Tag Archives: SpiritofPeace.us

First Step

January 29, 2017 minister

First Step – an Action Step

Do we understand that we have no real control over drugs? Page 29.

Basic Text, p. 18. At first, many of us may have thought the First Step required no action-we just surrender and go on to Step Two. But Step One does require action!

The action we take in the First Step will be evident in the way we live, even from our first day clean. If we truly believe that we are powerless over our addiction, we will not choose to be around drugs. To continue to live with or associate with practicing addicts may indicate a reservation in our program. An absolute belief that the First Step applies to us will insure that we clear our homes of all drugs and paraphernalia.

As time goes on, we will not only continue with the basics but add new actions to our First Step repertoire. We will learn to feel our feelings rather than trying to control them. We will stop trying to be our own and only guides on our recovery journey; self-sponsorship will cease. We will begin looking to a Power greater than ourselves more and more for spiritual satisfaction rather than trying to fill that void with something else.

Surrender is only the beginning. Once we surrender, we need to learn how to live in the peace we have found.

A First of anything is a beginning, and so it is with the Steps: The First Step is the beginning of the recovery process. The healing starts here; we can not go any further until we work this step.

Step One. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.

First Step

Chain Reaction album
John Farnham

If you wanna feed all the children
Then start by feeding one
And if you wanna find a mountain
To build your dreams upon
You need love (the heart to care)
Give me strength (the nerve to dare)

Celebration, Prayer

Beatitudes Celebration

January 29, 2017 minister

Beatitudes Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Today in Matthews gospel reading Jesus reveals to us that we are blessed as we go through life’s challenges. This is a great way to begin each day, especially at this time in our lives.
Micah prophesies that God wants us to be His people. It is not about the offering, but rather the real who you are. Act in justice, be kind and walk humbly with God.
How do we worship in the presence of God? Listen carefully to our psalm today.
Paul humbles the people of Corinth. In all our days on earth we should pursue to match our behavior with our desire to be one with God.
So we see that God is aware that we meet challenges in our daily lives. He will be there to assist us in getting through these challenges. We should move forward in our lives without fear. God will be there to give us the strength we need as we need it. Amen.

We are Called. Come Live in the Light
David Haas

Scripture:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Micah 6:1.
Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Ps. 15:2.
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Matt. 5:12.

Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

Blest are the Pure in Heart
John Keble (1819).

Prayer: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.

God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Beatitudes as stated in today’s Gospel:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matt. 5:3-11.

Old Rugged Cross
George Bennard (1913).
Elvis Presley

Prayer: God our deliverer, you walk with the meek and the poor, the compassionate and those who mourn, and you call us to walk humbly with you. When we are foolish, be our wisdom; when we are weak, be our strength; that, as we learn to do justice and to love mercy, your rule may come as blessing. Amen.

Be Not Afraid
Bob Dufford (1975).
performed by John Michael Talbot

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

N.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Everyday Addict

January 28, 2017 minister

Every-day Addict

“We can never fully recover, no matter how long we stay clean.” Page 28.

Basic Text, p. 84. After getting a little time in the program, some of us begin to think we have been cured. We learned everything NA has to teach us; we grew bored with the meetings; and our sponsor keeps droning the same old refrain: “The steps – the steps – the steps!” We decide it is time to get on with our lives, cut way back on meetings, and try to make up for the years we have lost to active addiction. We do this, however, at the peril of our recovery.

Those of us who have relapsed after such an episode often try to go to as many meetings as we can, some of us go to a meeting every day for several years. It may take that long for us to understand that we will always be addicts. We may feel well some days and sick on other days, but we are addicts every day. At any time, we are subject to delusion, denial, rationalization, justification, insanity; all the hallmarks of the typical addict’s way of thinking. If we want to continue living and enjoying life without the use of drugs, we must practice an active program of recovery each day.

Everyday People
Sly and the Family Stone

N.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Isolation to Connection

January 24, 2017 minister

From Isolation to Connection
“Our Disease Isolated us… hostile, resentful, self-centered, and self-seeking, we cut ourselves off from the outside world.” Pg. 24.

