Thank you for stopping by today. I messed up. I thought my devotion, When Your Mess Becomes Your Message, was going to run on Thursday. It ran yesterday. I apologise. But I don't want you to miss my interview with my brother, Barry, so I've posted it early. I hope you find some comfort and direction as you read. Mostly, we hope you find freedom.

1.) Barry, what was your life like apart from Christ?

Miserable, lonely, alone, afraid, exhausted, hungry, homeless, in and out of jail, in and out of hospital emergency room, beat down, …I might as well have been dead….was no good to myself or my family…I wasn’t there…I was stuck on stupid.

2.) What would you say the stronghold was that held you bound to drugs?

Sin…it started when I was a teenager….selfish…only cared about me, myself...fear... I'm afraid of everything....at some point...I’m not sure when, the enemy brought a stronghold of fear. When it came upon me it was terrifying and it came upon me often. Like a phobia but everything caused it. The only time I felt comfortable or safe was when I was covered up in football uniform from head to toe where nobody could see me, the real me, the me I didn’t even know. I then as a teenager I tried to cover it up with drugs and alcohol and all it did was enhance the fear and make it worse but now I’m hooked.

3.) What is your life like now with Christ?

In the Bible, God says in Hosea 4:4, “MY people perish for lack of knowledge” and now I know the truth has made me free.”God also says that He didn’t give me the spirit of fear but power, love and a sound mind. 1 Timothy. And when I first got saved I memorized other similar scriptures about why I shouldn’t be afraid but I was still afraid and I couldn’t understand why the God who created Heaven and earth and everything in it wouldn’t deliver me from this terrifying fear….I fasted, I prayed, I memorized, I found something for my hands to do in the church, I made myself available, I obeyed God’s word then one day I shared my story with Elder Jerry and he said that terrifying feeling will never go away ….. the lying voices I hear-won’t either….. he said it’s not about how I feel, or about what the devil whispers in my ear but it’s about what God says and He says He didn’t give me the spirit of fear but power, love and a sound mind.

Instantly I got a revelation.

Today I’m honored to teach in the same Spiritual Growth Center where I was taught. Every time before I teach I still feel that terrifying feeling of fear. I still hear the devil in my ear whispering, “You’re dumb. You’re stupid. You’re good for nothing and if you go in there and teach they’re all gonna know it.” But I always remember my revelation that it’s not how I feel or what the devil whispers in my ear. So I walk on in. Every time I teach I take a step of faith, mount the pulpit with tremendous fear, evil voices in my ear but as soon as I open my mouth and begin to teach the fear and the voices leave and the Holy Spirit takes over! Today, I’ve been teaching now for 3 years and God continually takes me from faith to faith, glory to glory, from confidence to confidence in Him. So today the fear’s not so great and the whispers in my ear are merely whispers because now I know when I am weak then I am strong because greater is He, Jesus, that is in me than he, enemy, that’s in the world.

4.) How do you keep from returning to your old lifestyle?

Deliverance from drugs and alcohol and just plain being mean is a daily deliverance. Every morning I when I wake up I have a choice to make….pray or not pray. Delivered or not delivered. So I start my day with prayer. I pray and read my Bible. Today I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We’re not acquaintances. He’s not someone I just talk to occasionally. We have a relationship….a daily relationship. After all how to you get to know someone without spending time with them? God says that He has given everyone a gift and that He’ll make room for it. So through a prayer life and finding something for my hands to do in the house of God, making myself available, all in obedience to the Word, God has shown me my gift – teaching, and has made room for it. So I have a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. I found something for my hands to do in the house of God. I’m at church every time the doors are open. I’m in Monday night Leadership class. And every chance I get I share my testimony. The preached word got me saved. The taught word keeps me saved. The Bible says that we are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The long and the short of it is…that I’ve learned to take God at His word and obey.

5.) What encouragement can you give to parents whose children are addicted?

Pray. Prayer is powerful. After all there were lots of people praying for me! A lady I once knew gave me a compliment before I got saved she said, “Barry sure does fall a lot but he always gets right back up.” Now I realize that’s Biblical. The Bible says,”a just man falls seven times and gets up seven times.” So don’t get weary when your loved one or family member keeps falling into sin just keep praying and encouraging them to get back up. We’ve all heard the saying it gets worse before it gets better. That’s Biblical too. Because when you pray God begins to move and so does the enemy. But we all know the end of the story. It’s written in the script. We win! God prevails.

6.) What encouragement can you give to those who struggle with addiction?

