New Creation

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters

New Creation

In dealing with recovery, we need to put various disciplines in place. For me I value the principle that the writer of Hebrews expressed, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)

So, for me, I attend a group called New Creations, and the lessons involved more than just staying clean. The focus is more on learning how to live through the issues of life. We inherit Paul’s model when he mentions, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

A fresh realty; no one is naive about the struggles involving substance abuse or that we need to create accountability in many areas to guide us on our path. We are honest about the temptations and the damage that follows poor choices in addictions. However, the difference from the secular approach we all are in an agreement that we can only do this by totally relying on Jesus Christ.

Each week there is a discussion topic, and last week’s lesson focused on managing through the traumas of a broken relationships. The group was very open about the past hurts, which can be difficult for a group of men. But these guys were looking for healing that corresponds to the depth of their wounds. The session was structured to allow us to process through unhealthy grieving from losses of close relationships.

Whether that relationship was with a friend, spouse, family, girlfriend, or coworker. The group, in whole, agreed that we needed to deal with this type brokenness in order to love others probably. In addition, do this without running to the bottle or some type substance. The pain is real and very consuming.

It is obvious that it requires prayer to heal the broken heart and courage to reach stability. The Words of David were quoted, “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon. I cry out in distress and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16, 17) So I Praise God for granting me new life, and the substance is not part of it. Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves at full-time at America’s Keswick as a Chaplain at the Colony of Mercy. You can write him at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Job 20-21; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Think About This: You must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best. C. S. Lewis

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful to me. Psalm 26:11