SNEAK INTO

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.

The past six or seven weeks have been a bit blurry but certainly blessed. 

I mean just yesterday my dear friends from a multitude of partnering ministries/programs including HerStory received awards for their innovative recovery work. 

So many deserving compassionate people. 

Also, yesterday while in Louisville with 70+ deeply dedicated folks resolved to “reclaim recovery” for those suffering through research, innovation, and advocacy I was stirred by their energy and zeal.

I was reminded of this…

…give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 (ESV)

My friends and colleagues KNOW the impact and energy giving power of GIVING.  They do.  It shows.  And while some go about their work of service in a more secular construct, it doesn’t diminish their hope-filled impacts on those they are called to serve as well as themselves.

But over the course of this latest conference something was shared that “I knew” but hadn’t thought about in a while.

Giving is GOOD for your brain.

It is.

Spiritual pursuits, even better.

They are.

Dr. Nicole Labor who is a prominent expert in the “brain science” of addiction reminded us this week that as folks EMBRACE a SPIRITUAL program in recovery (and that includes SERVICE and GIVING) the brain HEALS even faster.  Add DAILY GRATITUDE to that and the healing accelerates even more.

Isn’t that remarkable?

We shouldn’t be surprised though.

GOD KNOWS what is GOOD for us and WHY WOULDN’T He have the things that PLEASE Him also be positively impacting?

I do have to admit, I love it when GOD finds ways to sneak into the psyche of my science-led colleagues.  For sometimes my “Pastoral approaches” get a little ridicule from the “evidence based” evangelists.

So, it is cool when GOD invades their space and their scans.

And I will be honest I have been with a bunch of them over the course of this 8-week tour of the country that has kept me from the daily OFH duties some.  And whether chatting with clinical folks in Denver or sharing in Maryland with nurses and practitioners, it is HARD to anyone to DENY GOD when it comes to this vocation of RECOVERY.

And the good news is that MORE and MORE folks are beginning to EMBRACE what GOD can do rather than spend the energy discounting or ignoring Him.

But I share this today for this reason.  Never forget, GOD is in all things, all that you do, your plans, your purpose and your destiny.  GOD also loves you so very much that He offers you pathways and opportunities that WILL BLESS you.  Trust me. He wishes not just to permeate the recovery expert; He desires to REVEAL HIMSELF to YOU in amazing ways as well.

Lambros said it this way, “How often we neglect, ignore, overlook, or simply miss the presence of our loving God. We often look for Him in the great rolling thunder when, more often than not, He comes in gentle whispers . . . in the soft cooing of a baby, through the touch of a loved one's hand, in the warm embrace of a trusted friend, in the pitter-patter of a sudden summer shower on a tin roof, or with the cool touch of an evening breeze on an Autumn night. Through hundreds of ways, God whispers, "I love you and I am always with you." Don't miss Him or His presence as you go through this day. Open your eyes of faith and look for Him in the most simple of ways. The experience can be extraordinary and life-changing!”

So, the point today is GOD is looking to “sneak into” your day too.  Don’t miss HIM!

I love you all!

Have a BLESSED DAY!

Opportunities for Hope