NO DEFEAT!

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?

ARE YOU SEEKING?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I hear from so many folks, (even from that guy in the mirror from time to time) telling me that they are just “whipped”. They talk about it being “too much”, “out of their league”, “like hell”, or just “defeated”.

Today I want to remind “all” of us...this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

First of all, we will never be hammered with so much that we will be overwhelmed.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Second of all, we must remember where those “defeated”feelings and thoughts are coming from. That is right, the enemy. And we know what he brings to the table.

Lies. Nothing but lies.

John 8:43-44

…He couldn't stand the truth because there wasn't a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies.

So if you are in that place this morning; that “verge of defeat place”, shut out the lies and take heart.

Defeat is not in your DNA!

How do I know that? Because God has blessed you and infused “His DNA” in you.

Genesis 1:26 (NIRV)

²⁶Then God said, "Let us make man in our likeness.

Therefore if He can't be defeated; neither can you.

And while we all face setbacks from time to time it doesn’t mean the whistle has blown or the horn has sounded and the contest is over. GOD’s folks (and that includes you) get back up! You may have been knocked down, but you certainly are not knocked out!

Proverbs 24:16 (NIRV)

¹⁶ Even if godly people fall down seven times, they always get up.

So let me encourage you today!

Commit to this mindset...

I am made in God's image to WIN. Even when I fall, I can't fail. Even bad situations turn around for my good; because of God's love in me.

Don’t think so?

Romans 8:28 (NLV)

28 We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan

And if that wasn’t enough, even Jesus is praying for you this morning and with that on your side how CAN YOU LOSE?

Luke 22:32

New Life Version (NLV)

³² But I have prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will be strong and that you will not give up.

So my friends dive into this weekend full of belief and truth.

Defeat is not a part of your mindset and is not in your vocabulary!

Have a blessed weekend!

In His Love,

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

WHAT IFFING...

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?

ARE YOU SEEKING?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“What if”...

“Sure I am ok today, but what if tomorrow they say no.”

“I can handle IT ok right now, but what if ‘he/she’ shows up, I know I will blow it.”

Projection. Fear of “the next”.

It is the enemy of a good recovery. I have watched an awful lot of people succumb to the pressure of the “what if”; getting ahead of themselves, worrying about what might happen next rather than taking care of what is happening right now.

There is a reason GOD carved our days into 24 hour increments. We are not really capable of handling much more than that. Think about it.

Can you control what someone will do next? Can you predict the future? Do you have a crystal ball cluing you in to GOD’s next step for your life and recovery?

If you did you would be on reality TV right after “Ms. Cleo.”

But we do have our moments of projection don’t we? We do sometimes get wrapped up in “what iffing” ourselves into quite the lather.

But GOD encourages us to stay grounded, maintain our current focus, to seize the day and do the best we can with it.

Matthew 6:34 MSG

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Truth is ours is a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness, and danger. Trouble, it seems, is never too far from the front door. Jesus said so himself...

John 16:33

…In this world you will have troubles.

But we need not focus on the uncertain and the trouble for when we focus upon our fears and our doubts (our “what if’s” if you will), we may find many reasons to lie awake at night and fret about the uncertainties of the coming day robbing us of the energy we need for today.

A better strategy, of course, is to focus not upon our fears, but instead upon Jesus as Paul suggests.

Philippians 3:14-16

^12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

^15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

God is as near as your next breath, and He is in control. So don't focus your thoughts upon the fears of “the next”or get debilitated with the “what if’s”. Instead, keep your eyes and mind on Jesus who is calling you toward Him.

2 Peter 1:3
[ God Has Given Us Everything We Need ] Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we needto live a life devoted to God.

I love you all.

Have a blessed day!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

DISAPPOINTMENT DANGER

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?

ARE YOU SEEKING?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I will admit it. Yesterday was moving along swimmingly.

Productive morning, solid staff meeting, was able to work with a family new to recovery, a little lunch, 2 consults, a meeting with a partner, a nice praise team and choir practice in spite of Pastor Eric deciding that men should sing a slew of high A’s for an hour, then back home.

I should have stopped there.

But I thought I would give the phone one last review before my “early curfew” (and yes I made it all the way to 9:35 Pastor Eric).

Big mistake.

For there on my phone was a string of texts messages that served to blow up an otherwise “okay day” and “set me off”.

Obviously I can’t share the details of the texts, but suffice it to say, I couldn’t believe the content. Weeks of work and arrangements flushed down the tubes in a matter of minutes. And instead of keeping my cool and perspective, I had a little “poor old me” moment and went a bananas for a minute.

Trust me the little tantrum wouldn’t make it on to the Pastor’s highlight reel that is for sure.

But that brings me to this morning.

And I asked myself, "Where did that little display come from?"

And the answer was pretty simple.

I let disappointment get the best of me.

