Tuesday, December 31, 2013
HNY from RCC!
Know that regardless of how you choose to spend New Year's Eve or what spiritual path you follow, we at Recovery Christian Center love you and are praying for you. Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Are
You Ready For Your Season Premier
Ecclesiastes
3:1-8
Honorarium
Giving honor to God who is
head of my life, to the pulpit, to the leadership and to my beautiful wife, Pastor Paula, and to all of you my brothers and sisters in
Christ, we welcome all of you The Recovery Christian Center.
Scripture
For a lot of us the holiday
season can be rough and this year it seemed for many of us rougher than most so
as I was preparing this week for service God dropped in my spirit that even
though it’s rough right now we are entering a new season and getting ready to
enter a new year. So He brought me to a familiar passage of scripture dealing
with seasons.
Those of you that have your
bibles please join me in the book of Ecclesiastes, the 3rd chapter
starting at the 1st verse.
Topic
I want to use those few
verses and preach for few moments from the topic “Are you ready for your season
premier!”
Turn to your neighbor and
tell them, “This is my season premier!”
Prayer
Let us pray.
Message
Every year usually beginning
in September our favorite network shows begin a whole new season after being on
hiatus since May. We are usually waiting in great anticipation for the start of
the new season either because the old season ended in a cliff hanger or just
because we know the show has made some changes and we want to see where the new
direction is going. Adding to our anticipation is all the hype from the
commercials and talk show interviews, the magazine articles and the even the
news about what’s happening on this new season. There’s all kinds of hype about
the show designed to have us glued to the TV on the night of the premier. Some
shows even go as far as to have red carpet moments and after parties to
increase the hype. They flood the internet and Facebook and Twitter to keep the
buzz going. Usually the week before the premier the cliff hanger is played to
bring us back up to speed and increase our anticipation. Some folks are so
wound up about the new show that they have viewing parties at their homes to
share the experience with their friends. Others turn off their phones, isolate
themselves in their living rooms and tell folks don’t call me until after the
show. All of this over a TV show.
As I reflected on this I
began thinking that every time we get ready to go to another level in our
relationship with God, just as we begin to move into a new season the show that
is our life goes through a season premier.
God began to show me how the
process for a show’s season premier was a lot like what we go through in
getting ready for our new season. He showed me that there are certain signs to
let me know when He’s about to take us to that next level. Whether it’s in our
lives personally or in the life of our ministry it’s the same process.
So what’s the process? How do
we know that God’s trying to take us to the next level? We’ve been on hiatus
for a while just waiting on God to tell us to move so how do we know when it’s
time?
First Point
The Summer Replacements Come To an End!
Ya’ll know what I’m talking
about. All those summer filler shows without a lot of substance that are meant
to distract us from the shows we really like. Well we got some spiritual summer
replacements that try to distract us from getting to our season premier as
well. For some of us it might be waiting on our spouse but instead of waiting
on God to bring us Mr. or Ms. Right, we messing with Mr. or Mrs. Right Now.
Now don’t get me wrong all
summer replacements aren’t bad. Maybe you’re called to preach but God hasn’t
released you yet so you continue to serve as an usher or on the choir or on
pastor’s aid. See sometimes there can be quite a distance between call and
release. King David was anointed king of Israel 20 years before he ever sat on
the throne. But God took him through a preparation process that made him a
soldier and then a general and then a member of the royal family by marriage so
that by the time he became king he was prepared. Some of us are still stuck in
summer replacements because we won’t surrender to the preparation process. So
once we allow the preparation process to happen the way God wants it to happen
then we can be ready for our season premier.
So whatever it is that’s
either distracting you or filling your time or your preparation process, it will
come to an end prior to your season premier.
Second Point
We revisit the reruns!
Now usually the network
doesn’t rerun the entire season, but they will take about 4-5 of the best
episodes, the highest rated episodes, the most dramatic episodes and rerun them
to peak our curiosity and build up our anticipation for the new season.
Well right before our season
premier that same thing begins to happen. We get placed in some situations
where we revisit some reruns. Some past issues might pop up so we can see what
still needs to be improved. Some situations might re-present themselves so we
can see how far we come. And even as we watch an episode we’ve seen before we
might just see something we missed last time. Maybe we were on a bathroom break
or the phone rang or we went out that night or we fell asleep at the end but
whatever the reason we missed it and we need to see it in order to get a
clearer picture of what’s about to happen. If you stuck in who you used to be
maybe this rerun will provide you just the detail you need to get unstuck. You
might have missed it the first time but this time you can find what you need
and move forward to get to where you need to be.
