8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery*

( Lord Jesus, forgive me for stealing ((if this is considered stealing content)) as I learn whatever I am trying to learn in my next life phase here. Pastor Rick Warren, I hope you understand and perhaps may even reach out to help guide me in this endeavor. Please don't sue me as I am broker than broke and couldn't afford to pay you anyway.)

(This is not my personal creation. All credit due to those who rightfully are owed. Thank you Jesus! The photo belongs to my earthly father.)

As I travel this newest venture, I know I will be learning a lot of new things. I am certain that I will step on a few toes and rile up a few rivals. Maybe that's why I am here? Mostly though, my goal is to simplify a few things we earthly beings tend to like to complicate. Primarily, I'd like to simplify the Christian Walk. And beyond that, the journey to recovery.

My current favorite one liner is "So easy a monkey can do it." I don't know who created that line, but it clearly represents my life perspective. For me, it actually has to be that easy, or I am moving on to the next task that I can actually understand. I hate how the world feels compelled to complicate everything for no sensible purpose at all.

Getting to my purpose today, Celebrate Recovery follows 8 Principles, based on the beatitudes. Thank you, Rick Warren, and John Baker.

#1 R - Realize I am not God.

I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.

"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." (Matthew 5:3)

#2 E - Earnestly Believe...

That God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

"Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

#3 C - Consciously Choose to Commit...

All my life and will to Christ's care and control.

"Happy are the meek." (Matthew 5:5)

#4 O - Openly Examine and Confess...

My faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

"Happy are the pure in heart." (Matthew 5:8)

#5 V - Voluntarily Submit...

To every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.

"Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires." (Matthew 5:6)

#6 E - Evaluate All My Relationships...

Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

"Happy are the merciful." (Matthew 5:7)

"Happy are the Peacemakers." (Matthew 5:9)

#7 R - Reserve A Daily Time with God...

For self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.

#8 Y - Yield Myself to God...

To be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.

"Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires."

(Matthew 5:10)

" RECOVERY... So easy a monkey can do it."