God wants to take us on a pilgrimage to a place where hopelessness is replaced by hope, and death is traded for life. In this 365 devotional, we read how words spoken from hurt and emotion can become words spoken from respect and wisdom, darkness is exchanged for God’s light, depression is substituted for action and service, and addiction is swapped for recovery. We climb into Jesus’ lap to find rest and peace simply because we can.
These meditations are our story. An imperfect journey, by imperfect people, into the loving arms of the Father. We’ve been saved by the blood of Jesus and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to continue the recovery journey on his way, not ours. Serenity is possible, because all things are possible for those who believe in Christ Jesus.
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Meet Mike Shea
In recovery himself, and part of a faith-based recovery ministry—Serenity Village—for 10 years, MIKE SHEA has written in these pages essential, yet practical, tools for those who are sick of being sick, and tired of living beneath what God has for them. His love for his wife, Peggy, and their eight adult children, and eleven grandchildren come second only to his love for God. His heart’s desire is this devotional journal will be your doorway to knowing you can never do anything to get God to love you more, or less. His love is unconditional. Mike lives in Glenwood, Minnesota and commutes each week to Minneapolis to be part of Serenity Village Recovery and Serenity Village Community Church.
INTRODUCTION
This book is birthed from my personal on-going journey of recovery and the many years of being part of a faith-based recovery ministry. It’s a pilgrimage to remember that words of death spoken over me in the past can now be exchanged for the Holy Spirit’s whispers of life. This isn’t about clean time; this is about free time.
God wants to take you to a place where hopelessness is replaced by hope, death is traded for life, words spoken from hurt and emotion become words spoken from respect and wisdom, darkness is exchanged for God’s light, depression is substituted for action and service, and addiction is swapped for recovery.
These devotionals are your story and mine—an imperfect journey, by imperfect ruffians into the loving arms of the Father. We are saved by the blood of Jesus, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to continue the recovery journey his way, not ours. Recovery is possible.
What I’ve witnessed during ten years of observing over one thousand addicts come through the doors of Serenity Village is recorded on these pages. Recovery is about being taught by a servant of God to be a servant of God, and embracing practical, Biblical principles. It’s essential to be as desperate for your recovery as you were for your addiction.
Recovery happens when you admit you’re absolutely poor in spirit. You submit to God first, in all things—he comes before family, jobs, relationships…everything. To seek God’s will for you and to be accountable with someone else are both critical components.
Jesus says love is the greatest commandment, and his love is expressed through you to others. Actions speak louder than words. God desires to activate you into his service, help break generational curses, and love other addicts into recovery.
God, I humbly ask you to speak through your words. I request your living Word will penetrate deeply. Soften hearts and open eyes. I pray the words in this book will be a blessing to those struggling, and an encouragement for those walking on your path. Help them all to recover and live in freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Climb into Jesus’ lap now to rest, simply because you can.
Mike Shea
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