Freedom

July 04, 2016, By: Jimmy Scruggs

So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Good morning and happy 4th of July. On this date in 1776, we declared our independence from the British Empire and set a course of self-governance with a hope of a brighter future and freedom from the tyranny of the past. “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I can’t help but think on a personal level of our declaration of independence from those things that tear us down and destroy our lives. Do you remember when you said enough is enough, when you declared you are not going to do “this anymore?” I remember saying that over and over again before recovery. My best intentions were admirable but my actions were not. Why couldn’t I stop my addictions? Because as much as I wanted God in my life I didn’t want him to control my life. I didn’t have a one to one personal relationship with Jesus and when it came right down to it I didn’t have the faith or trust to give him my destiny and surrender into a healthy relationship with Him. Then on March 4th 1986, I surrendered wholly and as completely as I could to God and I asked him to help me, that I couldn’t do “this” anymore. It is strange but true; for me to gain independence from my addictions involved creating healthy dependence on God. I learned that self-will needs to be in line with Gods will. “Who the son sets free is free indeed.” As we celebrate America’s birthday today, don’t forget to celebrate your recovery birthday and the freedoms you have, in your pursuit of happiness remember to thank God for the journey. Love God, love people, Jesus first! Dana Cramer

Celebrate Recovery/Crossroads Church Calendar July 4-10, 2016

Friday, July 8: Testimony Night
  • 6 pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful meal for you this Friday. Please join us for dinner and fellowship.
  • 7 pm: Join us for an hour of Worship and a Recovery Testimony
  • 8 pm: Open Share Groups.
  • 9 pm: Solid Rock Café
Tuesday Nights: We have an open share group meeting for men from 6:30-7:30 pm in room 140. Saturday, July 9: CR Leader Meeting Notice: A new men’s mixed issue 12-step group is starting July 11, 2016. Please sign up on Friday nights or respond to [email protected]. Questions? For more information, contact [email protected], or call the church office at 970-203-9201.