I was way more worried about my agenda for this situation than I was about seeking GOD for the answer to the situation. So instead of pausing and seeking Him for the answer to the bad report, I just flew off the handle, focused on me, forgot everything about the person who was going through the challenge and went to my bed and pouted.

I know...LAME.

But it brings me to this thought this morning and reminds me that disappointment is a part of life that every person deals with. Our kids disappoint us; our spouse disappoints us; our friends disappoint us; our “clients” disappoint us and clearly we even disappoint ourselves.

And left unchecked, these disappointments can build up and wall us off to the prodding of the Spirit and the voice of GOD.

That is why it is important that nip these episodes in the bud and ask the Holy Spirit for help.

And here is why.

Disappointments and offense when left to stew and distract us threaten to cut off the fruit of God's Spirit in our lives and we definitely don’t want that. J

It is why Jesus reminds us to...

John 15:4-8

4"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

5-8"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

When we allow those disappointments, fits of anger and pity parties to block our connection to the Spirit we give clearance to the enemy to damage our vine and “damage our fruitful production”

We all (especially me) know that when disappointments come, rather than letting them ignite anger and frustration, we need to “give them to GOD”. He wants them in the first place and He will provide the answers, the direction and the peace to work through them.

Matthew 11:28

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

²⁸ “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.

So if you too are dealing with some disappointments today, if you have had a few things not “line up” with your plans and expectations, turn them over. Lean on God. His grace empowers us to do that which we cannot do on our own. And I don't care how much WE (I) may try, we “got nothing” without Him helping us.

John 15:5
…apart from me you can do nothing.

So will you join me today in asking the Holy Spirit to work within us to bring healing and restoration to your body, mind, soul and spirit; to produce in us healthy fruit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness, gentleness, and self-control?

Sure beats throwing the phone across the room I am sure. J

I love you all.

Have a blessed day!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

VICTIM or VICTOR - your choice...

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?

ARE YOU SEEKING?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Victims spend their time focusing on what they are going through while VICTORS focus on where they are going to.”

What is your choice for today? Which role will you play?

Victor? Or victim?

Truth is, you can’t be victorious in life if you choose the role of victim.

You must remember that while difficult circumstances in life are inevitable our reaction to them is a choice.

It has been said that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it and far too often I sit across the table from or have a cup of coffee with folks who get stuck in this role of victim forgetting that they have a choice.

Instead of seeing a way through the circumstance or calling on GOD for guidance and strength they fixate on the circumstance and try to place blame.

“He did me wrong.” “She lied to me.” “That boss was a sexist arrogant jerk.” The system is rigged.” “God must not want me to succeed.”

And you know what, while some of that may be true (except for the GOD not wanting you to succeed quote), it is still not an excuse to play the victim card.

We have all been victimized at one time or another. Sometimes our choices have put us in a bad spot other times it is the selfishness or actions of others that upend our lives and happiness.

But don’t get vexed by victimization. Don’t participate in the blame game.

Don’t fixate on pinning blame for your strife for all that does is stir up negativity, resentment, and bitterness. Instead be reminded that you are a VICTOR in Christ JESUS! Make the choice to see yourself for what you are...

...you are an OVERCOMER!

No one can keep you in your current situation except you and while yes others may have had something to do with how you got in the situation, YOU can decide whether you stay in the situation or not.

Why...?

Because you are a conqueror! God said so!

Romans 8:37...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

You have SUPERNATURAL assistance to inspire you to overcome!

Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

And when you have His help, when you embrace the truth, you don't need to blame anyone for anything! You have what it takes to be VICTORIOUS on this day and the days to follow!

So, don’t allow yourself to get sucked into that sad-sack VICTIM way of living!

NEVER FORGET! YOU ARE A VICTOR!

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us thevictory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed day!

I love you all

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

NO MORE SHAME

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)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

One of the most significant roadblocks to recovery is the discouragement and shame that comes when we falter.

This is never more true than when someone suffers from a relapse; goes back out or “blows it” big time.

This past week I have been working with some folks really struggling with the pain associated with “missing the mark” (relapse).

They are frustrated; almost grieved over their inability to stay on track, sober, clean or pure. They are feeling angry, almost despondent. They feel washed over with guilt.

My heart breaks for them.

As a 4 time “rehab-loser” I know exactly what they are feeling. There is the emotion of letting down EVERYONE who loves them. There is embarrassment. You feel weak. The disappointment is awful. The guilt then comes crashing down like the proverbial ton of bricks. And that “ton of brick” feeling, if not “put in check”, can lead to a prolonged relapse or worse yet, giving up.

So today, I wanted to investigate a little as to what GOD says about this “guilt stuff”.

Before we decided to make Jesus our higher power and invite His spirit to reside in our lives, our compulsion drove our behavior. We were on our own with no future and no hope. And GOD is not a fan of that selfish way of life.

