Hey Partners & Friends,
Here is an interesting question to think about. What do you
do every day? Think about it.
As for myself I
brush my teeth, shave, take a shower, get dressed, coffee (I’ve got to have
coffee) eat a small breakfast, an egg and a couple slices of bacon or a breakfast
bar. After these rituals, habits, necessities whatever you want to call them,
my days become very diverse in terms of activities, sometimes the day blows
totally up, sometimes they are fun, and/or exciting, sometimes they can be kind
of a drag, like when I have to mow, I hate to mow. Anyway here’s the point. The
things I do every day are the things that should prepare me for whatever that
day has in store.
One thing I forgot to mention that I am committed to do
every day, is described in Celebrate Recovery Principle 7.
“Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible
reading and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain
the power to follow His will.”
The emphasis on the word “daily”. Needless to say this is
more important than all the rest of those things put together. I mean really,
how important is it to meet with God compared to anything else on my schedule?
I get to know God better, examine my life and identify areas where I may be off
track with His will, read His Word and pray so I can know His will for me and
actually gain the power to follow His will.
Notice the different parts of this daily reservation with
God. Almost all Christian based organizations advocate a daily quiet time of
prayer and bible reading which is a vital discipline for maturing in the Lord.
But at CR we deliberately add a time for self-examination. A time where we
intentionally look for areas where we may be off base somehow. Possibly holding
on to some resentment toward someone. Perhaps we have offended or hurt someone
else. We look for areas where we may be in denial, justifying destructive
behavior and sin.
It’s basically Step 10 of the 12 Steps “We continue to take
personal inventory and when we are wrong promptly admit it.” This addition of
self-examination to prayer and bible reading is incredibly productive. It is a
huge help in preventing relapse. Scripture advocates the practice of
self-examination,
“So if you thinking you are standing firm, be careful that
you do not fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Keep your accounts with God and others short and live life
to the full!
Celebrating Recovery Every Day, Jim & Pam
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