Show Me The Way

A very famous person once said "Preach the Gospel throughout the world ...and when necessary use words !"...I truly believe this is how it has to start...We are based on attraction...the world needs to see us different and have a desire to be like us or else ANY words are useless......Then once we are in an accountable relationship with Christ and others that is when it needs to go further....we build,edify and encourage....THROUGH LOVE....and speak the truth to our brothers. This helps them clear the path for God to do His transforming work.....We tend to be way over-educated beyond our level of obedience.......That's worth repeating...We tend to be way over-educated beyond our level of obedience !!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

EMPTY

As of late I am anything but EMPTY......I recently participated in a Kairos prison ministry and if you get the chance to do so I highly recommend it.....I watched God do what he does best through the lives of 42 inmates out at the Robertson unit....The fact is but for the grace of God I am not in white.....I learned a lot from the guys at our table "family" its called in Kairos. I poured out my heart and the wisdom He has blessed me with to those guys and WOW what a blessing......Our spiritual life is ALIVE its a living breathing thing much like a body of water...Living Water....it must have an inflow and and outlet lest it becomes stagnant and dies.................
Peace and Love
Jeff

5......5.......5......FIll in the blank...

If you went to the Subway commercial you like myself are flooded with media....
Not to sound churchy but for real the One voice that influences me the most is that small still Voice I hear in my heart and head....That God conscience that I try to let run my life and give me Peace..Pastor Chad, and all the staff at the Mission are number two..Next would be my AA Sponsor Barry B. He has had a daily investment in my life for 7 years and he has my back.no matter what. My wife who speaks into my life on a daily basis also has a strong influence......most of the time.....LOL......
Last but certainly not least....all these influences change order daily....the guys that I sponsor...helping others is probably the one constant that has kept me on track and blessed my life the most.....
Peace and Love
Jeff

FUEL

Simply put....My rest in HIM......I have learned over my years in ministry that boundaries are very important.....I can't give from an empty "TANK." My hobbies and my alone time I guard fiercely....ask my kids....and sponcees. My fuel comes from Gods word as I rest in him.....
Peace and Love

Audacity

Honestly the word itself has had a negative meaning most of my life. Phrases like "do you believe the audacity of......" That's the first thing I think of.  After the past couple weeks it has a new meaning. Audacity is outright boldness without regard to the norm.I believe as Spirit filled believers anytime we face difficulties without whining or complaining we show we are different than the norm. When life looks horribly negative and depressing and we shout out with joy to our Creator we are being audacious.
Clinton Trigg, after his wife of over 50 years passed away, he could be the most angry, depressed,mad at God and life old man .....and with good reason, but he is not. He has chosen to let God and His people love him and he has even gotten involved himself. He gave his life to Christ at our Iron meeting. He drives the church van. He volunteers his time. That's audacity. My wife as well, she has done his laundry every since his wife died. She feeds him at our home once a week and they go to the movies or do something together at least once a week. Most of us just start to ignore older people and hope they find something to do...not my wife....that too is audacious !!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

Just Because

I'm writing tonight just because....what a difference time can make. This weekend is the Annual AA Conference at the Civic Center....hmmm seems we were just there...anyway, seeing the "old timers" and realizing what God has done through the years through so many people is incredible. I can reflect on my thoughts 9 years ago and remember....they even have photo albums from past years. We can look at ourselves then and now but more importantly we can reflect......What amazing things God has done in our lives....I really don't seem to have the words to describe it. It's His plan in action.....Loving Him and Loving each other....just as we are, unconditionally and praying for transformation....That is what recovery programs are all about....that's what our churches should be all about. I am blessed to be a part of a church that "walks the walk"...and allows me to do what God does through the recovery community.
Peace and Love
Jeff

A Short Story

Its 1:09 am and I just got home......in the past say 10 years ago I'm sure your imagination could tell you why someone would just be getting home at 1:00 am.but tonight the story is different. I woke up this morning an ordinary Saturday, no big plans maybe go to Hamlin for the Pritchard reunion or maybe stay home and enjoy the first rain since Easter...but then the phone rang. It was John, a high school buddy asking me if I had heard about Lee's mom, Lee is another old friend. John and Lee were the first  two people I met In High School when I moved here to Abilene. Lee's mom had passed away last week and the funeral was today in Strawn.Again...... in the past I can hear myself saying...".man if I had only known before the day of I could have made plans to go," or some kind of excuse. Not today...I got ready and went.It was refreshing to be able to just go and be selfless to show up for a friend. Not to go preach or try to counsel but just to be there for someone if they needed me. God blesses us when we are unselfish. The funeral was well....a funeral. I spoke to Lee and some others and they thanked me for coming and as I was leaving I thought I am almost to Fort Worth I will go see David. It was just like an hour or so to Weatherford and David was int Ft. Worth..So as I'm driving I decide to call Juan and ask what room David was in now.....he is now at Baylor in downtown Dallas !!!! That's another 2-3 hours both ways of driving....but no excuses I kept going. It was good for my soul to see David...He is awake and alive and being David. The last time I saw him he was still in a medically induced coma. I am at a peace I have not known for a while.....God is faithful to grant us His peace when we get out of ourselves and do for others.....I'm excited about STV and everything else we have happening at church.. Chad blogged about a big happening, but is going to wait for KRBC and KTAB to air the news......maybe I can get it out of him tomorrow......I'm a little curious who it is...Its a good day to be sober
Peace and Love
Jeff.