse, your kids…you name it, imagine they did it. For some of us we don’t have to imagine because it’s already happened or is happening right now. How did you respond? Most of us run and hide and by hide I don’t mean pulling the covers over your head, I mean hiding behind fear, hiding behind anger, hiding behind drugs and alcohol, hiding behind revenge. We give up. We turn our back on the truth of God (if you know Him) and allow our feelings to guide and lead us. Joseph didn’t give up, he LOOKED up. He turned TO God, not from Him. He prayed. He trusted. He believed. And in the end…well, you gotta keep reading to find that out.
#2 Joseph was FAITHFUL in the face of fear and failure – ha! THAT’S some good alliteration! Looks like I'm becoming more and more assimilated into church culture…anyways…Joseph could’ve ran away, he could’ve cursed his brothers or slept with his boss’ wife, but instead Joseph was FAITHFUL to the God who had always been faithful to him. He didn’t allow himself to become shaken or rattled by his circumstances and I don’t know about you, but being sold into slavery by my brothers and then thrown into prison for something I DIDN’T do would probably shake me up a bit. Joseph shows us that God is GREATER than our circumstances and that He is ABLE to bring us through them. God is ultimately in control and though bad things happen (after all, we live in a fallen world) God is working it together for my good, your good, the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
#3 Joseph was WILLING to be used, so God used him – we all want to make a difference in this world, or as Pastor Jim said recently, we want to BE the difference. Time and time again Joseph was thrown into a difficult situation and time and time again Joseph responded with obedience to God, not a reaction to his circumstance. It’s in our OBEDIENCE, it’s in our WILLINGNESS to be used that God works through us. Guided by the situation we REACT. Guided by God we FOLLOW. Reaction leads to hasty decision-making, mistakes, poor choices, and a bunch of other bad stuff. Following leads to walking the path God has set before you and, in just in case you were wondering, His plans are BETTER than yours. Do not be lead by your surroundings, but by the God who created you and saved you. Choose to follow Jesus and see what He’ll do through you!
I believe if we take these 3 principles and apply them to our every day life, our decision-making, our marriages, our parenting, our work, our EVERYTHING, we’ll discover God’s definition of SUCCESS and PROSPERITY and BLESSING! And I don’t know about you, but I WANT THAT (for me AND for you)!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2012 Year in Review
What’s up?
I want to give a big thanks to all of you who visit here throughout the day, week, or month. My prayer and my hope is that as God moves me, stirs me, and inspires me, I’m able to communicate that very thing to you so we can experience the richness of God’s grace TOGETHER! I’m not here to teach so much as I’m here to share my life experiences, my recovery, my encounters with Jesus, my struggles as a parent, and my attempts to figure out what it means to have a healthy marriage.
So, with 2013 now upon us, I thought I’d take a moment to look back and share the top articles from 2012 (and a couple of the ones you might not have read, but I wish you had).
The Top 5 (You did read)
#5 – What the Heck is Serenity?
#4 – A Letter to New Life Community Church
#3 – 3 Things I was Reminded of This Weekend
#2 – 5 Lies of Mistaken Identity
#1 – Aftermath of the 2012 Celebrate Recovery International Summit
The Top 5 (I wish you had read)
#5 – Are You Listening or Negotiating?
#4 – What Does it Mean to Surrender?
#3 – Where are My Keys?
#2 – Worth More Than a Bird…Really?!?
#1 – Walking the Line Between Control And Accountability
I want to give a big thanks to all of you who visit here throughout the day, week, or month. My prayer and my hope is that as God moves me, stirs me, and inspires me, I’m able to communicate that very thing to you so we can experience the richness of God’s grace TOGETHER! I’m not here to teach so much as I’m here to share my life experiences, my recovery, my encounters with Jesus, my struggles as a parent, and my attempts to figure out what it means to have a healthy marriage.
So, with 2013 now upon us, I thought I’d take a moment to look back and share the top articles from 2012 (and a couple of the ones you might not have read, but I wish you had).
The Top 5 (You did read)
#5 – What the Heck is Serenity?
#4 – A Letter to New Life Community Church
#3 – 3 Things I was Reminded of This Weekend
#2 – 5 Lies of Mistaken Identity
#1 – Aftermath of the 2012 Celebrate Recovery International Summit
The Top 5 (I wish you had read)
#5 – Are You Listening or Negotiating?
#4 – What Does it Mean to Surrender?
#3 – Where are My Keys?
#2 – Worth More Than a Bird…Really?!?
#1 – Walking the Line Between Control And Accountability
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
A Letter to Celebrate Recovery
Hello, my name is Nick; I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who’s celebrating 5 years of recovery from drugs, alcohol, and pornography and is currently working on codependency and pride.