Basic Text. p. 4. Addiction is an isolating disease, closing us off from society, family, and self. We hid. We lied. We scorned the lives we saw others living, surely beyond our grasp. Worst of all, we told ourselves there was nothing wrong with us, even though we knew we were desperately ill. Our connection with the world, and with reality itself, was severed. Our lives lost meaning, and we withdrew further and further from reality.

The NA program is designed especially for people like us. It helps reconnect us to the life we were meant to live, drawing us out of our isolation. We stop lying to ourselves about our condition; we admit our powerlessness and the unmanageability of our lives. We develop faith that our lives can improve, that recovery is possible, and that happiness is not permanently beyond our grasp. We get honest; we stop hiding; we “show up and tell the truth,” no matter what. And as we do, we establish the ties that connect our individual lives to the larger life around us.

We addicts need not live lives of isolation. The Twelve Steps can restore our connection to life and living, if we work them.

Just for Today: I am a part of the life around me. I will practice my program to strengthen my connection to my world.
(c) 2016. NA World Services

Isolation
John Lennon
https://youtu.be/3GBDN3G0QoU

A.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Faith Without Works is Dead

January 24, 2017 minister

Faith without Works is Dead.

There is action and more action. “Faith without works is dead.” … To be helpful is our only aim. AA. p. 88-9.

I understand that service is a vital part of recovery but I often wonder, “What can I do?” Simply start with what I have today! I look around to see where there is a need. Are the ashtrays full? Do I have hands and feet to empty them? Suddenly I am involved! The best speaker may make the worst coffee; the member who’s best with newcomers may be unable to read; the one willing to clean up may make a mess of the bank account – yet every one of these people and jobs is essential to an active group. The miracle of service is this: when I use what I have, I find there is more available to me than I realized before. – Daily Reflections. © 1990 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

Faith Without Works Is Dead. James 2:14-26.

So there is more going on here than helping out. Eventually we come upon our Step 12.

Step 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

This step prepares you to embrace all 12 steps as you continue your journey into a life of acceptance and understanding. It also encourages you to help others and to empower them as they discover the benefits of AA. – Recovery.org

Step 12 Prayer:
Dear God, Having had a spiritual experience, I must now remember that “faith without works is dead.” And Practical Experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. So, God, please help me to carry this message to other alcoholics! Provide me with the guidance and wisdom to talk with another alcoholic because I can help when no one else can. Help me secure his confidence and remember he is ill. – A.A. Big Book Page 89:1.

Faith Without Works is like a Submarine with a Screen Door

N.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

School of Recovery

January 22, 2017 minister

School of Recovery

“This is a program for learning.” Page 22.

Basic Text, p. 16. Learning in recovery is hard work. The things we most need to know are often the hardest to learn. We study recovery to prepare ourselves for the experiences life will give us. As we listen to others share in meetings, we take mental notes we can refer to later. To be prepared, we study our notes and literature between “lessons.” Just as students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge during tests, so do we have the opportunity to apply our recovery during times of crisis.

As always, we have a choice in how we will approach life’s challenges. We can dread and avoid them as threats to our serenity or we can gratefully accept them as opportunities for growth. By confirming the principles we’ve learned in recovery, life’s challenges give us increased strength. Without such challenges, however, we could forget what we’ve learned and begin to stagnate. These are the opportunities that prod us to new spiritual awakenings.

We will find that there is often a period of rest after each crisis, giving us time to get accustomed to our new skills. Once we’ve reflected on our experience, we are called on to share our knowledge with someone who is studying what we’ve just learned. In the school of recovery, all of us are teachers as well as students.

School song
Matilda Musical
Spirit Young Performers

Celebration, Community Activity

Dysart Music Ministry

January 22, 2017 minister

Dysart Family Music Ministry

Spirit of Peace supports the community. It is time to Join Us in reaching out to visit with the Dysart Family Music Ministry. https://www.dysartfamilymusic.com/

We get the following descriptions from their website …
LeWain and Lorena Dysart, with their five children, offer Gospel Music fans unique, tight family harmonies, with a diverse and powerful selection of music.

The Dysart’s approach to their music ministry incorporates a serious focus on personal relationships with Jesus, their love for each other in the home, and just plain hard work on their music.

After singing and clapping along with the Dysart Family Christian Gospel – themed Music, Pastor Michael visits and finds the Dysart Family reverent, personably friendly and down to earth pursuing concerns in supporting the community using the gifts the Good Lord gives them.

