“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” 1 John 4:17-19
God’s perfect love isn’t something experienced passively; I think we surrender ourselves to God over and over again as fear is overtaken by love. When I made a heartfelt decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior I turned my life over to him. I haven’t struggled much with that decision, but the actual ramifications of that decision have been very challenging in my recovery.
Living out this decision is my daily struggle, my daily walk with Christ; that not so little thing called will, self-will to be more precise. Turning my will over to God is a daily choice and one in which I have had success and failure, usually all in the same day. If I am truly honest with myself, I have to admit that every day there is a part of me that is focused on self-will. I ask the question: Am I going to be inspired by God or tempted by the devil. Surrender to God’s will is my goal; not taking it back is my dilemma. I don’t call this a failure; I call it a work in progress.
When you realize you are starting to live your life through love instead of fear, you are right where you need to be; in God’s perfect love, in His Grace. How can we really love and care for each other if God had not first loved us? God seems to turn our thinking upside down as we realize you have to surrender to win and in our struggles we find real joy. Doesn’t sound right does it? But that is God’s Love.
Celebrate what is found, recover what was lost.
Love God, love people, Jesus first!
Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads
Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar
August 21-27, 2017
Friday, August 25: Celebration Night
- 6 pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for food and fellowship.
- 7 pm: Please join us as we celebrate God through worship and a Step 12 message from Jimmy on “Give.”
- 8pm: Open Share Groups
- 9pm: Sold Rock Café
NOTICE:
- New Men’s 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday at 6:30pm.
- August 21: New Women’s 12-Step Group starts tonight and will meet every Monday at 6:30pm.
- Mark your calendars: The CR annual picnic is Sunday, September 17 at North Lake Park.