Get saved! Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior! Pray! Find a good church. Get involved.Deliverance is a slow process sometimes. It’s a slow process but a for sure process as long as you continue your relationship with Jesus. . Find something for your hands to do. And no matter how many times you fall get up. Dust yourself off. Keep pressing toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus which just simply means be pleasing to God. For me and my addiction I needed time away from the world. Most people with addictions do.

Here in San Antonio, TX six years ago I enrolled myself into the Spiritual Growth Center of Victory Gospel Chapel. This is where I finally accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and savior COMPLETELY…not just part of me but all of me I gave to him. The Spiritual Growth Center is a place where we teach the Word of God which causes change and you can stay up to a year or longer depending on how long it takes to get your life in order.

We provide food and clothing. All your needs are met and it’s FREE! Just like salvation….all we have to do is accept it.

Victory Gospel Chapel’s Spiritual Growth Center
1603 Montana
San Antonio, TX 78202

Thank you, Barry! I love you!

My good friend and teammate, Susanne Scheppman would like to pray for you today. I encourage your to check out her book, Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents.

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving all of your children, especially those who stray far from the path. Lord, please free our children from the power of the addictions that bind their hearts and bodies. Grant us as mothers of wayward children the perseverance and hope to stay on our knees praying for our kids until they acknowledge You as Lord of their lives. Give us Your peace, the peace that passes understanding. In Jesus Name, Amen."

If you didn't get a chance to read my devotion, When Your Mess Becomes your Message, you can do so by clicking on the title.

Addiction is one of the most important problems facing this country today. Most of us probably know someone who has a problem with substance abuse, be it alcohol, illicit drugs, or medications. One of the flaws of our culture is the importance it puts on using mood- altering chemicals or experiences to normalize life. We are constantly conditioned by advertising to look for material solutions to emotional and spiritual problems. A perfume or new car will make one desirable. A vacation to Hawaii is needed to relax. Buy some new clothes of fine material and chase away the blues.

On the contrary, the use of the material world to satisfy our needs isn't the problem. The problem is the false dependency which the mind can create in response to substances which are palliative or pleasurable. This is especially true with mood-altering chemicals. There is evidence some of us may have a genetic weakness which makes us vulnerable to addictive behavior. Others see it as the result of a harmful social environment. Whatever the reason for the arising of addictive behavior, no one ever starts out with the goal of becoming dependent on alcohol or tobacco. Most insidious addictions begin with pleasure or relief from pain. As the behavior is repeated and the emotional payoff is reinforced, the brain forms strong internal patterns of attachment. With each intoxication, the habit becomes stronger and stronger.

How do I know?

My brother was addicted. Tomorrow, check out my interviw with him and read about His amazing tansformation.

In the meantime...

If you'd like to leave the name of the person you're praying for in the comment section, I'll join you in prayer.

"Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed!"

Micca Campbell—Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your day has been joyfilled so far!

Speaking of joy, I had to laugh at one of yesterday's post. Oh Dear stated how wonderful it must have been to meet Beth Moore. It was. Oh Dear also shared that she has grown spiritually from her studies. That's not all that grew! Oh Dear added that every other study she has taken of Beth's, she has gotten pregnant!

Oh, My!

Another friend of mine, Amy. also posted yesterday. She encouraged us to not only pray for strength but for joy, too. I'm so glad she did. I think joy is a subject that is often misunderstood. One thing is for sure. Many in our world today have misplaced joy. To most joy is the fruit of landing a successful position, achieving a certain body weight, or accomplishing a task that gives value to their lives. Unfortunately, position, money, education, and martial goods don’t provide lasting joy. When a dream goes unfulfilled, or your co-worker gets the promotion, hopelessness and despair take center stage. That’s when God uses suffering as a compass that enables us to relocate our misplaced joy.

Oswald Chambers describes true joy this way. “Joy means the prefect fulfillment of that for which I was crated and regenerated, not the successful doing of a thing.” We were created to glorify God in all they do and say. Beyond that there is no greater joy. We see this in Christ’s example. His joy was made complete when He was doing the will of His Father. Not only that. He was a success too.

Everybody wants to be successful. We equate success with happiness. The problem is with our definition of success and the way we go about obtaining it. Most have this approach to happy success: Here’s what I want to do. God’s way of succeeding is much different: Here’s the person I’ve created you to be and here’s how I want you to become that person.

