Ananepho* Ministries

My mother is laughing over this one!!!

2010-11-01T14:22:00.002-05:00

I spent most of this morning doing housecleaning ,I mean literally housecleaning. I finally got around to some of the things that Val had asked me to do. As I was cleaning I thought of my mother..espy when I got to the bathroom. Let me explain. See my mother was not one of those that just let you clean with a hit and miss approach. Nope! Mama took you to every place that needed to be cleaned and demonstrated in detail how it was supposed to be done. For some reason I have always remembered her showing me how the bathroom was supposed to be cleaned. She would show me behind the toilet bowl..under the sink, the floor how it should be cleaned and how it should look when you were done! And you couldn't go outside until she came and inspected and it passed her seal of approval! So as I was cleaning the bathrooms and washing dishes and mopping floors this morning I thought of my mother Malettor Cross and was laughing my butt off! I used to hate cleaning and ironing clothes and housework and used to think "How is this going to help me in life! I aint going into housework for a career! And don't get me to talking about the folding clothes parties! (you gotta ask my sisters and brothers about that one) Oh by the way- there are 11 of us 5- girls 6 boys and Mama certainly didn't play that "housework is a girls job!" everybody was taught how to clean and had chores.
I remember how easy it was for me when I went to boot camp and the first thing you learned was how to fold your clothes the Navy way. It was easy for me because of all the folding clothes party that my Mother made me be part of. One of the things that Val said earlier in our marriage- "well at least you clean good! " Lol! Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way
he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" Powerful verse on every level, I can remember many times as I struggled to get clean and even sitting in crack houses thinking "My parents didn't raise (train) me like this" As you struggle through recovery or just life on life's terms how are you training your children ? Even the little things like "how to clean a toilet or fold clothes" can be an important reminder of the impact they left on your life. Ok..I gotta go see if the kitchen floor is dry!...and Mama..you can stop laughing now!
Btw- cleaning the carpet in the morning!..brotha is tired!!!

Stay focused!

Pastor Tim

Living above Reproach Pt. 2 "Doing vs Being"

2010-10-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

Living above reproach requires an unquestionable obedience to God. Our experience with him in the past will not be the same. God instructions to us will not be the same even tho the situation may be the same. In Exodus 17 God instructed Moses to “hit” the rock to bring water out of it in response to children of Israel’s grumbling that they had no water. We now fast forward 40 years in Number 20 again the children of Israel are complaining about no water and why did Moses bring them out Egypt, where they at least had water. Moses decides that since he struck the rock 40 years ago he could get the same results despite the fact that God clearly said to “speak” to the rock. Moses also seems to take ownership for bringing water from the rock when he says in verse 10 “must WE bring water for out of this rock?

God is always concerned with our relationship with him more than what we can “do”. Did water come from the rock? Absolutely however it was not the way God had commanded Moses to bring the water forth, and as you know this act of disobedience was the reason Moses wasn’t allowed to cross over to the Promised Land. There are many things we can “do” but God wants us to realize who we are in him and that requires obedience to his every word. I did a lot of good things over my life in addition to the mess I made of my life. I “did” Youth ministry, I “did” Pastor stuff, Youth Pastor Stuff, Husband etc, etc, and I even “did” recovery for a while. I don’t want to do anything anymore I want to “be” all that God wants me to be. Because it’s in the “being” that my relationship with him determines all that I “do” I don’t want to do recovery I want to “be” recovery, I don’t want to do what a husband does I want to “be” a husband, a Pastor, but more importantly a Man of God who everything I do is a result of my relationship with Christ.

Someone asks about the Pastor in GA who is facing some serious sexual abuse charges from some young men under his care- “How can he possible do that and he’s such an awesome Preacher and Pastor? Again I don’t know if the allegations are true or not but I do know that you can still “do” a lot of things and not be obedient of God. Just ask Moses…I know he can testify!

Reflections:

Are you relying on the way God did things in the past ? Have you been hitting the rocks in your life when he has said “speak” to them ?

Psalms 119:48 “My Hands also I will lift up to your commandments, which I love and I will meditate on Your statues.

Living above Reproach Pt. 1

2010-09-23T17:22:00.003-05:00

The body of Christ appears to have taken another hit with what appears to be serious sexual abuse charges against Bishop Eddie Long from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in GA. Let me first make a couple things clear, this bog and writing is NOT to issue judgment or condemn Bishop Long. My prayers are for him and his family as he goes through this and is obedient to whatever God says to do in this situation. I am not one to label and condemn anyone, my destructive lifestyle fueled with infidelity and drug use for also 15 years damaged the body of Christ and hurt many people who knew me and those who looked up to me as a Pastor, mentor and Man of God. My testimony is included in my soon to be published book "Musings from an Ex-Crackhead".
Many are saying "Don't judge him yet"..or all the information is not in, which certainly is true. Others are saying "How can he (or any other Pastor) preach and have an impact on people and get involved in something like this ?
The apostle Paul gives Timothy some solid advice for the office of a bishop (no intentional reference to Bishop Long) I Tim 3:2 "A bishop then must be above reproach,…. Being above reproach does not mean he is perfect or doesn't sin…or nothing in his/her past, the phrase "above reproach" means to be blameless. Living above reproach means that no one can come and accuse you of being actively involved in sin. As Christians we must be a men and women of integrity and above reproach. One Christian Blog states it this way:
The Scriptures assure us that we can partake of the divine character of Christ, that we can be people of integrity, people who live above reproach. Billy Graham puts it this way, "when we speak of integrity as a moral value, it means that a person is the same on the inside as he is on the outside. There is no discrepancy between what he says and what he does, between his walk and his talk. A person of integrity can be trusted and he is the same person alone a thousand miles away from home as he is in Church or in his home." The Church needs men and women who live above reproach, who are people of integrity. The Church needs men and women who cannot be bought, whose word is their bond, who put character above wealth and who will make no compromise with wrong and who will be honest in small things as in great things.
We put our Pastors and leaders on such high pedestals and don't require that they be accountable and when they fall it is devastating. Satan loves it when we live lives of compromise and we lack integrity. I dont know if Bishop Long is guilty and as I mentioned certainly would not rush to condem . However I would question where was the "above reproach" living. Yes...peopl will talk anyway no matter how you live, but if you are living above reproach and are a Man or Woman of Godly Intergrity...you give them no ammuntion. As we continue in our recovery people will often still suspect we are engaing in destructive behavior but if we "live above reproach" and have a good testimony as Paul instrctions to Timothy in verse 7 ..."lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil"

