Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Rough looking bunch in this picture, aren't they?
Let's focus on the one in the middle....Barry Hooks.
Why?
Because the verse above from Colossians is what Barry is all about.
You see, today is Barry's sobriety birthday.
11 years......
Eleven years clean and sober.
What's more important is that his sobriety is found in Christ. Oh, Barry goes to meetings....He is a student of the Big Book Of A.A...
He has a sponsor. You see, Barry does all the things that the discipline of A.A. lays out as the path to recovery. Barry makes no bones about his Higher Power. Such is found in Jesus. Such is Jesus.
When we started the church@ Rapha, Barry was our first elder chosen to become part of the leadership. Over these past 11 years, I have watched Barry pursue this Jesus we claim to have relationship with. Easy to say you have relationship...
A whole other ballgame in actively pursuing Him.
Barry had the head knowledge of religion...He was born again...but alcohol took him down a dark path that almost destroyed him. When Barry came to Rapha, he discovered the real-deal Jesus. This encounter with Christ, along with all of Barry's religious insight, led him to be born again-again. I know that term is up for theological debate, but hold it loosely, o.k. ..I'm just trying to make a point.
So here on this day.....March 23rd...
Let it be known that Mr. Barry Hooks is my friend and brother in Christ. He is a part of the worship team for Vineyard ReCovery. Above all of this...
Barry is a son and child of the Most High God.
Who could ask for anything more...
Happy Birthday, Barry....
I love you, man!
God on you...
mbb
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