See we’ve got to be open to
whatever lesson God is trying to teach us but if we don’t get it the first time
that episode aired then we will just have to catch it again in reruns. And when
we keep finding ourselves in the same rerun over and over again, then maybe we
need to ask God what it is we’re supposed to learn that we’re missing. What is
it that we need in order to get unstuck from the rerun? Because we can’t move
into the new season if we’re still missing something from last season.
Third Point
Some Cast Changes Are Announced!
Now a lot of times especially
on long running shows the producers decide to make some casting changes to
bring new life into the show or to take it in a different direction, or because
this new character will help develop the remaining characters in the new way.
Law and Order was on 20 years and always has 6 main characters, The Police
C.O., the two detectives, the D.A. and two prosecutors. Over the 20 years there
were 2 Police C.O.s and 4 D.A.s and I can’t tell you how many detectives and
prosecutors, but each change brought something unique and fresh to the show. The
change gave it new life and new perspective and brought out something
different.
God sometimes has to make
some changes around us to in order to take us to the next level as well. If you
got a relationship that is tearing you down or a best friend that doesn’t
really know how to be a friend to you no matter how good you’ve been to them,
you may find them moved out of the cast of your life and some new folk brought
in who will compliment you going to the next level. Sometimes the folk that
just drain you will be sent packing and the folk that can help you will get a
new role. Don’t believe me, get married and see how many single friends you
still have after the first year of marriage. It doesn’t mean your single
friends are bad; they just aren’t always good for a happy marriage. Why?
Because single friends can do things married folk can’t. Single folk can stay
out all night without calling home because they don’t have to answer to anybody
but God. Married folk got somebody to answer to. So if I want to stay out of
trouble with my wife I might need some casting changes. If I’m stepping up in
ministry or going to a new level in recovery or going back to school and the
folk around me are stuck in their situation and are trying to bring me down, it
might be time for a casting change. Just because they can’t do it or can’t see
themselves doing it, they will try to discourage you as well. Why do you think
successful people have mainly successful friends? Rich folk don’t have too many
broke friends. I’ll even say this sometimes our casting change needs to be
somebody who’s at the level I’m trying to get to. If I’m going back to school
to get my bachelors maybe I need to surround myself with some folk who already
have masters and who can encourage me to get to the next level. If I’m starting
a business then maybe I need to surround myself with some folk who already own
successful businesses so I can learn from them. Whatever it is my supporting
cast need to be just that supporting. If their draining or discouraging, or
belittling, it’s time for a cast change.
Last Point
The Intensity of the Hype Begins To Move
us Into the Premier!
Ever noticed how the couple
of weeks before the show premiers, the network is steadily increasing the hype
about the show until it gets almost to fever pitch. It’s all over TV Guide, and
commercials and Entertainment Weekly is writing an article. Every cable channel
the network owns is talking about it and all of this is designed to make your
mouth water in anticipation of the season premier. At the same time the critics
and the haters start trying to tear the show apart, talking about how last
season was better than this season. The show has lost its focus; the writing
isn’t as good, etc.
Well just as we’re about to
have our premier that same thing begins to happen. We start to notice God is
hyping us up, and trying to show us off. Folks who never gave you a second look
are now trying to be your best friend. Doors that you thought would always be
shut are now opening up all over the place. All of our previews start pulling
us into our destiny. We start to get glimpses of what that next level looks
like and we just can’t sit and wait anymore, and just like our favorite show,
here comes the haters and the critics trying to discourage us from stepping out
and trying to keep others from following. We’ve had it happen here in this
ministry. Folk doing all they can to discourage folk from coming. They being
used by the enemy and don’t even know it, because he’s trying to stop folk from
coming and getting free. Had somebody tell me they didn’t think they would fit
in. I said don’t you know this is the place where misfits fit?
And just like the networks
ignore the critics because they have too much invested in the show not to let
folk see it, God has too much invested in you and you should have too much
invested in yourself to let your haters keep you from moving into your new
season!