God- Sybil Paulette Cross-Nelson

2010-09-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

God

There is a greatness about You

That causes no apprehension

No being overwhelmed-

I am amazed at what I have seen

Your doings from beginning to end

I do not expect less of you

than the parting of my red Sea

impelling that which confronts me

from all sides

Prepare my voice for song-to make

Music from Zion-when I am in

my strange land. Cause me to rejoice

in my restrained despairing valley.

Never take Your Spirit away-

I stand in awe of You-remind me

that the coals on my tongue

are for the cleansing of my heart-

in the purity of praise

that captures Your way of holiness.

Forever keep my mind arrested in

the face of love

©Sybil Paulette Cross-Nelson 9/27/1998

The Unique Tim Cross

2010-09-13T20:31:00.002-05:00

Psalms 139:14-17

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Are you unique? Do you feel Unique? The word "unique" is from the Latin word "unicus" which means "one" or the only one" Many commentator don't like some dictionaries variants of the word unique, stating that the indication should be either you are unique or you are not. We get so caught up in trying live up to the expectations of others that we often times missed out or delay what God has planned for us.
I have been wrestling with this whole uniqueness thing lately. Many times over the years I have gotten caught up with trying to live up to other people's expectations. . In this Psalm from David he reminds us that we (you) are very much unique. There is not another person in all of time or eternity like you or me. No one can do, act, or say or live like you. God has something planned that only you can do and no one else. Now don't get me wrong, if you don't step up to the plate what he has planned will get done by someone else, but it won't get done the way God planned for you to do it.
We struggle in recovery with self esteem and can't seem to find out where we now fit in. This is difficult if we have allowed our addiction to rob us of a career, goal, prominent job, or told us that we are no longer a good husband, wife, brother, sister. But this is especially tough if we were in ministry and are yearning to get back and join God in what he is doing but Satan's lies keep us bound. Perhaps you were a Pastor, teacher. Minister etc. I'm not talking about listening to God and others when you need to step aside from a ministry position because of being actively involved in sin or you have not dealt honestly with your issues.
Fearfully and wonderfully made! You and I were not made by God haphazardly! Woven together in his love, he put us together in the secret places. Like snowflakes there are no other copies of us!
Who is Tim Cross? Pastor, author, teacher, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend, Grand-Father, Great-Grand Father..yeah all that but most importantly a Child of God
Are you looking at yourself of being unique? Geuss what ? you are
From: Musings from an Ex-Crackhead
Pastor Tim Cross

Unique Fathers Day Gift

2010-06-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

I got a strange Fathers Day gift last week from my wife, even tho the gifts are typical little things a man would use they came with a different emphasis from her she put them in a nice gift bag with a note..thought I share with you:
Philippians 4:8
Finally Brothers, whatever is pure, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

The HAMMER is to remind you to keep building. Keep being built, and even remodeled. Hammers are different but they are solid.

The SCISSORS are to remind you to trim your wick so you can burn brighter. Cut out of your life what keeps you from God’s purpose.

The MEASURING TAPE is to remind you that you should check your measurements and the distance between right Godly choices….but you don’t have to measure up to others.

The CLAMP is to remind you to hold strong to the Lord’s ways. Let God hold you tighter than anything. Don’t clamp it to you if it aint for you.

Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I could add my thoughts…but I think this says it all…it’s amazing how the simple things around us can be reminders to “Be all God called us to be”….

Answering the Call-Haiti..Kingdom Assignment

2010-03-09T13:16:00.002-06:00

Helping Haiti-Kingdom Assignment
Answering the Call - April 29th-May 7th
Asking for your Support prayerfully and financially as I travel to Haiti. Ananepho Ministries of New Life Christian Fellowship Church Chicago Heights, Il is partnering with Rosedale Park Baptist Church Detroit, Mich in a mission project to Haiti from April 29th-May 7th
We will be working with children-conducting children’s groups, feeding, counseling Please help me raise the funds for this project by either donating or purchasing an Ananepho T-shirt-$20.00 at www.ananephoministries.com or see me for T-shirt order form. (call or email www.ananepho@gmail.com )
Tim Cross
Send Donations to Rosedale Park Baptist Church
14179 Evergreen
Detroit, Mich
(indicate –Ananepho Ministries/Tim Cross)
Or
2724 Larkspur Lane
Hazel Crest, Il 60429

Call me for more info- 708-990-7865

Growing in Recovery

2009-11-30T18:16:00.002-06:00

Growing in Recovery

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:80

This is a picture of my recovery plant. It was given to me by two of my cabinet members (see chapter on CBL) five years ago when I entered treatment facility for the last time, they presented it to me one year after I had completed the program. It was a small plant when I got it and it has grown in these five years. I looked at it the other day and did some serious reflections on my life since it was given to me. This plant symbolizes a lot about my life in just the last five years

How has my plant grown? It has been reasonably healthy, simple as that. Despite the fact that it has went without water and sunlight some days (if it could talk it would have a lot of things to say!) If you look close you can see some of the leaves even now have signs of damage but it has survived. The verse above states that "Jesus grew and became strong in spirit…" We hear often that we should "grow in Christ". How do we grow? I like how my Pastor states it: "if you want to grow you need to be healthy" If we are healthy then we will grow and we stay healthy by putting the right things in our minds and spirit just as we would our bodies. Jesus took in his spirit and "grew" because he stayed healthy by not allowing the temptations of this life to affect his relationship with the Father. Whenever I cease to grow it's because I am not healthy and if I'm not healthy it's because I'm not taking in the right things that will keep me so.

