DON'T DENY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

We ADMITTED…that our lives had become “unmanageable.”

That looks familiar for my recovery folks.  It is taken from Step 1.  And whether you are a Celebrate Recovery attendee or lean more toward the traditional meetings, step one is crucial to healing.

For healing begins with admission. Some call it “ownership”.

But I like the way CR (Celebrate Recovery) offers the NEXT step beyond just owning that “something” is wrong.  It encourages that when life becomes “unmanageable” that we “step out of denial” and into GOD’S grace.

That goes well beyond just “recognizing” that things are amiss or even “owning” the challenge.  That statement offers a path to reigning things back into order, to finding relief and hope. And that is ALL POSSIBLE thanks to GOD’S grace.

Many of us struggle with denial.  We do.  At least I know I did and sometimes still do.  “I don’t have that issue”, we say.  Even last night as me and my small group of potential Champions shared our hearts it was clear that denial still had a few of us perplexed and chained up.

There is NO DOUBT.

Denial is tricky stuff.

It causes us to often disagree with the obvious sin in our lives.  It brings about justifications and rationalizations.  Sometimes we will go to great lengths to defend our position or actions even when we know they are out of frame or are causing grief and damage.  And without question denial keeps us distracted; it keeps us from experiencing the waiting grace of GOD.

This past Sunday during our Encounter time with the men of the REFUGE, Tom Thompson encouraged our men to a time of CONFESSION. 

Why?

To help them diffuse any denial in their lives.

And why is that important?

Because denial hinders them (and us for that matter) from the grace and healing that GOD has for them (and us).  

And the most expedient way to claim that grace, to find healing from denial’s damage is through thoughtful, honest and open confession.

James 5:16 (AMP)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored…

So this week we have all been charged with stepping from the denials in our lives and into the healing and restoration of GOD’S amazing grace. 

“…the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin.”― Keller

Anything thing you have been denying?  

What about rationalizing or justifying?  

Will you join the REFUGE men this week and explore and experience the potency of confession and GOD’S GRACE?

For…

…“Confession is the act of inviting God to walk the acreage of our hearts. “There is a rock of greed over here, Father. I can’t budge it. And that tree of guilt near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And may I show you some dry soil, too crusty for seed?”  God’s seed grows better if the soil of the heart is cleared.”

― Max Lucado…

I love you ALL!

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)