Free Will

                                                                                                                             
Today we celebrate our countries independence from Great Britain and most of us will enjoy the many aspects of freedom that derived from that day. Many will not. Our prisons, mental health facilities, and alcohol & drug rehabs are beyond full capacity. Free will has provided most of us with undefined borders of life's possibilities and for others it has meant disaster. The prophet Isiah tells a story of a man with a vineyard on a fertile hill. The man cultivated the ground and removed the stones so that nothing could hinder the vine's growth. He planted only the best quality vines. He built a tower in the middle of the vineyard so he could watch for the wild animals and intruders. He constructed a wine vat so that he would be ready for the ripe grapes. Then he waited. Rather than producing good grapes, however, the vineyard produced worthless ones.Isaiah 5:4 says, "What more could have been done to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild ones?" The story illustrates the relationship God and His people. God has done everything necessary for us to produce an abundance of spiritual fruit in our lives. He saved us when we were without hope. He gave us His Holy Spirit to produce fruit in our lives. He removed our sin stain so that we are free to serve Him. We have His Word in numerous translations and access to more Christian books, movies, music, conferences, magazines, and radio and television stations than ever before. There are churches of every size and kind with teachers and pastors to instruct us and encourage us. Most of all, we have direct access to God through prayer. Jesus said that to whom much is given, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) One day God will hold us accountable for all that He has done for us. He will ask us to show Him the fruit of all of His bountiful provision for our lives. What will He find?                                                                               Blessings, David

Recovery perspective - Recovery is more than just ridding ourselves of addictions. It entails discovery of character defects that can derail us from our journey to please God.