I'm A Grateful Believer..

By Carl Kimbrow, Fellowship Bible Church Rogers Celebrate Recovery Devotional Team writer, 12/4/19
“I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.” I have introduced myself in meetings with these words so often that I say them without even thinking. I have so much to be thankful for, but I don’t always remember that. 
The holiday season brings unpleasant memories and reminds me that the life Cheryl and I dreamed of together isn’t going to happen. It was seven years ago in November 2012 that our son went to prison for the first time. That Christmas we tried to hide our sorrow and keep the girls happy while their mom was passed out in the next room. Then in January 2013 girls’ mom left for work and never came back. A lot has happened since then. We have adopted the girls and moved on. But even after seven years the pain is still there. I often grieve that Cheryl and I can’t enjoy the ‘empty nester’s’ life we desire. In my pain and anger I sometimes lack an attitude of gratitude to God for all He has done for me.

“I will give thanks to You Lord with all my heart; 
I will tell of Your wonderful deeds.” -Psalm 9:1 

God has done much for me that I never want to forget it. Through Celebrate Recovery, He has freed me from destructive habits and put people in our lives when we had no idea where to turn. These people helped us get back on our feet and keep everything in perspective, and God continues to put people in our lives today who mentor and guide us. He also continues to deliver me from my destructive habits and helps me to see the joy of raising our grandchildren instead of longing for what might have been. I’m grateful for His provisions for us at a time when we felt like giving up. I’m grateful for the joy He has given us through all of this. I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, and I really believe it! Being truly grateful provides freedom I never dreamed of.

So this Friday night when we introduce ourselves in group, let’s not just say the words, “I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.” But let us really think about the words and what they mean to us in our recovery. Let’s say them with conviction and with a grateful heart. Gratefully sharing our recovery with others shows them the power and love of God. The day we share our story with a truly grateful heart may be the day another listening to us may find freedom from their own hurts, habits, and hang ups - and we will have played a part in their recovery story!

Hello, I’m a grateful believer..

click HERE to listen to "Hundred Miles" by Crowder

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

12 Days Of CR Christmas

Image
One of our great leader Monica rewrote the lyrics to this old Christmas song to tie into the 12 steps. We had a lot of fun singing it and love that it keeps the focus on the 12 steps thru Christmas. Great job Monica! On the first day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, the notion it’s not about me; On the second day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, my sanity, and the notion it’s not about me. On the third day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, the will to be faithful, my sanity, and the notion it’s not about me. On the fourth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, my inventory, will to be faithful, my sanity, and the notion it’s not about me. On the fifth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, the chance to come clean! my Inventory, faithfulness, my sanity, and the notion it’s not about me On the sixth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, desire to be humble, the chance to come clean! my Inventory, faithfulness, my sanity, and the notion it’s not about me. On the
Read more

Why do we introduce ourselves?

One of the things that might confuse a newcomer coming into this great ministry is the way we introduce our self and do so every time we meet in a Step Group and/or Open discussion group. The question that often comes up is; “Why in the world would we have to introduce our self every time we come together? I mean, we all know each other don’t we? We all know what the other is struggling with right? So why should I have to state my main issue I am dealing with? These are all logical questions and I think the below content from Tina at Saddleback might help shed some light on this. As you may already know, in our small groups we ask our Leaders to introduce themselves with this statement: “Hi my name is _______; I am a believer who struggles with________.” We ask our leaders to keep it short; to stick to one or two primary areas of recovery. We ask them not to state a host of recovery issues and character defects, etc… especially because we do not run recovery specific groups for cha
Read more

Verbal Reality--Why you can't believe an addict and what you can do as a co-dependent

I recently came across the below article when websurfing for information about verbal reality, a concept a friend introduced me to last year during a time I was trying to figure out is someone was telling me the truth or not. The below article is specifically for Porn addiction, and comes from a very good website, but I've found it true with all addictive behaviors. If you've never heard of Verbal Reality, and you question whether or not your spouse is being honest, this is a good way to help you sort it out, and a great tool for your recovery. ______ Consider This. (from http://www.pornaddicthubby.com/Help-For-The-Addict.html) Addicts of any kind live in a "verbal reality." This means if they say it, it is true and if they say it passionately enough even they believe it is really true. Men who have an addiction to porn live in a verbal reality. A sex addict believes what he is saying while he is saying it. Your most helpful tool in dealing with verbal reality is look
Read more