I don’t know about you!!!!!
But God says my new season is
coming!!!!
No matter what the critics
say!!!
God says what’s for me is for
me!!!
You’ve been through the
reruns!!!!!
You’ve learned the lessons!!!
You got ya supporting cast
together!!!!
Now it’s time to put on the
Armani!!!
And step out on the Red
Carpet!!!!
God’s already hyped you
up!!!!
You just have to step out on
Faith!!!
And trust in God!!!
Are you ready????
Are You Ready????
ARE YOU READY???
Friday, December 27, 2013
R U Ready 4 Ur Season Premier? - This weekend at RCC
Did this season leave you feeling in a rut? Are ready to move into something new? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Well since we have entered a new season and it is about to be a new year this weekend at Recovery Christian Centers we are exploring a message entitled, "R U Ready 4 Ur Season Premier?" Join us Friday at 7pm @ RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave or Saturday at 5pm @ RCC West 4110 Haverford Ave both in Philly, PA! It will CHANGE UR LIFE!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas from RCC
From our family and the Recovery Christian Center Family have a blessed, safe, prosperous, and very Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Prayer Line tonite!
Join us tonight on the Recovery Christian Center Prayer Line for Prayer and Bible Study this evening at 7pm EST 712-432-1500 access code 754905
Friday, December 13, 2013
Immense Love
Do you really know how IMMENSE God's love really is? Come and find out tonight as we explore the vastness of God's love tonight at Recovery Christian CenterKensington @ SKA 2418 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia PA. Join us tonight and Every Friday Nite @ 7pm for a Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Despite New Technical Difficulties we still had an awesome time at RCC Kensington last night but if you missed it we gonna get it in today at Recovery Christian Center West! 4110 Haverford Avenue in West Philly today and Every Saturday @ 5pm! Join us for Immense Love, Intense Worship, Relevant Word, Life Recovery, a come as you are atmosphere, a come as you are atmosphere and a powerful message from our Executive Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez! We are Radical Ministry for Radical Brokenness!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 12/2/2013 - Healthy Relationships
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 12/2/2013 - Healthy Relationships
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:13-15
Many times when we first come to Christ and into recovery we are coming out of an extremely lonely and isolated state. Almost immediately we begin to desire companionship. While there is nothing wrong with wanting a relationship the problem is we tend to get our priorities out of order. The first relationships we need to develop are not romantic ones, but the ones with God, self and our sponsor, mentor or accountability partner (depending on the recovery language you use). Until we know who we are and what our spiritual grounding is then we will not know what a healthy relationship really is.
There is an old saying, "We attract what we are." Well that is only true if we're healthy. Those of us still spiritually, mentally, and emotionally sick and defected up tend to attract whatever responds to our state of being. If we are victims then we attract predators. If we are submissive then we attract domineering folk. If we are caretakers then we attract those who can take care of themselves, etc. etc. and vice versa. We mus first allow God to use His Word and the process of recovery to heal us before we attach ourselves to folk who are bad for us.
https://www.facebook.com/
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:13-15
Many times when we first come to Christ and into recovery we are coming out of an extremely lonely and isolated state. Almost immediately we begin to desire companionship. While there is nothing wrong with wanting a relationship the problem is we tend to get our priorities out of order. The first relationships we need to develop are not romantic ones, but the ones with God, self and our sponsor, mentor or accountability partner (depending on the recovery language you use). Until we know who we are and what our spiritual grounding is then we will not know what a healthy relationship really is.
There is an old saying, "We attract what we are." Well that is only true if we're healthy. Those of us still spiritually, mentally, and emotionally sick and defected up tend to attract whatever responds to our state of being. If we are victims then we attract predators. If we are submissive then we attract domineering folk. If we are caretakers then we attract those who can take care of themselves, etc. etc. and vice versa. We mus first allow God to use His Word and the process of recovery to heal us before we attach ourselves to folk who are bad for us.
https://www.facebook.com/
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We pray all of you had the same. Four generations of family together sharing a wonderful meal and each other. Now I can't wait to praise God for my blessings tomorrow a Recovery Christian CenterKensington @ SKA! 2418 Kensington Ave, Philly, PA @ 7pm! We are finishing up our series on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery with he 12th Step message! You will be blessed!