Romans 2:8

8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

But the day, in fact the MINUTE, we turned to Jesus and entrusted Him to deliver us from the mess both we and our compulsion had created, WE WERE given HOPE; a breath of life; a future; a clean slate.

Hebrews 9:15

Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God.

I know that is tough to grasp when we look up from the fourth straight shot of Jagermeister or when we click beyond our email to something dangerous, or we close the hotel room door behind us but it is our hope.

Jesus freed us from ALL THOSE DEAD END EFFORT TO MAKE OURSELVES RESPECTABLE.

You see, even when we are “being good”, our efforts are not what FREE US.

IT IS THE sacrifice of Jesus that removes us from a state of guilt and separation from God and into one of forgiveness and acceptance by the Father.

Our shame was removed at the CROSS and when we accepted Christ; HIS righteousness was credited to our account. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Now, please don’t misunderstand me. WE WILL bear the consequences of our “poor decisions”. The hangover, the “brain damage”, the lost wages, and “the fallouts” will still be there for us to deal with.

But our ULTIMATE future is secure.

That through Christ, we are no longer guilty before God.

So what to do about the guilty feelings?

If we allow shame over our previous deeds to continue, we will experience a divided mind, one that focuses too much on the past; even when that "past" happened 10 minutes ago.

To make things worse, compulsion and addiction are like gasoline to the fire of a divided mind and spirit.

The enemy knows this and that is why when those of us who are "4 time recovery losers" falter, he wants us doubt God’s love and ask, “How could He care for someone like me? I am nothing but a lying, failing drunk.” He then works to make us feel unworthy to be God's child.

We then draw away from Him, draw away from recovery. Try to shield ourselves from the pain of the confrontation by hiding out.

BUT DON’T do it, don't allow it to happen to you. Don’t buy into the ENEMY’S lies.

Guilty feelings only serve to weigh us down, rob us of our energy for today’s tasks and dampen our enthusiasm for the future.

Remember, OUR FUTURE is SECURE in CHRIST!

We have all made mistakes that we regret and here is a little newsflash, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO!

Romans 3:23

King James Version (KJV)

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

But we have a heavenly Father who has completely forgiven our sins and removed our guilt through His Son Jesus.

So, shameful moments will still arise.

We will have days where we “get it wrong”.

But don’t allow the shameful moment to transform into SHAME.

There is a difference. A shameful moment is “fixable”. Repent. Ask for forgiveness. Ask for the strength to overcome the challenge in the future. Accept the mercy and grace. Move forward.

Shame on the other hand is a “mind-set”.

It is a crippling and overarching attitude that will KEEP you wallowing in the guilt of the mistake; blind you to the grace that is yours; keep you bound and defeated.

So if you are feeling the weight of shame, remember this one… (And I am sure you know it)…J

John 3:16 (New Century Version)

16 "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.

Meditate on what was accomplished at the cross, and let God’s truth set you free.

Hebrews 10:22 (The Message)

22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.

KEEP RECOVERING!

I love you all.

Freedom Church

"HURRY-DOWN"

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?

ARE YOU SEEKING?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Love this passage...

Matthew 11:28-30 AMP

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest, relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Have you tried this?

I mean really tried this?

Have you ever taken Jesus up on His generous offer?

Or are you slogging down the hall, half warm cup of coffee in hand, bleary from yesterday’s spin in life’s cauldron, brain burnt to a crisp, staring at a endless “to do” list wondering how in the world you are going to get through “this one”?

We are a busy bunch aren’t we?

Work, kids, activities, hobbies, pressure, drama, challenges, and relationships saturate us.

And while all these are good things to do—we must be careful not to allow them to overwhelm us and control our lives. Because it is very easy to allow the busyness of life to put us in a constant state of stress,

That is why I love this verse from Matthew.

Jesus knows we have challenges to overcome. He knows we are goofballs by nature and allow ourselves to get so busy we do harm to ourselves—and even others. He understands—but this is not His plan for us. That is why He invites us to come to Him—He will give us rest.

That is why we are also encouraged to...

1 Peter 5:7
Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

So ask yourself.

Are you a little tired of the constant hurry? Do you feel heavy-laden and overburdened?

Take Jesus up on His offer.

He will give you rest. He will ease and relieve the stress and refresh you. He is offering relief, ease, refreshment, recreation, and blessed quiet!

He will take away the painful pressure and replace it with comfort and pleasantness.

Face it, life is hard and the reality is there is no way to escape its inherent stress.

But Jesus says there is—through Him. If you are willing to focus on Him first, He will show you the way.

He will help you make choices.

He will give you the strength to do the things He calls you to do.

And He will take away the stress and replace it with peace.

So put down the bad coffee. Take a deep breath. Turn the “to do” list over.

And give this day to Him first.

I love you all.

Have a blessed day!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney