Rely on each other

When others depend on us, it takes away our independence - unless we let them down.

2 John 1:5 But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other.

I'm Tired...

I have just arrived home from a very busy night on 'Street Outreach' Things didn't happen tonight the way I anticipated they would. Because the plans were different to my expectations I got irritated, I got tired and I got resentments.On arriving home I have to unwind so I sit with a coffee and assess my evening. I then begin to read scripture:

James 1:2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Resentment can lead to sinful actions,
Resentment can lead to wrongful accusations.
Resentment can prevent positive spiritual growth,

In 12 Step fellowship we read the cliche:

Don't get too....

Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired

When tests and challenges come at you from all sides, you know that under pressure your
faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors

Don't take life to seriously and practice Step 10 (Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.) daily to avoid character relapse.

Follow-through on your decisions

When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NLT)

We must take care of all that God has entrusted to us. Following-through on the decisions we make in life makes Him happy. Whatever the result of our decisions are in His hands. Our part is to take the actions He directs us too and give Glory to Him for what happens.

Step 12
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other hurting people and practice these principles in all our daily lives.

Commitment that overcomes obstacles

2 Corinthians 8:12 Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

As we commit our lives to God and to recovery we can expect to face obstacles, but we can also expect to overome them with God's power. Our common bond must be commitment to God at all costs.... 

Family

1 Peter 3:8-9 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Favouritism destroys family unity - Parents may not always be able to change their feelings but they can always change their actions.

Family responsibilities must be a priority - It is easy to get caught up thinking our work is so important that we can ignore our families. Spiritual leadership must begin at home and we must not allow other activites to detract from our family responsibilities.

Family members should honour each other - If the saviour of the world obeyed his human parents, how much more should we honour the mebbers of our families?

God's commands apply to both parents and children. If our faith is real it will prove itself at home, in our relationships with those who know us best.

Personal Needs

Over the last few weeks I have become more and more involved in things spiritual. As I have the Holy Spirit has prompted me to make sure I take care of my own needs and the needs of my family in order to be fully available to others.

Psalm 104:27-28 All the creatures look expectantly to you to give them their meals on time. You come, and they gather around; you open your hand and they eat from it.

As I live my life and consider all the people dependent on me, for various thing, I realise my life Depends On God. Without Him I would't be here, wouldn't have the beatiful wife and three wonderful children I have. Wouldn't have a God given job working with people in desperate need of personal relationship with Him.

As I consider the last few weeks and my personal needs I am grateful that I have a Saviour, whol loves me unconditionally and supplies all my needs to enable me to complete the tasks He places before me.

A new commandment

As I began a new job for The Salvation Army's Project 614 24/7 team God gave me the following verses:

Matthew 10:6-7 Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. 

For all of us it is difficult to venture into the unknown with God but it is also important for us to talk to Him, listen to Him and follow Him. Knowing that He has everything under control and He will equip us for the tasks He sets before us.