Friday, November 8, 2013
This weekend at RCC!
Anticipating an awesome move of God this weekend at Recovery Christian Centers! First up tonite, Fridays at 7pm at RCC Kensington @ SKA 2418 Kensington Ave, Philly PA for our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite and a LIFE CHANGING Word! Then tomorrow both RCC Kensington & RCC West are coming together to celebrate theRescheduled Ordination & Installation of Co Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez at RCC West 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly with an awesome meal at 3:30 pm and service at 5pm! You will never be the same!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/31/13 - What Counts is Who We Are
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/31/13 - What Counts is Who We Are
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35
One of the big problems in both recovery and in Christianity is that we sometimes place to much emphasis on the wrong things. We put our identity into our material possessions, our jobs, our education, our relationship status, the success of our children and spend little time on our spiritual growth. We become obsessed with a different type of more. We are still looking for something on the outside of us to validate and fix the inside of us. But the point of recovery and a relationship with God is to work on who we are on the inside. The text tells us that folk will know that we are who we say we are not by our accumulation of stuff but by our love for each other. We are supposed to love others like God has loved us. Whether in Christ or in recovery or both the best demonstration of change and the best way to attract others to this way of life is not by what we have but who we are. As Dr. King so eloquently put it, "by the content of their character." We can only prove who we are and Who's we are by the love we share. The bling might catch their attention for a moment but the love will keep their attention for a lifetime.
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35
One of the big problems in both recovery and in Christianity is that we sometimes place to much emphasis on the wrong things. We put our identity into our material possessions, our jobs, our education, our relationship status, the success of our children and spend little time on our spiritual growth. We become obsessed with a different type of more. We are still looking for something on the outside of us to validate and fix the inside of us. But the point of recovery and a relationship with God is to work on who we are on the inside. The text tells us that folk will know that we are who we say we are not by our accumulation of stuff but by our love for each other. We are supposed to love others like God has loved us. Whether in Christ or in recovery or both the best demonstration of change and the best way to attract others to this way of life is not by what we have but who we are. As Dr. King so eloquently put it, "by the content of their character." We can only prove who we are and Who's we are by the love we share. The bling might catch their attention for a moment but the love will keep their attention for a lifetime.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
For my baby!!!
I know I don't say it enough but I am so grateful for the woman God has placed in my life, my wife, my lover, my best friend, and my RIB! I love you, Paula, to life with all my heart and soul. Next to God you are my everything. I am proud of you and who you are and that you stand next to me. I am also excited about what God is doing in our lives, our family, our recovery, and in our ministry. So to all you that are reading this come help RCC West and RCC Kensington celebrate all of that at the Rescheduled Ordination & Installation of Co Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez on Saturday, November 9. Diner is at 3:30pm and Service will begin at 5pm at Recovery Christian Center West 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly.
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Thursday, October 24, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/24/13 - God Isn't Through With Us Yet!
***We wanna see ur face in da place this weekend @ Recovery Christian Center! Come get a LIFE CHANGING message on the power of forgiveness from our series on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery "Why Are You Looking For A Natural Solution to a Spiritual Problem?" Friday at 7pm @ RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave in Philly, PA and Saturday at 5pm @ 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly! We are Radical Ministry for Radical Brokenness!***
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/24/13 - God Isn't Through With Us Yet!
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6 NLT
One of the most important principles in our ongoing recovery and growing relationship with Christ is perseverance. God values our ability to press through even under what appears to be the most adverse circumstances. The reality of our humanness is that we aren't always going to perfectly serve God and that life will show up with the enemy doing his level best to throw us off our game. We will at times fall short but when we do perseverance tells us to get back up and not to ever stay down. We keep getting up. We keep pressing. We keep walking because we know that regardless of our present circumstances God's Word has promised us, " And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT. It doesn't say that all things are going to be good or feel good, but simply that God will work them out for our good. All we have to do is trust Him and keep it moving because He's not through with us yet!
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Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/24/13 - God Isn't Through With Us Yet!