Success from God’s point of view doesn’t begin and end with what we do. It’s about becoming who God designed us to be and by accomplishing the goals He has set before us. Therefore, joy is a deep-rooted assurance that God has a purpose for our lives. Hope in the world is useless, but “those who hope in [God] will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23). When we allow God to control our lives, priorities fall into place, life is simplified, and soon it is characterized by joy. John describes it this way. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (15:11). Allowing God complete control of our lives means we may need to readjust our priorities and set new goals. This was true for my friend Dave. When we can’t adjust to God’s will on our own, sometimes He steps in.

When Dave lost his job, he was overwhelmed with hopelessness. How will I provide for my family was the cry of his heart. Dave began taking odd jobs and working as a handyman. At first, he felt embarrassed leaving the house in his overall’s instead of his suit. Soon Dave discovered that he enjoyed this type of work. His priorities changed too. Dave found time to witness to people he would have otherwise never come in contact with. Before he knew it, Dave had more work than he ever dreamed possible. To top it off, he was experiencing a great sense of satisfaction and purpose. Today Dave not only restores houses. He restores lives for the kingdom.

Turbulent times often expose what matters most. By reordering our priorities, cultivating our relationships, and setting new goals we discover true joy.

Can we talk? It seems that I have a reoccurring conversation with my family, friends, and neighbors. So, I was wondering if our conversation would be similar. It usually goes something like this:

I don’t know what God’s will for my life is.

The bible tells us that we all have a purpose in this life. Furthermore, it goes on to say that each of us are gifted with certain abilities so that we can fulfill our God-given purpose. It doesn’t stop there. Our gift, according to the bible, should allow us to flourish and be successful as well.

Wait a minute. Doesn’t the bible also imply that “it’s NOT about us?”

You’re right. It does. It’s not about us. It’s all about God. But here’s the wonder of it all. God, well, He’s all about us!

Got it?

Not really.

Since God is all about us, He allows us to collaborate with Him in His plan to save the world. He doesn’t need our help. He invites to us to help. And He equips us to help.

When you and I are participating with God, and exercising our gifts, our purpose becomes His purpose. It’s the most satisfying and rewarding feeling there is!

Wait a minute. You said it’s not about us?

Right! That’s why I love John Ortberg’s “so that” theory. His thoughts put things into right perspective for me.

It’s like this. God designed you to flourish "so that" you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not. He gave you gifts, experiences, intelligence, and personality that enables you to succeed. God wants you to flourish "so that" people can be encouraged, the hurting can be comforted, books can be written, music and be performed, people can be helped, and companies can thrive in ways they otherwise would not. When you fail to become the person God designed, all the rest of us miss out on the gift you were made to give.

So in truth, your abilities are not about you. They are for the service of others. Yet, in God’s great design, everyone profits. Like Jesus said, “My joy is made full when I’m doing the will of my Father.”

When God’s purpose becomes our purpose, everyone is blessed.

Are we clear?

My eldest son is a born leader with his own ideas about things. Although submission is hard for him, he had always been respectful and obedient to our wishes as his parents. Then he turned eighteen and got a tattoo.

What did his dad and I do? We did what most parents do. We panicked and responded in fear. I was worried that a tattoo would prevent him from getting a good job. I was concerned what others would think. I was anxious about where he got the tattoo and if the equipment was sanitary enough. I was terribly disappointed and heartbroken so I condemned and judged his decision. In turn, our son packed his clothes and left home, taking my heart with him.

For two weeks I didn’t know where he was or who he was with. His dad and I left messages on his cell phone demanding that he return our calls, but he never did. Overwhelmed with fear, I turned to prayer. I was desperate for God’s wisdom and guidance. My eyes were opened as I read, “Fathers [or mothers] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

I had overreacted in fear. My disapproval and accusations only infuriated my adult son and caused him to flee. It was fear that caused me to mistrust and misjudge the situation. Fear-driven parenting does just that. It can also drive a child down the path we are so fearfully trying to avoid. This is not God’s plan.

To prevent fear-driven parenting, you and I must examine our fears before we act. We should evaluate our concerns with reasoning. To do so, ask yourself these three questions:

Will my child’s decision bring harm to him/her or others?

Will my child’s actions affect him/her spiritually?

P31's own LuAnn Prater and friends at Encouragement Cafe' radio show is hosting an event you don't want to miss!

"Gather with us on January 29-30 as we seek a new level of passionate pursuit of God and the encouragement of our sisters who are walking along the same path. We don't just benefit from our relationships with other women, we need them. And encouragement isn't just a nice idea given in the Bible, it's commanded; and it's vital to both the encourager and the encouraged! It's meant to be lived out in flesh and bone, and in spirit and truth; and we think it's time we took it to the extreme! All three general sessions will include powerful prayer and worship, along with lots of laughter, fun, and some surprises! Our speakers will share from the deep places in their hearts about Absolute Boundless Abandon.We will seek to make deep connections as we share our dreams, tell our stories, dry each other's tears, and celebrate each others victories!"

