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.
Hebrews 10:25 (ERV) We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important…
What was only yesterday, but after a really long day feels like a week ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to share some time with an advancing effort called OHIO RECOVERY HOUSING. (www.ohiorecoveryhousing.org). This group is DEDICATED to assisting grass roots efforts to provide SOBER living facilities for people in recovery; those who are in need of safe and accountable alternatives for housing.
Pray for this work.
There are some amazing and dedicated individuals who are engaged and helping to change and advance lives damaged by the disease and choice of addiction. In fact many of these homes and groups have linked arms with our CHAMPIONS efforts offering MORE alternatives for our CHAMPION advocates to find help for those to whom they are ministering!
PRAISE GOD for THAT!
But why I chose to share today’s little passage from Hebrews is this...
During the late morning “gathering” of ORH teammates, there was a presentation called “THE SOCIAL NETWORK”. It was during this presentation that the leader commented and confirmed the AMAZING and powerful impact POSITIVE and HEALTHY socialization had on an individual in recovery.
This is something that WE have known for a long time within the construct of the REFUGE and in AA, NA, FREEDOM CHURCH, Celebrate Recovery and other recovery circles. But it is also something that has been a model for success for much longer than that!
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ERV)
An enemy might be able to defeat one person, but two people can stand back-to-back to defend each other. And three people are even stronger. They are like a rope that has three parts wrapped together—it is very hard to break.
I will be honest I was almost incredulously shaking my head in agreement as the presenter said the evidence showed that folks who were “connected”, those who were part of a social network, experienced greater success!
OF COURSE!
GOD designed us for relationships! GOD Himself via the writer of Hebrews reminded us to NOT forget one another, to lean on one another, to come together, and to encourage one another! Solomon covered its importance as well!
In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 (ERV)
As many of you know, the CHAMPIONS effort we are undertaking around the State is seeking to MOTIVATE the “CHURCH” to becoming a more INTENTIONAL voice and alternative in this proven and effective “SOCIAL NETWORK”.
And to be honest, that starts with EACH of US; each CHRISTIAN needs to PROMOTE the SOCIAL NETWORK!
Two are better than one!
Do YOU know of someone who could use a FRIEND today, a little “socialization” over a coffee or soda?
Do YOU know of someone who could use the “wrap” of a hug today?
Maybe YOU have been reluctant to join in the “gatherings” choosing to remain isolated and trying to go it alone.
Don't!
Is today the day you RECONNECT to a HEALTHY social network? Is that your church? I would hope it could and would be!
GOD is reminding us today of the POWER of the “SOCIAL NETWORK”; of the importance of ONE ANOTHER.
Will you CONNECT?
My little girl Hillary learned a life-changing lesson a few years back when she joined the staff at DISNEY WORLD as a college program participant. She learned that “in order to MAKE friends you need to BE a friend.”
Will you be one?
I love you all…
Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)
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