LAST WEEK:
You know that moment when you find yourself back at home…comfortable…happy…where you belong? That was last week. That was me, finding myself back on stage, not to play the keyboard, not to sing, but to teach and lead my CR family through the recovery process, to lead us through the 7 Reasons We Get Stuck.
The title says “We,” but let’s face it…they are the 7 Reasons I Get Stuck.
Here’s a bit of review in case you missed it…
#1 I haven’t completely worked the last Principle…or Step…or applied the last lesson to my life and recovery. I don’t just show up, I need to WORK at it.
#2 I have not completely surrendered my life and my will to Jesus. Throw up my hands. Raise the white flag. Trying to do things on my own led me to the realization I need recovery to begin with! God has something BETTER for me.
#3 I have not accepted Jesus’ work on the cross for my forgiveness. Sin is at the root of life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups (either OUR sin or SOMEONE ELSES). Jesus died to set me free and it wasn’t until I recognized my need for him, it wasn’t until I realized I needed to be saved, to be rescued, that I found JOY and FULFILLMENT in my life. I called; he answered…and he saved my life.
#4 I have not forgiven others who have harmed me. Holding on to the past does nothing but lead to bitterness, resentment, shame, fear, and doubt…and let’s not forget anger and rage. I didn’t want it, I didn’t want to live in it, but because I was unwilling to forgive the people who had hurt me in the past (physically, sexually, emotionally)…I might as well have dressed it up, fed it, and called it my child. Forgive.
#5 I’m afraid of the risk in making necessary changes. Change hurts. Change isn’t fun. BUT change is necessary. NECESSARY. Want a better life? Ask God to help bring about change in your life.
#6 I’m not willing to “own” my responsibility. All I did was blame. I blamed my parents. I blamed my wife. I blamed the men and women I worked with. I blamed everyone for everything. Nothing was ever my fault. I was the victim. Nothing changed until I was able to own MY part.
#7 I have not developed an effective support team. Accountability? What’s that? Who needs it? Obviously I don’t. Right…if there’s one thing I’ve learned at Celebrate Recovery, it’s that I CANNOT DO LIFE ALONE. I needed people who weren’t afraid to tell me I was messing up, slipping up, stumbling back into old habits, old routines. Without others in my life I have a tendency to fall back into the same old crap. I NEED others.
THIS WEEK:
Batman…I mean Steve, is going to start the year off right by taking us through one of the, if not THE MOST IMPORTANT lesson of the year: DENIAL. We will forever be a people who are unable to move forward, to receive healing, to get better, if we are unable to ADMIT there is a problem, a hurt, a habit, a hang-up. Stepping OUT of denial opens the door way to step INTO God’s grace.
Lesson 1. Week 1. Day 1.
This Friday marks the beginning of the rest of your life.
NEW & UPDATES:
Here are 2 things I want to share with you…two of the BIGGEST things to hit our Celebrate Recovery family…two of the GREATEST things to emerge in our community...
#1 Celebration Station—this Friday marks the beginning of Celebration Station (CR for kids grades PreK5-5th). Our AMAZING Celebration Station Team has been working tirelessly to piece together a program for our kids that will provide them with a safe place to share whatever’s going on in their lives AND learn healthy ways to cope with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Our children’s will now be able to experience the same HOPE and HEALING of God’s grace as our adults have over the past 3 years. I’m EXCITED OUT OF MY MIND at the potential of future generations being set FREE!
Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/54390620
#2 The Landing—then, as if that wasn’t enough, upstairs in the Loft, our students will be introduced to the program known as The Landing. The Landing is Celebrate Recovery only translated into student language…which means it’s going to be super FUN and CRAZY! Students grades 6th-12th will discovery they are NOT alone, that people are currently experience the same struggles as they are and that there is hope to OVERCOME them! I don’t believe our community has been provided with an opportunity like this before. I am PUMPED!
Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/52760565
THE END:
The end? More like the BEGINNING! I feel like this Friday EVERYTHING changes! Celebrate Recovery is no longer for adults, it’s for EVERYBODY! Kids! Students! ENTIRE families! You’ve heard me say again and again that the BEST IS YET TO COME…well, that time is here and now! AND here’s the amazing part…God isn’t done yet, so as good as it gets, it’s only going to get BETTER! What happens when we finally get our hands on a couple of 12-seater vans and can start transporting neighborhoods from downtown Martinsburg to CR? What happens when Berkeley County sees its streets cleaned up and families restored!
Celebrate Recovery isn’t the answer…
Celebration Station isn’t the answer…
The Landing isn’t the answer…
These programs merely point TO the answer and his name is Jesus.
I LOVE you and can’t wait to see you this Friday at 7p.