You will also notice on the plant that there are some leaves that are brown and dying. I knew someone who always pick the dead leaves off of plants, so much so that it became a daily ritual with her, I ask one day why she was so obsessed (at least in my opinion) with taking the leaves off "don't they just fall off anyway once they are dead, I asked?. She explained that when a leaf dies and remained attached to the plant or tree if it doesn't fall off or not removed the plant will divert all of its energy to trying to bring the leaf back to life and thus the other leaves will be neglected and the plant will eventually die. Some of us have dead leaves in our lives that need to be removed but we spend all our energy trying to bring that dead leaf part of us back and thus everything in our lives get neglected.

Are you trying to revive a relationship that needs to die? Need to get rid of old using friends but are holding on to them because you think they have some value? Whatever area of recovery you are in; take a look at the leaves that need to come off of your life.

My prayer is that we continue to "grow through what we are going through"

Devotions

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Excerpts from (soon to be published Book) - "Musings from a Ex-Crackhead"

Author-Tim Cross

2009-08-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

Batman and a lesson in Recovery

No matter how old I get I will never stop watching cartoons! I could tell you that they bring memories of childhood (which they do) or I just watch them with my grandkids (which I do) but the truth of the matter I watch them because I still like them! I was watching the Cartoon Network the other day and came across my favorite group- “The Justice League of America” remember those guys? (and girls) This particular episode the league was fighting an alien from outer space and they were getting their butts kicked big time. The alien knew each members special powers and as eliminated every hero’s power as he fought them. Eliminating Superman by exposing him to kryptonite, taking away Wonder Woman’s lasso, Destroying the Green Lantern’s lantern etc.
He finally comes to Batman and he says- “Why do you even want to fight me? I have defeated everybody else by getting to their special powers but you don’t even have any special powers this will be too easy!” Batman pauses and looks at the alien and says “That’s where you are wrong, I do have special powers? What powers? the alien sarcastically asks “that utility belt? You gotta be kidding?” No Batman replies…my power is “I never give up!”
One of the things my mother would consistently tell me throughout my life but especially through recovery is “Tim, never give up!” Life will have us depend on what we think is our special powers to get through life- job, career, talents, status etc. However when those things are gone we are lost and feel defeated. I just got a text from Nadine Nippard (Winning the World-FB) who reminded me of 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him..stand firm in the faith…Thinking about giving up? He didn’t! Jesus endured the cross for us…he never gave up because of his love for us!

Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks-Annual Recovery Retreat

2009-07-28T20:28:00.007-05:00

Ananepho Ministries
Third Recovery Retreat
Circle Y Bible Camp,
Bangor, Michigan
August 20-23, 2009
Theme: Recovering from You
Children used reeds to make flutes in Biblical times. When the reeds were bruised or broken, they were discarded. Come join us - recover and make beautiful music again.
Don’t let the enemy make you feel alone. God has said He will not and has not forgotten about us! Bring your hurts, habits and hang-ups and leave with hope, healing and happiness! No matter what you are recovering from, we need you. Together we will receive God’s healing, grace and love.
Circle Y Bible Camp is a tranquil setting this retreat.
Our weekend together will be time well spent in the presence of the Lord. Registration is $120 per person and includes meals and accommodations. The camp is located at 65361 34th Avenue, Bangor, MI 49013. www.circleyranch.org
…that they may recover themselves 2 Tim 2:26

Ananepho Ministries, led by Rev. Tim Cross, is a ministry of New Life Christian Fellowship, located in Chicago Heights, IL.

Ananepho is a Greek word that translates “to return to soberness.” In that vein, the ministry focuses on helping believers break the emotional, spiritual, social and chemical bondage that tries to inhibit victorious living in Christ. Ananepho sponsors quarterly fellowships and a weekly Celebrate Recovery® support group which meets one Saturday a month, 10:00 a.m. until noon. at New Life Christian Fellowship, 1645 Wilson Avenue in Chicago Heights. The support group does not require church affiliation.
For more information visit our blog at:
www.newlifeananepho.blogspot.com or
call 708-990-7865
Our Speakers

Pastor Rick Thomas, author of the powerful gripping autobiography “The Prodigal Son”, From Dope Dealer to Hope Dealer…..a true story of Redemption, Restoration and Forgiveness.
Pastor Thomas strayed away from his spiritual upbringing and became a drug dealer, user and felon, that was caught up in a life of crime and many addictions for over twenty five years.
He is now a Pastor, Lecturer, Biblical Counselor, Motivational Speaker, Missionary and Author. He travels nationally and internationally spreading the message that “There Is Hope” for all people, from the high and mighty to the homeless and helpless.
Pastor Thomas is the Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church of Highland Park, Michigan and the Executive Director of Prodigal Son Ministries.

