“I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:15
On Saturday, I left my cell phone on my office table at home, and it wasn’t long until I realized I did not have it with me. My first reaction was: Oh, I’m feeling a little disconnected from my world. Understand, I’m not a 4G guy; I keep things pretty simple. Most of my usage is for family, friends, Celebrate Recovery and church. I have a sense of security with my phone; if I have an emergency or an accident or come upon another in need, I can get help quickly. In fact, I always have my phone with me on my bicycle rides. Yes, old guys like me can fall down and get booboos.
As I went through the day phoneless, I started to think about my spiritual connection. How much time am I talking with God? How often do I listen for an answer? How often do I put God on voice mail, or go through superficial conversation as if I were texting Him? You know, praying to God out of convenience, in a hurry, gotta go now. Or even worse, how many times do I not even answer His call?
I heard a weekend message at Crossroads on prayer. Pastor David Harris hit home with me. He talked of Hannah in 1 Samuel, about being persistent in prayer, revealing your brokenness, and surrendering to God. Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord. There are times when we just need to pour ourselves out to the Lord. I mentioned last week about one of the most powerful prayers I ever prayed. It was a simple and honest one. It was poured from my heart. God answered that prayer, and my new life began in recovery, and it continues to this day.
I love being a witness to new lives in Celebrate Recovery. For many of us, it started with a simple prayer of asking God, out of our brokenness, to help us as we were powerless to control or fix areas of our lives that were out of control. Do you know what I love even more than healed lives? Lives that have been transformed for service.
I love 12-steppers, people who know that what was freely given to them is freely given to others. Not out of duty or prestige, but out of love and gratitude. I love servants, people whose faith is evidenced by their deeds. People who, by God’s grace, have been given a new life and who share that life with another in need. The pouring out of our soul to the Lord can one day allow us to share our deepest darkest past to bring hope to another. God never wastes a hurt, if we bring it to Him and allow Him to use us for his good purpose.
What can we rely on? A loving God who will never leave us.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Have a great God filled weak,
Dana
Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Church Calendar
April 23-29, 2012
April 23-29, 2012
FRIDAY: Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Church 8-year Celebration! Everyone is invited to this uplifting evening of celebration and worship. God is good!
- 6 pm: Join us for great food and fellowship. The BBQ team is doing all the cooking; you don’t need to bring anything but your appetite.
- 7 pm: Join us for a special night of worship and celebration.
- 8 pm: Small groups.
- 9 pm: Solid Rock Café. Stick around for the raffle. Nan is giving away the bank!
TUESDAY Nights: Celebrate Recovery continues to carry the recovery message to the 137 Homeless Connection. Our team of four could use some help as they cook (the group is asking for meat donations), serve a meal, and lead a meeting every Tuesday night. Just respond to this message and we will get you plugged in.
New Men’s Sexual Integrity 12-step group is open. Message [email protected] for more information. All inquiries are confidential.
Sunday, April 29: Celebrate Recovery will provide ushering for Crossroads services on Sunday at 9 and 11 am. It is a wonderful way to carry the recovery message to others. If you would like to participate, please e-mail [email protected]