This event is ONLY $119! THIS INCLUDES OVER-NIGHT STAY, ENTRANCE TO ALL CONFERENCE SESSIONS/ALL CONFERENCE MATERIAL, BREAKFAST & LUNCH ON SATURDAY!!! The bad news is...space is limited, so don't wait, register today.

For more details, click on this video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbJmTIOh7-E

Paul found the secret to contentment. Here are his words:

Philippians 4: 11-12. “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Paul is saying that contentment is NOT in found in our circumstances or in what we have, but who we know.

Like the Israelite children, I get that confused. As they journeyed through the desert to the Promise Land, they did a lot of grumbling and complaining about their circumstances. They even grumbled when God wouldn’t give them what they wanted. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 10 that because of their attitude God was not pleased and in one day 23 thousand of them died. You may not have a problem with grumbling and complaining, but I do. Bottom line, it robs me of my contentment—and worse—it displeases God.

Paul has a secret we need to know. He is talking about true joy—true contentment in ANY circumstances. He’s found the secret, but notice, it’s not something we get. Contentment is something we learn. Look back at the first verse. Paul said, “I have learned to be content.” The secret he learned is found in the word “mind.” True contentment is found in how we think. Consider verse 8 of Philippians.

“Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”

Paul had 3 mind-sets that we need to adopt in order to learn contentment.

1.) Paul had a single mind. He had a clear purpose. His mind was set. He knew for whom and for what he was living for. You and I were created by God for God. We were designed to live for Him. Living for too many things leaves us empty, but fulfilling our God-given purpose fills us with satisfaction beyond our imagination.

2.) Paul had a growing mind. While he had experienced much hardship in his life, shipwrecked, hunger, jail, Paul didn’t allow his past pain to rob his peace for today. How did he do that? Paul grew from his experiences. He allowed the adversity in his life to fulfill its benefits. Yes, there are benefits to our misery. Trials mature us, they make us more Christ-like, they make us stronger, they produce endurance and patience, and they give us compassion for others. Although God doesn’t always cause hardships, He uses adversity in our lives for good. When you and I can see the benefits, we can also experience contentment in the midst of it.

3.) Paul had a rejoicing mind. Verse 4 of Philippians says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!”
It hurts us sometimes when we do things for others--when you do things for your children and they don't say thank you. They don't recognize all those behind-the-scenes things that you're doing just to keep their lives going. There are times as a mom when you feel, "If somebody around here would just express appreciation, that would make my job a little easier." I think God is asking us "Have you thanked Me for the things I've been doing behind the scenes for you?" I find so many times that God has done dozens and scores and maybe hundreds of things for me that I haven't stopped to recognize, much less express appreciation for. God’s word commands us to rejoice in all things. Cultivating the attitude of gratitude will help us in developing a contented heart.

Contentment is not in what you have, but who you know. God is the only one who can truly
satisfy our soul.

Today’s devotion is on the topic of contentment. Contentment is something we all want but are rarely willing to pay the cost to get it. Contentment is much more than being satisfied with the way we look, achieving our goals, or affording that new car. Why—because eventually the new car smell fades away. I’ve discovered that real contentment follows the life abandon to God and His will. I know, I know the world offers a much better deal than to surrender ones rights—or does it?

Pause Here and watch the video clip below of me speaking on comparison. The first part I describe in a humorous way how dissatisfied we are with things in general. Then the clip moves to a more serious tone as I compare the difference between what the world offers and what God offers.

Life marked by peace and contentment. It’s what we’re all searching for.

"For years, I held on to my mixed bag of emotions blaming God and others for my pain. I was alone, afraid, and angry, not by my choice. I was this way because others gave up on me. Porter, my husband, didn’t fight hard enough to stay alive. And God---well, if He really cared then why didn’t He free me from the feelings that haunted me day and night?

Over time my eyes were opened to the real problem. Instead of looking at myself, my eyes were always on someone else. When I finally did take a good long look at myself, I realized that I was a spoiled-rotten child of God who had stomped my foot, crossed my arms, and turned my back on God, but it wasn’t going to bring Porter back. Nor was I allowing God to express His love toward me and heal my wounds. In that honest moment with myself, I let go of my anger and fear and re-opened my heart to God.