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6 NLT
One of the most important principles in our ongoing recovery and growing relationship with Christ is perseverance. God values our ability to press through even under what appears to be the most adverse circumstances. The reality of our humanness is that we aren't always going to perfectly serve God and that life will show up with the enemy doing his level best to throw us off our game. We will at times fall short but when we do perseverance tells us to get back up and not to ever stay down. We keep getting up. We keep pressing. We keep walking because we know that regardless of our present circumstances God's Word has promised us, " And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT. It doesn't say that all things are going to be good or feel good, but simply that God will work them out for our good. All we have to do is trust Him and keep it moving because He's not through with us yet!
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Sunday, October 20, 2013
Who RCC Serves
Somebody asked me today if Recovery Christian Center is just for folks in recovery. I had to tell them "no". We don't just want the addicts, alcoholics, food addicts, gamblers and sex addicts. We also want the sex workers, the corner boys, the folks with behavioral health issues, the disabled (including the intellectually disabled), folks with HIV or Hep, the at risk youth, the teen moms, the veterans with PTSD, the homeless, the abuse and domestic violence survivors and anybody else that other churches don't want. We also want those who are just beat up by life and want a place to heal and those who are just tired of church as usual. So if don't feel like you fit in anywhere else then join us at the place where misfits fit.
We have two locations in Philly to serve you:
RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave, Every Friday @ 7pm.
RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave, Every Saturday @ 5pm.
We are Radical Ministry for Radical Brokenness!
https://www.facebook.com/recoverychristiancenter
We have two locations in Philly to serve you:
RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave, Every Friday @ 7pm.
RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave, Every Saturday @ 5pm.
We are Radical Ministry for Radical Brokenness!
https://www.facebook.com/recoverychristiancenter
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Welcome to the Recovery Christian Centers!
We had a awesome weekend of worship at both locations. God is really moving at Recovery Christian Center! If you're not there ur missing out on an awesome, powerful and impacting alternative worship experience that WILL CHANGE UR LIFE! If you:
1. are in recovery and looking for a place that will accept, support, and encourage ur ongoing recovery,
2. are or used to be involved in the drug lifestyle, a sex worker, corner boy, teen mom, at risk youth, homeless, struggling veteran, have or had behavioral health issues or intellectual disabilities, or are just being beat up by life and sick ad tired of being sick and tired,
3. work on Sundays or if you just don't feel like you fit in at traditional churches,
The RCC is the place for you!
We are relaxed, dress down and come as you are! We are all about Immense Love, Intense Worship, and a Relevant Word! We are the place where misfits fit!
We have 2 locations in Philadelphia, PA to serve you:
1. Every Friday Nite at 7pm RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave for our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite!
2. Every Saturday at 5pm RCC West at 4110 Haverford Ave for our Recovery & Deliverance Service!
We are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness! We will see YOU at RCC!
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1. are in recovery and looking for a place that will accept, support, and encourage ur ongoing recovery,
2. are or used to be involved in the drug lifestyle, a sex worker, corner boy, teen mom, at risk youth, homeless, struggling veteran, have or had behavioral health issues or intellectual disabilities, or are just being beat up by life and sick ad tired of being sick and tired,
3. work on Sundays or if you just don't feel like you fit in at traditional churches,
The RCC is the place for you!
We are relaxed, dress down and come as you are! We are all about Immense Love, Intense Worship, and a Relevant Word! We are the place where misfits fit!
We have 2 locations in Philadelphia, PA to serve you:
1. Every Friday Nite at 7pm RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave for our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite!
2. Every Saturday at 5pm RCC West at 4110 Haverford Ave for our Recovery & Deliverance Service!
We are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness! We will see YOU at RCC!
https://www.facebook.com/
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/12/13 - Hope In The Midst Of The Storm
***I wanna c ur face in da place TODAY & EVERY SATURDAY @ 5PM @ Recovery Christian Center West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly for a LIFE CHANGING MESSAGE! We're coming from the 7th Step from the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery! BE THERE!***
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/12/13 - Hope In The Midst Of The Storm
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." I Peter 1:3-7 NLT
It is easier sometimes in the beginning of our recovery and our walk with Christ to have hope. The dramatic change that has recently happened in our lives has us overwhelmed with joy and peace and hope. We are filled up simply because we're not where we used to be. The challenge is maintaining that hopeful attitude after we have been on the journey a while. The new challenges and burdens of life can be equally overwhelming and not in a good way added to that the regular attacks from the enemy and our own nagging insecurities and it isn't long before we are discouraged and questioning ourselves and God.