The Dysarts upcoming scheduled performances in their music ministry is busy, looking like the family is on tour almost every weekend.

Spirit of Peace suggests that everyone give this family music ministry performance engagement a visit and get back to us about your impressions.

Peace and Joy! Pastor Michael Hanus

A.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Lets Keep It Simple

January 22, 2017 minister

Lets Keep It Simple
A few hours later I took my leave of Dr. Bob. The wonderful, old, broad smile was on his face as he said almost jokingly, “Remember, Bill, let’s not louse this thing up. Let’s keep it simple!” I turned away, unable to say a word. That was the last time I ever saw him. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE, p. 214.

KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid — KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

After years of sobriety I occasionally ask myself: “Can it be this simple?” Then, at meetings, I see former cynics and skeptics who have walked the A.A. path out of hell by packaging their lives, without alcohol, into twenty-four hour segments, during which they practice a few principles to the best of their individual abilities. And then I know again that, while it is not always easy, if I keep it simple, it works. – Daily Reflections. © 1990. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

Forever
Kiss (1993).

Celebration, Prayer

Follow Jesus Celebration

January 22, 2017 minister

Follow Jesus Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
In Isaiah today we have the light shining in the darkness. The promise of deliverance through the prophecy of a coming Messiah is a source of great joy!
Our psalm today is grounded in trust and joy in worshiping the Lord.
In Corinthians Paul wants to stress and persuade the people to live together in the Word, not hear it and then go on with inconsistent disjointed lives. Remain turned toward the God that bestows blessings upon you and do not turn away, even in hard times.
In our gospel lesson today Jesus walks throughout and declares the land of the covenant and the heavens as belonging to God although the earthly space was under the secular law of the imperial powers of the day. Jesus portrays God as creator, savior and judge. Jesus walks among the people preaches and calls men and women as His disciples. Jesus demonstrates the justness that will come in heaven as He heals the afflictions on earth and fulfills the prophets words.
We are here to hear and share in the proclamation of the Good News. What great strength and caring we find in Jesus! If Jesus walks among us today, whom among us would follow Him?

Scripture:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Is. 9:2.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps. 27:1.
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 1 Cor. 1:10.
Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Matt. 4:19. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matt. 4:23.

City of God
Dan Schutte
https://youtu.be/-zRAUH8yBcQ

Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady (1776).
performed by Antrim Mennonite Choir

Prayer: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.

Be Thou My Vision
Old Irish Bí Thusa ‘mo Shúile
Slane
Translator Mary Elizabeth Byrne
performed by Selah
https://youtu.be/UKByTfiHOFE

Prayer: Dear Lord God of Blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness, scattering the fears that bind us and setting us free to live as your children. Give us courage and conviction that we may joyfully turn and follow you into new adventures of faithful service, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Summons
John Bell

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

N.A., Reflection, Spirit on the A's

Forgiveness

January 17, 2017 minister

Forgiveness. “As we realize our need to be forgiven, we tend to be more forgiving. At least we know that we are no longer intentionally making life miserable for people.” Page 17.

Basic Text, pp. 39-40. In our addiction we often treated others badly, sometimes deliberately finding ways to make their lives miserable. In our recovery, we may still have a tendency to pass judgment on others’ actions because we think we know how that person should behave. But as we progress in our recovery we often find that, to accept ourselves, we must accept those around us.

It may be difficult to watch as someone’s insanity manifests itself. But if we detach ourselves from the problem, we can start living in the solution. And if we feel affected by another’s actions, we can extend the principle of forgiveness.

Just for Today: I will strive to forgive rather than be forgiven. I will try to act in such a way that I feel worthy of self-love.
(c) 2016 NA World Services
The most important gift we can ever receive is God’s gift of His Son, our Savior, and with Him forgiveness, restoration, and the promise of spiritual life that begins now and lasts forever. The most important gift we can ever give is to give Jesus our heart. – Marion Stroud. Daily Bread. 12/23/2016.

You overwhelm me with Your gifts, Lord. In return, I want to give You the very best present that I can. Please show me what You want most from me.

Forgiveness
Matt West

It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When they pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness, forgiveness.

Where Believers Gather Together to Worship Jesus