Demetry English, over 25 years sober and an outstanding conference and retreat speaker. Demetry is a deaconess at Rosedale Park Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich and a dynamic woman of God with a message to tell about God’s Grace and Mercy. She is a sponsor to many over the years and has been married to jazz musician Ron English for over 30 years. Demi, as she is affectionately known, keeps it real and will challenge us to “grow through what we are going through”!

Audiences who hear Temperance Renee Cross-Jackson are both captivated and ministered to as her thought-provoking and personal lyrics penetrate hearts through spoken word and song. Temperance has seen her ministry bear the fruit of comfort, love, healing, peace and instruction that can only come from Word-based lyrics and a submitted life to match.

Recovery Brunch

2009-07-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

Ananepho Ministries /Celebrate Recovery Ministries

Of New Life Christian Felowship Church invite you it's

Recovery Brunch

"God's Will and your Recovery"

Speaker- Pastor Haman Cross Jr.- Senior Pastor, Rosedale Park Baptist Church
(via-video tape)

Where: New Life Christian Fellowship

1645 Wilson

Chicago Heights,Il

When: July 25^th- 10am-12pm

Cost: free

Call-708-755-7900 for more info

Whatever u are recovering from....drugs,abuse,divorce or just life on life's terms....Come fellowship as we allow God to heal us from life's hurts, habits and hangups!

Our speaker: Pastor Haman Cross Jr. Haman is a down to earth, keep it real, urban pastor who has answered the call to have a global and local impact for Christ. He has been faithful to the call for over three decades and has ministered to hundreds of thousands from every walk of life. His transparency about personal failures and recovery has been a source of hope to thousands. Haman's some times hard hitting and unique style, coupled with a skillful use of humorous anecdotes, allows him to present the word of God in a way that leads people of all ages, races and cultures to a deeper spirituality. Whether pastors, prisoners, athletes, entrepreneurs, paupers or aristocrats Haman's message is consistent: "Grow! Glow! Go!"

2009-07-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Butterfly on God's Shoulder

2009-07-07T08:17:00.003-05:00

It is said that if God had a sister it would be Malettor Cross... My mother went to be with the Lord on July 4th...God granted her own independence from this world. She was truly a woman of God. Her favorite verse that motivated her into ministry was "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of Life and he that winneth souls is wise..Prov. 11:30" In addition to raising 11 children and being the wife of a Pastor she spent the majority of her life ministering to children through children's Bible clubs in the public schools in Detroit. She was also a very popular speaker at conference's across the country. along with my Dad~Pastor Haman Cross Sr. they founded Detroit's Afro-American Mission in the late 60's pionenering inner-city work among Detroit's homeless and destitute. Bringing a message of God's love.mercy and grace through clothing give-aways, food pantry bible studies and numerous youth programs at a time when this type of work was unprecedented.

My mother meant more than I can ever write about in every area of my life but espy in the last 15 years in my recovery and all the struggles that came in between. she absolutly never gave up on me...and as the song says by Marvin Sapp..I truly never would have it..without her. A mother's love is truly next to God's love.

I miss you Mama..more than anything...fly away Butterfly and rest on God's shoulder...

2009-06-23T12:33:00.002-05:00

Iron Sharpens Iron

I am so excited to not only get back to blogging...but tell you about our new men's support group that meets every Monday Morning- from 10- 12 (although we go longer than that!) We are simply men (women's group to form later)that meet to hold each other accountable, encourage each other and to get into God's word. Many of us are in recovery others are just seeking direction and support from other brothers in the body. We are Pastors, laborers, professionals, teachers, -from all aspects of life. Pray for us as we seek God's direction for where he wants to take us.

We will be hosting our first -one day confernce in October....our theme will be "Who dropped You"..from 2 sam 2:4....look for details soon. But before that happens -Ananepho Ministries is extremly excited about our third recovery retreat this year. We will be at Circly y Bible Camp...I will have a separate post on that later.

Consecration- Worship

2009-03-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

Consecration- Day One

This is my first day of consecration during these 40 days. Thanks for reading and looking in. Why consecration? Why 40 days? I’ll get into more details about that later but I wanted to look at what is consecration? There are several Greek and Hebrew words that render consecration. They all point to the same thing: setting apart a person or thing for worship to the Lord. God has been dealing with me for the past month on worship. My real worship has been sporadic at best. My good friend and Pastor Dwight Knight was recently at my church and stated this in his sermon- “anybody can praise him but you need to be qualified to worship him” Wow!-Powerful and true statement. Worship requires a clean heart and hands. I’ll have more to say on that later.
This has been a very difficult season in all areas of my life. I have tendency to not be transparent when I really need to be. Struggle with trying to keep up an image of what I think I should be and how that should look to other people. My barometer of measurement seems to always be measured by the wrong thing. As my Pastor says…”when you judge yourselves by the wrong standard...you will always come up with the wrong measurement” As I face life issues on life’s terms…God is convicting me that my worship is not what it should be. Worship should not be an event but at experience. Adam and Eve experienced worship and relationship with God...Continuously until that was interrupted by sin…then worship began to be an event. I desire to stay in his presence and experience him like never before…despite of what is happening around me and what the circumstances seem to be.

