Fridays

While
we were with them we simply sat together, shared stories together, worshiped in
song together, and read the Bible together.  While Sergey had a basic
routine to follow, we never had anything really planned out.  We simply
shared what we felt the Holy Spirit wanted us to share.  Now I am not a
huge fan of public speaking and almost never enjoy doing it on the spot without
ample time to prepare something.  But not this month!  This month I
showed up to this rehab center not expecting to say much, but then all of the
sudden a life story or lesson from scripture just came pouring out of me. 
I used to think I had nothing in common with drug addicts or alcoholics and
never thought I had anything to say that they would listen to.  But God
has shown me differently.  I may never have been addicted to drugs, but
I’ve been addicted to other things in my life…relationships, things, money,
etc.  There are all kinds of addictions and the same mindset and thought
processes consume everyone who has an addiction, regardless of what it
is.  And let me assure you, we’ve all had and still have our addictions!
(Yes, even you!) 

The
last Friday we were there, I shared about the story of the rich man who wasn’t
willing to give up his possessions and wealth to follow Christ.  (Matthew
19:16-30)  My main point was, “Do you believe that Jesus is better
than the things you are addicted to?”  “Do you believe that
Jesus is worth giving those things up?”  “Are you willing to do
it, or are you going to say no to Christ?”  I know that one of the
men at the Rehab center said he has been holding on to things and he felt like
God was convicting Him when I spoke these words.  I myself have felt
convicted.  Where is your heart on this subject?  Think about
it.  Ask God to show you anything you are still holding on to and ask for
the strength to let it go!