The solution to that state is two fold. First we need to look at where we came from and where we're at now. For most of us, as bad as it might seem now, it's nothing compared to the state we were in before we came to Christ and into recovery. Secondly if we simply look to what God has promised us, that He's not through with us yet, and that everything we're going through is designed to grow us spiritually, it becomes easy to find hope. We also ca look forward to our Greatest Hope, that at the end of this journey is Eternal Life in Him.
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Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 10/12/13 - Hope In The Midst Of The Storm
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." I Peter 1:3-7 NLT
It is easier sometimes in the beginning of our recovery and our walk with Christ to have hope. The dramatic change that has recently happened in our lives has us overwhelmed with joy and peace and hope. We are filled up simply because we're not where we used to be. The challenge is maintaining that hopeful attitude after we have been on the journey a while. The new challenges and burdens of life can be equally overwhelming and not in a good way added to that the regular attacks from the enemy and our own nagging insecurities and it isn't long before we are discouraged and questioning ourselves and God.
The solution to that state is two fold. First we need to look at where we came from and where we're at now. For most of us, as bad as it might seem now, it's nothing compared to the state we were in before we came to Christ and into recovery. Secondly if we simply look to what God has promised us, that He's not through with us yet, and that everything we're going through is designed to grow us spiritually, it becomes easy to find hope. We also ca look forward to our Greatest Hope, that at the end of this journey is Eternal Life in Him.
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Friday, October 11, 2013
Tonite at RCC Kensington!
I wanna see you tonite and every Friday nite at our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite at Recovery Christian Center Kensington at SKA 2418 Kensington Ave in Philly, PA at 7pm! It's a whole new worship experience! Tonight's message is on the 8th Step from the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
2day @ RCC West!
Wanna C U Face In Da Place 2day! Recovery Christian Center West 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly. Every Saturday at 5pm! Join us for a powerful, dynamic, come as you are Worship Experience! Today's message is on the 6th Step from the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery!
Thanks For Ur Prayers
I want to formally thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes after Saturday's assault on our home and family. Aside from being shaken up, my wife, Co PastorPaula Burnett-Kimmenez is unharmed as are our grandchildren. I suffered a broken nose and my daughter had to have knee surgery which she has come through well. The young man who perpetrated the assault is in police custody and is facing a slew of charges. Please continue to pray for us, our family and even this young man and his family. In addition this incident caused us to postpone Co Pastor Paula's ordination which we will announce the rescheduling of very soon.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Join us 2moro at RCC est 4 Co Pastor's Ordination!
We had an awesome time tonight at RCC Kensington's Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite at SKA! Worship was rich and the Word was powerful and a soul was added to the Kingdom! We need to give God some praise for what He's doing in that place! Thank you also to my friend and brother pastor, Gregory S Morgan Sr from GOD'S HOUSE / B.A.M.N. for giving us a surprise visit and blessing us in worship.
We are really looking forward to tomorrow (well later today now lol) for the Ordination and Installation of CoPastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez at Recovery Christian Center West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly! Our Special Guests will be our Word Bearer none other than my pastor, Overseer Jay T Harrison and True Vine MFGB Church along with my sister the praise dancer extraordinaire Sunsiray Pitzhad and our own Gospel Hip Hop Artists Redemption Redeemed rockin' the mic! No this isn't ur grandma's ordination! Dinner starts at 3:30 and will be out of this world and worship will kick off promptly at 5pm! Be there!
WE ARE RADICAL MINISTRY FOR RADICAL BROKENNESS!
We are really looking forward to tomorrow (well later today now lol) for the Ordination and Installation of CoPastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez at Recovery Christian Center West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly! Our Special Guests will be our Word Bearer none other than my pastor, Overseer Jay T Harrison and True Vine MFGB Church along with my sister the praise dancer extraordinaire Sunsiray Pitzhad and our own Gospel Hip Hop Artists Redemption Redeemed rockin' the mic! No this isn't ur grandma's ordination! Dinner starts at 3:30 and will be out of this world and worship will kick off promptly at 5pm! Be there!
WE ARE RADICAL MINISTRY FOR RADICAL BROKENNESS!