Ps 63:3- Because your love is better than life...my lips will glorify you…

Oprah and Purpose Driven Life

2009-02-07T14:04:00.002-06:00

I get teased a lot about watching Oprah Winfrey. I was home recently and my brothers (and even some of my sisters) really let me have it for watching Oprah. No, this isn’t about supporting Oprah or advocating for her program or what she does. However I remember when she announced plans for her school for girls in Africa, one of the things that she repeated in 2005 while speaking at Mt Olivet Church in Cleveland Ohio was “I’m thankful to God that I know who I am. That I am his child first and foremost and that I understand the meaning and purpose of my own life."Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Calf wrote the awesome book “Purpose Driven Life” which has changed people lives all over the world including mine in helping us see that we are here for a purpose and our relationship with God reveals that purpose. Knowing and discovering your purpose is more than just “I want to treat people right and love God and go to church, etc, etc, yada yada yada!” There is a purpose that God has for me and you to do- that no one else can do! It doesn’t mean that it won’t get done- but if we don’t step up and be obedient- it won’t get done the way that God had ordained it. There have been many people criticizing Oprah for one reason or the other- again I’m not here to defend Oprah’s life, matter of fact many of the things she is associated with I am in total disagreement with, but I cant remember the last time I have heard prominent Christian leaders say “This is my purpose this is what God has ordained for me to do" It appears there is so much attention on getting the mega church and all that comes with it, but not a lot about purpose and why we are here. Some have even let the book “Purpose Driven Life” be just another spiritual phase almost like a fad. God has convicted me recently about my purpose.
Here is another news flash- our recovery isn’t about us! God has called many of us to our purpose, however our habits, hurts, hang-ups have detoured us from that purpose and what God wants to accomplish in our lives. I once heard Bishop Noel Jones say- “your mess don’t cancel your calling” Pastor Tony Evans in his book “Time to Get Serious” talks about Jonah and his running away from what God had called him to do. Dr. Evans states “ when you are obedient God pays the ticket but when you run from God – you get to pay the ticket” Jonah ran 2500 miles headed for Tarshish and the city of Nineveh was actually about 550 miles from his home! Once he got back and obeyed God- he still had to make the original trip anyway! Many of us are paying a high price for our Tarshish trip when if we had done it God’s way, he would have picked up the tab”. There are things that have happened to us and Satan has meant for those things to be our demise, however God wants those very things to be the catalyst for us to fulfill our unique purpose that he has called you and I to do. It’s an invitation to join him in what he is doing and going to do! He’s waiting for you to RSVP!
Reflection: Do you know what your unique purpose is? How has your recovery hindered or helped you see that purpose?

What"s My New Name?

2009-02-03T13:51:00.002-06:00

Crackhead, Crackhead, Crackhead!
(What’s my new Name?)

Another show I watch (my youngest daughter doesn’t understand why) is one of the court TV shows- Judge Greg Mathis. I like Judge Mathis style and most of his comments.(Plus he’s from Detroit so he has to be ok!) Judge Mathis usually has some harsh comments for those who are in his court and have a substance problem. I remember watching one particular episode that involved a man who had a crack cocaine habit but was in denial and didn’t like when Judge Mathis referred to him as a crackhead. At one point in speaking to the young man Judge Mathis said loudly and intensely – “Crackhead! crackhead! crackhead! That’s what I’m going to call you until you realize that’s what you are and get some help”. As I listened to the way he said those words- it hit home painfully. It reminded me of the years of not facing my addiction and all the names that I had been called over the years (crackhead has actually been one of the nicer words!)
We are labeled for what we do and get involved in. Those labels stick and become painful reminders of our past. Many of us can’t get past the names and labels of our past. Many times those around us wont let us forget-Divorcee, addict, whore, whoremonger, abuser, on and on. Revelation 2:17 (NIV) Says: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Stones were given for various reasons. Those sitting in judgment positions in ancient days gave their vote by either casting a white stone for innocence or black when they condemned.
J. Vernon McGee states- “The people of Asia Minor to whom John was writing had a custom of giving to intimate friends a tessera, a cube or rectangular block of stone or ivory, with words or symbols engraved on it. It was a secret, private possession of the one who received it. Well, Christ says that He is going to give to each of His own a stone with a new name engraved upon it. I do not believe that it will be a new name for you and me but that it will be a new name for Him. I believe that each name will be different because He means something different to each one of us. It will be His personal and intimate name to each of us”Awesome!
A new name! A name that has been given to us already-symbolizing what we are to him. I think that one of the reasons that he hasn’t told us what exactly the new name is, is because we probably would screw that up too! You know us , instead of realizing that the name indicates something different we would probably empathizing on telling people- “Hey! I got a new name! Guess what it is! Our focus should be that we are no longer- idiot, screw-up, no-good (and others that I can’t repeat). You and I may not know what exactly the new name is- but we do know it represents something far different than what we have been hearing and also what we have been living up to. I recall at one of the many recovery programs that I was in I had relapsed and had to go before all the residents in order to stay in the program. It was called the “hotseat”, I was placed in the center of the room and any resident who wanted to confront me and say anything they wanted and they certainly did! After everyone was through I had a short time to respond and I shouted back at everyone- “I’m an addict!!! That’s what addicts do!” I believed that if we were addicts then we were only doping what addicts do. One of the reasons I love the Celebrate Recovery® Program is that they have you indentify yourself this way “Hi My name is Tim I’m a believer who struggles with drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc (or whatever you struggle with). It’s important to realize that we don’t have to continue to be what people have labeled us to be. Don’t know what your new name is ? Don’t worry- he does and it reflects who you are to him
Reflection: How has the names that talk about your issues over the years affected you ?

Read : Isa. 62: 3-4, 65:15

2009-01-05T16:06:00.005-06:00

Who Dropped You?

