You Were Created To THRIVE

Could the church be the catalyst that changes western culture?
In early centuries, the church was known as the place of compassion and restoration. 
It was the hub of communities because it offered hope. Today there are more people suffering from the fallout of abuse, violence, addiction and trauma than ever before. The basic skills for joyful relationships have weakened and disappeared from one generation to the next.

Thriving: recover Your Life moves people to live a life of emotional freedom from past wounds, pain, and trauma. Because this program gives normal, everyday people the skills to overcome their own hurts, pain and emotional stumbling blocks, it is self-propagating. 

Once skills are learned, they are shared with others in their circle of influence, including family members, church members, co-workers and neighbors. This program also offers a life-giving approach to spiritual growth and renewal by an enhanced personal relationship with God.

These words you have just read, are taken from a brochure produced by the Thriving Program.
I love the opening statement. "Could the church be the catalyst that changes western culture?"
It isn't referencing church in the context of a building or a denomination. It is hitting home the point that people...people who are living this daily life with God, can and will make a difference in the lives of others.

I do not believe it is chance that God has called me back to Gadsden Vineyard to start a Recovery Church (if that is what you want to call it). I do not believe it is by chance that Gadsden Vineyard just happens to have a Thriving meeting every Monday night. I truly believe that His purpose is connect the two together. That those who come on Monday may be healed and given purpose in their lives, and that they have the opportunity to become a part of a community of others who are learning how to live in this new relationship with Christ. 

To me, the entire process of healing that comes with recovery, being free from old lifestyles and learning how to walk and live and eat and breath in this new relationship with Christ is found in Psalm 1

V1.
Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
Here we see a very clear directive of the benefits of having this change of life.
The opening words...."Oh the joys"....the King James says that "Blessed is". Or there is great favor in the change. Favor to move ahead away from the old ways of living. Favor to face the unknown and not be deterred from anything that may come up to stop you.

V2.
But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants. Day and night they think about his law.
Even the very emotional and mental well being of the individual who has been given this new way of living has changed. They find joy in things they never dreamed possible. They find peace and contentment in the life that has been given to them. Day and night their minds will be drawn to God. A whole bunch of "Thank you's" will ascend to heaven with each blessing they realize they have been given.

V3.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
Here we see the stability that comes with this new life. Instead of being driven and tossed about by the things we face everyday, we are like a tree planted by a source of nourishment that sustains and continues to feed us. What is the byproduct of living such a life? We begin to produce fruit. Aren't fruit trees suppose to do that? Produce fruit? Of course they are. Humans were not created to live lives of destruction, emotional devastation and broken relationships. We were created to flourish and prosper in the hands of God. That comes in this new way of living we are pursuing. 

If you're looking for some places to connect with others, you might consider our two meetings we offer at Gadsden Vineyard.
Thriving: headed up by Amy Brown, meets every Monday evening at 6:30.
Vineyard Recovery Church: Meets every Saturday Night at 7:00

We'd love to see you!
God on you...
mb