John 16:8
When he (Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.
What a beautiful thing conviction is. It strikes the human heart as only the Holy Spirit can deliver. It uncovers and brings up old emotions tied to the memories we have tried to suppress through drugs and alcohol. Bottom line, He makes us uncomfortable. We don't like having this spiritual light turned on so that everything is exposed. But this is the place where real healing can begin.
It is an amazing thing to teach the word of God and then see the teaching backed up by a demonstration of God's power and love. A demonstration of people coming down for ministry and prayer as God begins to heal and restore. Such was the case last night at Celebrate Recovery Centre, Ala.
The evening always begins with the CR Worship Band. One of my favorites because I know that they are going to follow the Holy Spirit in their music. They are not at all intimidated about going off into the music, singing prophetically and just letting the Spirit have His way. Such as this sets up the teaching and prepares people to hear what God has to say.
Heather Danner Owens, along with Donnie and Greg (leaders of CR) stand to give the chips out to mark the milestones in recovery. Heather shares from her heart about her journey from this madness we call addiction. What a story! She is an ongoing work of progress but has fallen in love with this Jesus and is just crazy enough to follow Him where ever He leads. Such stories as this always catches the "first-timers" there at the CR meeting. To hear of the depth of darkness that a person has been pulled from by God, always plants the seeds of "Maybe He could do this for me".
I teach from I Corinthians about being chosen. About how God is here in this meeting and the choice has been made by him. He is offering a way out of the madness and he has chosen each of us to receive. The real question is "what are we going to do with this invitation?" Are we going to receive it and be changed? Or are we going to reject it and continue deeper into the madness and the darkness?
Prayer for God to come...
The band begins to play....
People slowly start to make their way to the front falling to their knees, heads bowed.
Tears begin to fall as each person is met by a staff member of CR.
God is at work. His Holy Spirit is uncovering and at the same time, bringing healing and salvation as only God can give.
Not a temporary fix or a spiritual high that will vanish like a vapor.
But real, solid, divine restoration that will provide the foundation for a new life to built upon. The foundation of Jesus Christ.
This is why I go to CR.
To see God move.
To see people saved.
To see lives turned around and filled with His Holy Spirit.
To remind myself of what an incredible gift I have been given by God.
God on you....
mb
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