I don’t think there is anything more fulfilling after rearing your children than having grandchildren. There are many bonuses that come with the same - such as sending them home when you get tired of them!!
I remember one of the things that I did with my children that I and hundreds of other fathers do- “the ole toss them in the air routine” I remember their mother shouting at me- “you bet not drop my Baby!!!” The first time I would toss them of course they would cry, it wasn’t until after a few more times that they realized that their father would not drop them that they enjoyed being tossed and knowing that I would catch them. Matter of fact they looked forward to the game of being tossed and caught by their Dad. Being a Grandfather (actually a great-grandfather!) I now have the privilege of doing this with my grandchildren. Some of us have been emotionally dropped in our lives. Damaged, crushed,scarred because of the actions of someone else.
One of the greatest stories about being dropped, restoration and forgiveness is the Biblical story of a young man in the Old Testament named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the Grandson of King Saul, and son of Jonathan . David was now King of Israel. As a rule the incoming King would kill all the relatives of the outgoing King to insure no one could later claim a right to the throne. David is enjoying success as a King and everything is going well. He asks his staff – “Is there anyone from the house of Saul that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake? He is told that Jonathan has a son living in the land of LoDebar- (name means desolation, or no pasture) named Mephibosheth. When he was five years old the nurse caring for Mephibosheth dropped him as she ran while fleeing those that had come to kill the remaining family members of Saul and Jonathan. Both his feet were broke in the fall and as a result he walked with a limp. He lived from place to place always looking over his shoulders wondering if someone would recognize him. LoDebar was a desolate place, nothing grew there thus its meaning, a place where the rejects, those that had been labeled as worthless, no-accounts, no-gooders, the “can’t get it together” people of society. Mephibosheth felt comfortable here. No one really cared where he was from, it was all about survival. Then one day the Kings men find him and bring him to King David. I can imagine what was going through his mind during what had to be the most terrifying ride he had ever taken. Perhaps he thought- “This is it!” I’m finally caught! My life is over!!” he comes before David and David calls his name- “Mephibosheth?” “Yes My Lord he answers” David explains that he knew Meph’s Daddy and talks about their friendship. He goes on to explain that from now on he is to live and eat at the Kings table and no longer has to work for anything! It doesn’t sink in with Meph, he responds to David “What does the King want with a dead dog like me?” I can’t even walk right King David? Isn’t that like us? We let our circumstances determine where we think we should be. I’m an addict Lord! A drunk! I’ve got issues? Failed marriages, failed career, I can’t complete anything! On and on we go. David goes on and calmly tells him “You will forever eat at my table!” What awesome words. From a place of “no pasture” to the kings table.
That nurse trying to save Mephibosheth life didn’t mean to drop him; she was trying to save him. Many of us have been dropped perhaps while someone was trying to save us. A father walking out on us, a mother abandoning us, or perhaps someone who didn’t protect us from the abuse we encountered. As a result many of us bear the emotionally scars from the fall. We go through life limping. We medicate our feelings from the pain, doing whatever it takes to conceal that we walk with a limp, being comfortable with only those that have a limp like ours. I suffered being dropped and certainly did my share of dropping those I love. Who dropped you? Was it your mother, father, uncle, close friend? Society? Or perhaps you may have been the one who did the dropping, I may not know who dropped you, but I do know that what is more important is that you and I are invited to the Kings Palace. Welcome to the Kings table- crippled feet and all!!

2009-01-02T12:41:00.000-06:00

Obedience and Discipleship

As I look forward to 2009 –two things that God has convicted me that I’m lacking in (two that are outstanding) - Obedience and Discipleship. God requires strict obedience to his word. That obedience can’t be dependent –on what how God did something in the past. It’s the “how” that we get caught up in. Example: Moses was told to strike the rock in Exodus 17:5. However he was told to SPEAK to the rock in Numbers 20:11. Moses even says- “Must WE bring water from this rock …” and as you know this sin of disobedience caused him to not go into the promise land. Disobedience has always been man’s downfall, from the beginning right up until today. Moses perhaps thought- “Hey the last time I struck the rock..even though God said speak to it..I’ll strike it because .because I struck .water came out last time” But God said….”Because you didn’t trust me enough..to honor me you will not bring this community to the land I promised” We can’t even rely on our past experience with God instead of hearing what God has to say now. He may tell us to do something different in the same situation! We get caught up in traditions and how “we used to do it” God says- “Obey me” period! Disobedience caused the children of Israel to suffer at the Battle of Ai (Joshua 7) You will notice that Joshua did NOT inquire of the Lord on this occasion as he had before. He sent spies who came back and said..”everybody doesn’t need to go up..” They got beat back and when Joshua did ask the Lord why..he replied that there was sin in the camp, however Joshua would have known this had he asked the Lord before he sent the men up. The point is God does not compromise on obedience…ask Saul..When told to destroy the Amalekities he listen to the people instead of doing what was told to him by the man of God. Samuel states powerfully…”To obey is better than sacrifice…and to heed better than the fat of rams (NIV) The children of Israel’s captivity was because of disobedience. Seventy years of captivity because they would not let the land rest..as they were told to do. Jesus says …”if you love me you will obey me” If we have a obedience problem we have a LOVE problem. We are soldiers in a Battle ( a war) and like Jack Nicholson’s line from “A Few Good Men”….”we follows orders or people die” I don’t know about you but I strict obedience to what God is saying…even when (especially when)…I want to do it my way….
Next…Discipleship…