Friday, September 20, 2013
From Patrick J. Hughes: Video Highlights from Philadelphia Stand Down2013. An awesome organization serving homeless and disadvantaged veterans. I am honored to serve as it's chaplain.
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
Friday, September 13, 2013
This Week at RCC
I didn't know one night of school would have me so ready to preach! If you miss this Word this weekend I don't know what to tell you. God gave me a WORD! "Dragging Ur Darkness Into the Light!" It's the 5th Step message in our series, "Why R U Looking 4 a Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem?" on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery. And you have 2, count em, 2 opportunites to hear it.
Tonite, Friday at 7pm at RCC Kensington at @SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave in Philly, PA at our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Night.
Or Tomorrow, Saturday at 5pm at RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly!
Be There! It will change ur LIFE!
We Are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
https://www.facebook.com/recoverychristiancenter
Tonite, Friday at 7pm at RCC Kensington at @SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave in Philly, PA at our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Night.
Or Tomorrow, Saturday at 5pm at RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly!
Be There! It will change ur LIFE!
We Are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
https://www.facebook.com/recoverychristiancenter
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Upcoming at RCC!
So much is happening in life and ministry over the next few weeks I am really just in awe of God!
First ya'll need to get up the place at Recovery Christian Center! Join us Friday at 7pm at RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Avenue in Philly, PA for our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite or on Saturday at 5pm at RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly for our Recovery & Deliverance Worship Experience! Over the next few weeks at both locations we are focusing on our message series, "Y R U Looking 4 A Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem?" on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery.
Then on this Sunday 9/15 at 2pm we will be joining God's House under Pastor Gregory S Morgan Sr for a worship in Malcolm X Park.
On Saturday 9/21 we will have a table at PRO-ACT Recovery Walks 2013 at Penn's Landing.
Then on Saturday 9/21 at RCC West we will celebrate the Ordination and Installation of CoPastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez!
You don't miss any of this!
We are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
First ya'll need to get up the place at Recovery Christian Center! Join us Friday at 7pm at RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Avenue in Philly, PA for our Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite or on Saturday at 5pm at RCC West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly for our Recovery & Deliverance Worship Experience! Over the next few weeks at both locations we are focusing on our message series, "Y R U Looking 4 A Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem?" on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery.
Then on this Sunday 9/15 at 2pm we will be joining God's House under Pastor Gregory S Morgan Sr for a worship in Malcolm X Park.
On Saturday 9/21 we will have a table at PRO-ACT Recovery Walks 2013 at Penn's Landing.
Then on Saturday 9/21 at RCC West we will celebrate the Ordination and Installation of CoPastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez!
You don't miss any of this!
We are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Preparing for Philadelphia Stand Down
One of the main principles taught in both Christianity and recovery is that gratitude is an action word. We best express gratitude in who and how we serve. As I sit here making last minute preparations to leave for the fist day of set up at Philadelphia Stand Down, the homeless veterans organization I am proud to serve as chaplain of, I must admit that I am not just grateful to serve those disadvantaged and in many ways forgotten veterans, but I am grateful for the folks I serve with on the PSD staff and volunteers. Folks like Eddie Speller, Gerard Corrento, Carmine Maggio, Wahoo Uscher, Pauline Chafin, Robert Johnson, Paula Burnett-Kimmenez, Edward Cunningham, Steve Kelly, and many others. They work tirelessly to make lives better for those that have served us all. This week is for my brothers and sisters in arms that we will serve but also for the brothers and sisters in arms I am still serving with. To God be the glory! Semper Fi! Hoorah!
https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiastanddown
https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiastanddown
Saturday, August 31, 2013
today at RCC West
Want to c ya face in da place 2day at 5pm! So excited about worship today at Recovery Christian Center West, 4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly! Every Saturday at 5pm! Come get ya praise on and get a dynamic 3rd Step Message!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
This Friday @ RCC Kensington!
