2/21/2011 Monday

I have a ragin' case of the Rapha crud.
Seems to make its way around each year, jumping from man to man.
It is my turn.
Up since 3:15 a.m. /  Wasn't going to post today but felt like this was no time to quit.

Seth Barber will be the speaker this coming Saturday night ( 2/ 26) and, as always, Seth will bring the word.
The funny thing about being in recovery is that you cut to the chase in everything you teach.
There isn't time to coddle and mojo anyone. People are living and dying in addiction so we simply want to get the message out that you don't have to live in addiction.
Our message isn't a message  of fear, but rather of hope.
We try not to sugar coat it or pass it off as a gospel of fluff.
Yes, Jesus will save you.
Yes, Jesus is the 'higher Power" that can restore us to sanity, but there are disciplines I have to place in my life as I walk out my daily routine.
The realization that there are people, places and things I no longer have the liberty to be around, for in doing so, I compromise my sobriety.

Luke 12:15 - Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Greed comes from within. An insatiable appetite that screams to be fed. Greed can ask for drugs or alcohol, sex or money, and if we don't guard ourselves and follow after God's leading, we will listen to that voice and follow a path of destruction.
Why would Jesus tell us to "Watch out" and "Be on your guard" if the possibility wasn't there of falling into the "greed" pit? In addiction, all relapse begins with a thought. You actually relapse long before you physically use. There are all these mental games we play by entertaining thoughts of using. The thought within, when allowed to grow becomes the deed of sin that we act out. That is why it is important to respect the steps and have a sponsor. To have someone you can call and talk to that will help you get through the moment of wanting to use. One person looking out for another.  Each of us being accountable daily. That is what recovery is all about. Recognizing that sobriety is so much more than the absence of drugs and alcohol, but is the entrance into a new way of living. This new way will flow over and affect everything you've every known. Friends, family, work, relationships, finances, how you view yourself.  But it isn't an exercise in mental aerobics! It is a get-up-start-admitting-start-working-and-don't-quit program.

Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but over come evil with good.

If you have fallen today. If you have left and returned to your old lifestyle, then now....right now as you read this, is the perfect time to get up and confess, repent and start walking again. Don't wallow in the guilt and shame and condemnation. Accept the forgiveness of God and move on.

God on you today.....
mb