Temperance Renee Cross-Jackson

2008-07-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

Eagles Buzzards and Parrots

2008-01-08T15:01:00.001-06:00

I love Birds. I love watching them as they fly free and glide through the skies. My favorite is the Eagle, one that I could watch hours on end. I have found that people are like some birds I know, especially in recovery. There are three that come to mind right away- Eagles, Buzzards and Parrots. The Eagle is an awesome bird. You can find an Eagles soaring on winds high in the air. They actually get on top of hot air currents and literally soar for hours. One reason they do this is to avoid the harassing smaller birds below. Eagles mate for life. They take risk in getting their food- you rarely ever see an eagle eating anything dead (carrion). The whole ritual of how a female Eagle attracts a mate is amazing. The female drops a stick and if the male eagle catches the stick before it hits the ground- he is chosen as a mate. Why? the saying "being pushed out the eagles nest" is true. They push their young out of the nest teaching them to fly and before they hit the ground the father catches them before they hit- thus one of the characteristics a female looks for in a mate – "If he can catch this stick- he can catch my baby!" You never see eagles traveling in packs- they are used to being alone and searching for food for their family. As I mentioned- they are committed to each other for life. I know some eagle Christians. They have had an impact in my life over the years. They have soared high-where sometimes it gets very lonely but where they have remained outside of the "do and believe what everybody else does" arena. They have encouraged me tremendously in every area of recovery. The buzzard of course speaks for itself. Buzzards are always in packs. Many times you will find them sitting on the fence or circling over head, waiting for something to die. They don't want to take a risk and get food- they prefer to eat dead stuff! You will find buzzard people every where (even in the church!) they will stifle your recovery and keep you from getting to where you need to go. The last bird is the parrot or parakeet. Although very pretty and cute the Parrott isn't a very adventurous bird. Parrotts are content on staying in the cage; maybe every now and then they will make a flight across the room but nothing that will take a risk. Parrots only repeat what they hear amusing their owners and all that hear them. I know some people like that- they know all the recovery jargon, they can pontificate (been waiting to use that word!) so eloquently about what you and I need to do, but they never get past the knowledge. They are described in Paul letter to Timothy "…ever learning but never coming to the knowledge (2 Tim 2:17) Give parrot Christians basic bird seed and they are ok. No risk, No stepping out of the comfort zone!

If you look at the picture above you really can't tell the buzzard in the middle from a distance. Knowing an eagle Christian involves getting up close-not just watching from a distance. You can get fooled by just looking up in the sky and thinking a buzzard is an eagle! My desire is to fly and soar like the eagle Christian God made me and called me to be. It is my prayer that's your desire also.

Reflection:
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
³¹But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Think about some of the Eagle Christians in your life? How have they made a difference in your life? In your Recovery?
What are you doing to keep away from the buzzards of life?

2007-12-27T14:18:00.000-06:00

“Straining at the Oars”

Being in a storm is bad enough, being in a storm on a lake or ocean is downright frightening. The disciples experienced being in a storm a couple of times with Jesus. Mark 6:45-52 gives the account of the disciples in the boat going to Bethsaida after Jesus had sent them ahead (on the Sea of Galilee). Jesus went to pray and was to meet the disciples later. In the evening Jesus saw the disciples in the boat and saw that they were “straining at the oars” (NIV). Around 3am Jesus (who had been on land) went out to them and was about to pass by them-or as some have suggested- “come beside them”. The disciples didn’t recognize him and were terrified and cried out in fear! Jesus of course calmed them down with his words- “Take courage! It is I. don’t be afraid. ”
Has 2008 been a year of “straining at the oars”? Have your efforts seem futile against the storms of life? What I like about this account is that Jesus saw the disciples straining with the oars. Many times we strive and struggle and don’t believe or forget that no matter what the situation is – “Jesus still sees us”. It seems that we sweat and toil and give it all we can and we don’t seem to be going anywhere. We make some progress in our recovery and then another storm comes and we are back wrestling with the oars against the wind. Those around us can’t seem to understand why we can’t and don’t get it together. Sometimes we get so caught up with our straining and toiling that we don’t recognize Jesus- just like the disciples did. The text says “they thought he was a ghost and cried out”. Christ’s words come to comfort us- “Be of courage! It is I” Jesus enters the boat with the disciples and the wind dies down.
This has been a year of “straining at the oars” for me. Many days I believed the lie from Satan that God has forgotten about me and I strived to bring about change on my own and when he did come to my boat - I didnt recognize him.
No one can promise that 2008 won’t be filled with storms and high winds of life. My prayer for you is that you and I weather the storms of 2008 and let God do only what he can do. And like I heard my Pastor say – “Sometimes instead of asking God to calm the storm and waves- Ask him for a bigger boat to match the sea you are on!”
Whether it’s your recovery or just life itself you are not alone- He sees your straining!
Tim

Walls that wont come Down !

2007-11-16T16:23:00.000-06:00

Have you ever come to a wall in your recovery that wont come down or you cant get through for whatever reason ? Sometimes those walls can be- waiting for a wife or husband to take us back, or "if our job situation changes-then we can recover", or waiting for our children to forgive us or say they love us no matter what. What if those things never happen ? What if the wife doesn't take us back, or the kids don't say what we want, or the job we want dont come when we want it? So we stand at that wall- staring up- waiting for it to come down so we can really recover.

Gen. 49:22- tells the story of Jacob addressing his sons before he dies. He addresses each one about their future as it relates to their past, some of it, of course ,is not good. He comes to Joesph and says:

"Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. (NIV)

There are some walls in our lives that for what ever reason are NOT coming down or changing! Satan will have us to believe that we cant recover or change until certain certain situations are the way we think they can be.

Jacob says "Joseph is a fruitful vine..near a spring whose branches climb over a wall" Joseph had many obstacles that he had to get over. Some of those things werent his fault and maybe contrary how you have read the story-some of the things were in his control. As my Pastor recently preached - "Joe had :

Bad make up (favortism vs favor)
Bad set up (shouldnt really have been a supervisor over his brothers-showing off his new coat)
Bad followup

However as our picture above indicates, "walls dont stop vines". We can love "over the wall", "recover over the wall", forgive over the wall" Once we are planted where we can grow in our recovery walls cant stop us as we totally surrender to only what God can do in our lives.

