Work the Program

I am so thankful to be able to continue learning at my age, and I don't think that I am all that old, yet! But it is a breath of fresh air to see God at work in my life leading me to study and learn even more than I ever would have thought possible.

As most of you know my son Anthoney is an addict in recovery.  I am so proud that he is seeing himself in a different light than ever before.  He is smiling and seems happier with himself and who and whose he is.  He is jumping in with both feet, getting involved spiritually and emotionally with God and that to me is wonderful.

One of the things that I have learned from being a part of the recovery process that he is undergoing is leaning about the "Twelve Step Program" that he is using to become more dependent upon himself and God and less on drugs and alcohol.  Their statement of "work the program" means to find the way to sobriety. 

Working the program can also be a good way for us as Christians to look at our spiritual needs and desires. 

God wants us to be active and working in His kingdom.  When we have problems with our lives, we need to "work the program."  We need to admit our sin and look to Him for the forgiveness He offers.

When rehab is completed and the addict or alcoholic leaves, one of the things that they are encouraged to do is to attend 90 meetings in 90 days to help them continue in overcoming their addiction.  Wouldn't that be a great way for us minister to each other and move out of a life of sin and into a life of Godliness?  90 meetings in 90 days.  Seems like a lot of commitment doesn't it?  Is it to much to ask to strive to walk closer to God?

I'll see you later.

Returning

I never get tired of watching God's children return after an extended time away from home. Spiritually speaking, I can not begin to tell you how many folks I have witnessed in my lifetime return to God with tears and stories that would, as my Grandmother used to say, curl your hair. Story after story of folks walking through the darkness so long that when finally they come to their right minds and begin looking for the light again they have a hard time believing they are worth saving.

Ever been there? I have and it is even tougher when you don't feel comfortable sharing it with anyone. My story is so dark compared to some of the ones I have heard. So much so that I am not going to share it with my readers. Just suffice it to say, "I've been there!" "I know how it feels."

Waking up wondering why God hasn't called your name to judgment. Waiting to see what discipline there will be for you when you finally come to grips with it all. Knowing you deserve so much more than you received in discipline, or have received.

However, on the up side, there is always a light at the end tunnel as we always say. God will forgive and forget and that is his promise. No matter where we come from or what we have done he will accept us back. The father of the prodigal son didn't leave home to seek out the lost boy. He waited patiently for him at home with the rest of the family. His thoughts were on him, his love was with him and his prayers were for his lost son. But, he didn't run after the boy, he waited for the boy to return...to come home...to take his proper place at the table.

Don't wait for God to find you, he is waiting for you at home with the family.

I'll see you later!