Letting go is hard. It demands that we let go of something we value—not like a piece of jewelry- but our fears, our pride, or perhaps a sense of justice or revenge. It’s scary to let go of such things. But I wanted change—real change. I didn’t want to be afraid or hurt anymore. I wanted to be at peace. So, I knelt down beside my bed and prayed. This time my prayer wasn’t about what others had or hadn’t done in life, it was about what I had done. I had sinned by doubting God’s love. To see myself there is to see myself outside of the scope of God’s grace. Doubting God’s provision had separated me from the only one who could help me. Broken before God, I asked for His forgiveness. I surrendered anew to His plan for my life. What was God’s response? It was pure grace. I got up from my knees a new person. I was no longer afraid or angry—just filled with life and love." (Excerpt from Micca’s book, An Untroubled Heart)

I realize that’s a big step for some today, but you can start by asking God to open your eyes. Then, look inward and ask yourself, “Why am I not content? Do I want more than God has provided?” If so, what do you need to do about it to find peace and contentment? I'm praying that you find peace today!

Some days are so hard all I care to do or can do is crawl up in the lap of God and ask Him to love on me. Yesterday was one of those days. I'll spare you the details. What's important is in the end everything turned out okay. What made the difference? Taking the time to get a God-hug.

Asking God to love on us is hard for some to wrap their minds around, but God delights in loving his children. In fact, Isaiah uses marital imagery to stress how God rejoices in his people: "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5b)

We live in a world where many people are simply too busy or too preoccupied to notice us or our hurts. But God delights in us. We make his supernatural heart skip a beat. Understanding this truth helps me know right where to go when I'm in need of a God-hug. And God is always ready and waiting with his arms opened wide.

Do you need a God hug today? Feel his love wrap around you as you read these verses:

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of their trouble. Ps 31:17

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor thing to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

He heals the broken heart and binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:12

For sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. John 14:18

My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Ps 4:8

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord. P31:24

But God commanded his love toward us, in that, while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

There is a stomach flu going around. We found out about it around 3:00 a.m on the Saturday morning. My husband and I awoke to moans and groans coming from our youngest son’s bedroom. To our surprise, he had gotten sick all over the carpet. When I say all over the carpet, I mean there was smelly, slimy, lumpy, yellow mush covering a space about three feet by three feet in front of his bed. I’m not kidding y’all. After a long pause, my husband said, “I think I’m gonna be sick.”

This statement was made from a man who had no trouble changing dirty diapers and cleaning up vomit before. That’s just how bad it was. It was one of those moments when you question why you became a parent in the first place.

We cleaned for two hours on the carpet before we concluded it would have to be taken up and destroyed by fire. With that decision made, we both showered (separately) in order to disinfect ourselves and returned to bed. My husband tossed and turned. I could hear him adding up the cost of new carpet in his mind. Did I mention he was an accountant?

Anyway…later that morning, he woke me with a new plan. “I went out and rented a carpet cleaner while you were still sleeping.” He said with a certain pride in his voice. “It only cost $20 dollars plus the cleaning solution.”

Oh, great. I thought to myself. More cleaning. It’s just how I planned spending my holiday weekend.

As it turned out, those machines are pretty nifty! After my husband finished scrubbing the carpet, it looked like new. Better yet, it didn’t smell anymore either. I have to admit renting a carpet cleaner was a great idea. It was a big relief knowing we didn’t have to spend a few hundred dollars on new carpet too.

“All is well that ends well.” I concluded upon my inspection of the room. “Let’s cleaner’ up, honey, and taker’ back.” I added. That’s when my husband hit me with another idea.

“Well, I was thinking since we had the machine we should clean all the carpets in the house.”

I know. He’s a strange cookie. But he’s my cookie. And we cleaned the entire house with that thing. I didn’t like it at first. It’s definitely NOT how I planned to spend my weekend. BUT after we were finished, I was glad we did it. As I sat admiring my freshly cleaned carpets, I thought about how God takes something bad in our lives and works it out for good—even the small stuff!

The truth is if no good came out of a bad situation, then God wouldn’t allow it. There has to be something deep inside of us that knows for certain God is in control of all things and can turn any tragedy into triumph. When we believe this, we can overcome any trial because we realize that they are divinely permitted. God orchestrates them in such a way that the thing that could have paralyzed us only motivates us. In my case, a messy situation that I wanted to run from ended up motivating me to clean—causing something really good to came out of the bad situation.

I know that’s a deep truth to apply to these circumstances when so much worse can and has probably happened in your life. But the principle is the same. And, it’s how I live my life. Each day I seek to see God at work in my life. Each day, He is there.

By the way, my son is feeling much better!