Do the walls in your recovery seemed unclimbable? Too high ? Got you just staring up? Allow God's love to plant you near a spring where you can grow and recover-not matter what the wall is or how high it is.

Tim

Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks-Retreat

2007-08-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

What a Awesome time we had!!!

God showed up and showed off at our Second Recovery Retreat. Pastor Haman Cross Jr from Rosedale Park Baptist Church in Detroit and Pastor Marquerite Blitch from Life Spring women's Center and Grace Deliverance Ministries in Aurora surpassed our expectations in bringing the message that God had given them for us! Our theme was taken from Matt.12:20- "A Bruised Reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out

Haman spoke to us about being "Stuck in the Shadows"- I couldnt do justice in my writing about his message about living and being stuck in your shadow-instead of where God really wants you to be. Marquerite's message of "Setting your affections on things above" also took us to another level along with her powerful personal testimony of where God has brought her and what he is doing in her life!

The rain didn't damper our spirits as we worshipped, fellow shipped (is there such a word!!) and entered his presence. We brought our hurts, habits and hangups- God supplied us with hope, healing and happiness!!!

To all of you who prayed and supported this effort-thank you for listening to God and responding either financially or through prayer.

We are already looking forward to next year!

Tim Cross
Ananepho Ministries
Ministry of New Life Christian Fellowship
1-888-AMI-HEAL

Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks

2007-05-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

" A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick (flax) he will not snuff out" Matt.12:20

Bruised and Broken ? Feeling useless ? God has not forgotten about us.
Reeds were used to make flutes by Jewish children. When they were broken they were discarded and thrown away. A smoldering wick -was a ancient bowl of olive oil with a little fax floating in it for a wick. As long as the lamp had enough oil, the wick would soak up the oil and serve as a catalyst for turning it into light. But when the oil was gone, the flax would begin to burn. Flax doesnt give much light- just fills the room with smoke and stinks up the room. the solution would be to throw out the smoking flax and start over with fresh oil and a fresh wick. It take a lot of patience to make a smoldering wick burn bright again. God has the patience to stick with us when every one else has given up. He certainly looks beyond our faults and sees our needs. (Glen Penton)

Hope you will join us in August for our second recovery retreat- this year at Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, Mich. Our retreat speaker will be Rev. Haman Cross- Senior Pastor of Rosedale Park Baptist Church in Detroit, Mich . Our theme: "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks" We will have more info as we get closer or call us -1-888-AMI-HEAL

Tim Cross

Ananepho Ministries

This is from Dale and Juantia Ryan- Christian Recovery Network:

Our healer is gentle
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.Isaiah 42:2-3
Cheer up! Snap out of it! I thought you would be better by now! What's your problem?!
When we have been badly bruised, we have an increased sensitivity to noise. Comments like these - which many of us have heard even from people who genuinely love and care for us - are a kind of 'noise' during recovery. Because we have been bruised, these comments often feel like 'shouts' or 'raised voices in the street.' They are a kind of public shaming because of our inadequacies and neediness. And this feels like it will do us in - like the tiny recovery candle that we have just managed to light is being snuffed out by the wind of the shout.
And so when God responds with gentleness we are surprised. No shouting. No yelling. No hurrying to get better. Instead, we find compassion and tenderness. Our Healer sees that we are like a bruised reed. He will not break us. He will patiently restore us. He sees we are like a smoldering wick, ready to go out. Others might give up on us. But he will work with us until we burn brightly again.
Gentleness. Patience. Persistence. We need all three. These are the gifts offered to us by our healing God.
I am bruised, Lord. I am smoldering. And, I am so accustomed to shouting. It's so noisy that I don't always hear your voice. I don't expect your gentle ways. I expect you to yell, to be impatient. I expect you to give up on me. But you do not yell. You are not impatient. You do not give up. Thank you. Gentle Healer, teach me to be gentle. Teach me to be compassionate with myself and with others. Amen.
Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan

Hope House Men's Choir at Celebrate Recovery

2007-03-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

Come join us at Celebrate Recovery on April 26th !

Our special guests will be the Men's Choir from Hope House of Lawndale Community Church

Come and experience God's Healing and Blessing !

There will be food at 6:00 pm- Celebrate Recovery will start at 7:00pm

Call 1-888- AMI-HEAL (264-4325) for more info

Pastor V. Rick Thomas

2007-03-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

Ananepho Ministries welcomes Pastor V. Thomas to the Chicago area. Pastor Thomas is the Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church in Highland Park , Mich

He has written a book - "Prodigal Son" "From Dope Dealer to Hope Dealer" that chronicles his life on the street, his struggle with addiction and how God's restoration and grace has brought him to where he is today. He will be at the Village Bookstore in South Holland, Il. Pastor Thomas will be speaking Saturday -March 17th at the Give Hope men's breakfast at the Prisco Center 150 S. Illinois st. in Aurora and visiting New Life this sunday.

You can visit his website at : http://www.prodigalsonministries.com/

For more on this event and other recovery events- call us 1-888-264-4325

2007-03-06T18:44:00.000-06:00

The purpose of Celebrate Recovery @ New Life Christian Fellowship Church is to fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 12 Steps and Eight Recovery Principles.

This experience allows us to “be changed”.

We open the door by sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes with one another.

In addition, we become willing to accept God’s grace in solving our lives’ problems.
By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others.
As we progress through the program we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power—Jesus Christ.

Welcome to an AMAZING
SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE!

Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday- 7:00pm- 9:00pm.

Call - 1-888-AMI-HEAL (264-4325) or 708-755-7900