LAST WEEK:
You know that moment when you find yourself back at home…comfortable…happy…where you belong? That was last week. That was me, finding myself back on stage, not to play the keyboard, not to sing, but to teach and lead my CR family through the recovery process, to lead us through the 7 Reasons We Get Stuck.
The title says “We,” but let’s face it…they are the 7 Reasons I Get Stuck.
Here’s a bit of review in case you missed it…
#1 I haven’t completely worked the last Principle…or Step…or applied the last lesson to my life and recovery. I don’t just show up, I need to WORK at it.
#2 I have not completely surrendered my life and my will to Jesus. Throw up my hands. Raise the white flag. Trying to do things on my own led me to the realization I need recovery to begin with! God has something BETTER for me.
#3 I have not accepted Jesus’ work on the cross for my forgiveness. Sin is at the root of life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups (either OUR sin or SOMEONE ELSES). Jesus died to set me free and it wasn’t until I recognized my need for him, it wasn’t until I realized I needed to be saved, to be rescued, that I found JOY and FULFILLMENT in my life. I called; he answered…and he saved my life.
#4 I have not forgiven others who have harmed me. Holding on to the past does nothing but lead to bitterness, resentment, shame, fear, and doubt…and let’s not forget anger and rage. I didn’t want it, I didn’t want to live in it, but because I was unwilling to forgive the people who had hurt me in the past (physically, sexually, emotionally)…I might as well have dressed it up, fed it, and called it my child. Forgive.
#5 I’m afraid of the risk in making necessary changes. Change hurts. Change isn’t fun. BUT change is necessary. NECESSARY. Want a better life? Ask God to help bring about change in your life.
#6 I’m not willing to “own” my responsibility. All I did was blame. I blamed my parents. I blamed my wife. I blamed the men and women I worked with. I blamed everyone for everything. Nothing was ever my fault. I was the victim. Nothing changed until I was able to own MY part.
#7 I have not developed an effective support team. Accountability? What’s that? Who needs it? Obviously I don’t. Right…if there’s one thing I’ve learned at Celebrate Recovery, it’s that I CANNOT DO LIFE ALONE. I needed people who weren’t afraid to tell me I was messing up, slipping up, stumbling back into old habits, old routines. Without others in my life I have a tendency to fall back into the same old crap. I NEED others.
THIS WEEK:
Batman…I mean Steve, is going to start the year off right by taking us through one of the, if not THE MOST IMPORTANT lesson of the year: DENIAL. We will forever be a people who are unable to move forward, to receive healing, to get better, if we are unable to ADMIT there is a problem, a hurt, a habit, a hang-up. Stepping OUT of denial opens the door way to step INTO God’s grace.
Lesson 1. Week 1. Day 1.
This Friday marks the beginning of the rest of your life.
NEW & UPDATES:
Here are 2 things I want to share with you…two of the BIGGEST things to hit our Celebrate Recovery family…two of the GREATEST things to emerge in our community...
#1 Celebration Station—this Friday marks the beginning of Celebration Station (CR for kids grades PreK5-5th). Our AMAZING Celebration Station Team has been working tirelessly to piece together a program for our kids that will provide them with a safe place to share whatever’s going on in their lives AND learn healthy ways to cope with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Our children’s will now be able to experience the same HOPE and HEALING of God’s grace as our adults have over the past 3 years. I’m EXCITED OUT OF MY MIND at the potential of future generations being set FREE!
Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/54390620
#2 The Landing—then, as if that wasn’t enough, upstairs in the Loft, our students will be introduced to the program known as The Landing. The Landing is Celebrate Recovery only translated into student language…which means it’s going to be super FUN and CRAZY! Students grades 6th-12th will discovery they are NOT alone, that people are currently experience the same struggles as they are and that there is hope to OVERCOME them! I don’t believe our community has been provided with an opportunity like this before. I am PUMPED!
Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/52760565
THE END:
The end? More like the BEGINNING! I feel like this Friday EVERYTHING changes! Celebrate Recovery is no longer for adults, it’s for EVERYBODY! Kids! Students! ENTIRE families! You’ve heard me say again and again that the BEST IS YET TO COME…well, that time is here and now! AND here’s the amazing part…God isn’t done yet, so as good as it gets, it’s only going to get BETTER! What happens when we finally get our hands on a couple of 12-seater vans and can start transporting neighborhoods from downtown Martinsburg to CR? What happens when Berkeley County sees its streets cleaned up and families restored!
Celebrate Recovery isn’t the answer…
Celebration Station isn’t the answer…
The Landing isn’t the answer…
These programs merely point TO the answer and his name is Jesus.
I LOVE you and can’t wait to see you this Friday at 7p.
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