So much to praise God for this week! Co Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez is out of the hospital and this week is the WCNA in Philly! Also this Friday at 7pm at Recovery Christian Center Kensington at SKA 2418 Kensington Avenue, Philly, PA, will be a welcome home service for our own Phillip Eno-sense Bermudez and the reunion of Redemption Redeemed! We will also have a special Word Bearer, my friend Pastor Raymond Ramos from Recovery House of Worship who will bring the message from the 3rd Step as a part of our ongoing series on the 12 Steps and the Word entitled, "Y R U Lookin 4 A Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem?" We gonna get it in!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/21/13 - Step 4 - Taking Responsibility
***Join us this week at the Recovery Christian Centers! As we continue our series on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery entitled, "Why Are You Looking For A Natural Solution To A Spiritual Problem?" This week we're on the 2nd Step! Every Friday @ 7pm @ RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave & every Saturday @ 5pm @ 4110 Haverford Ave both in Philly, PA!***
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/21/13 - Step 4 - Taking Responsibility
"On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:1-3
Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
One of the things that makes the 4th Step so significant to ongoing recovery is that in many ways since coming to Christ and into recovery this is the first time that we begin to really take responsibility for our actions in the past. Up until this point we have had something someone to blame it on. Even once we came out of what was destroying us we blamed it on our sin nature or the disease or the enemy or our flesh. Even in looking at it as flesh it was more like we were seeing the flesh across the street somewhere rather than as a part of us. It's time in the inventory process to begin examining ourselves on a deep enough level to start seeing the exact nature of not just what we did but why we did it. However we can't get to the why unless we accept total responsibility for the what.
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/21/13 - Step 4 - Taking Responsibility
"On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:1-3
Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
One of the things that makes the 4th Step so significant to ongoing recovery is that in many ways since coming to Christ and into recovery this is the first time that we begin to really take responsibility for our actions in the past. Up until this point we have had something someone to blame it on. Even once we came out of what was destroying us we blamed it on our sin nature or the disease or the enemy or our flesh. Even in looking at it as flesh it was more like we were seeing the flesh across the street somewhere rather than as a part of us. It's time in the inventory process to begin examining ourselves on a deep enough level to start seeing the exact nature of not just what we did but why we did it. However we can't get to the why unless we accept total responsibility for the what.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/15/13 - Step 3: Understanding Commitment
***Don't miss this week at the Recovery Christian Centers! We are beginning a new series on the 12 Steps for Christian Recovery entitled, "Why Are You Looking For A Natural Solution To A Spiritual Problem?" We're beginning this week with the 1st Step! Every Friday @ 7pm @ RCC Kensington @ SKA, 2418 Kensington Ave & every Saturday @ 5pm @ 4110 Haverford Ave both in Philly, PA!***
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/15/13 - Step 3: Understanding Commitment
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
Step 3: We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God through Jesus Christ.
One of the biggest principle in the 3rd Step is commitment. It's also the one we struggle with the most. We do feel the pull in our spirit to surrender ourselves to God but many times we become tempted to take our will back. If we think God is taking too long or if we think we can do it better we will many times stick our hands in it again only to find ourselves jammed up again and having to return to God in repentance.
We have the surrender part down, albeit temporarily but the commitment required to leave it there still eludes us. We try to justify it by saying that all recovering people and many new Christians have commitment issues, but let's be real. We were whole an deeply committed to the behaviors, relationships, lifestyles or situations that were destroying us prior to coming to Christ. We were committed regardless of the circumstances or consequences so it's now time to put that same level of trust, belief, faith and commitment into the same God that has brought us out from what was killing us. It's time to completely surrender our will and our lives to Him and to be committed to leaving them there. He surely hasn't brought us this far to drop us off, leave us or say sike.
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/15/13 - Step 3: Understanding Commitment
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
Step 3: We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God through Jesus Christ.
One of the biggest principle in the 3rd Step is commitment. It's also the one we struggle with the most. We do feel the pull in our spirit to surrender ourselves to God but many times we become tempted to take our will back. If we think God is taking too long or if we think we can do it better we will many times stick our hands in it again only to find ourselves jammed up again and having to return to God in repentance.
We have the surrender part down, albeit temporarily but the commitment required to leave it there still eludes us. We try to justify it by saying that all recovering people and many new Christians have commitment issues, but let's be real. We were whole an deeply committed to the behaviors, relationships, lifestyles or situations that were destroying us prior to coming to Christ. We were committed regardless of the circumstances or consequences so it's now time to put that same level of trust, belief, faith and commitment into the same God that has brought us out from what was killing us. It's time to completely surrender our will and our lives to Him and to be committed to leaving them there. He surely hasn't brought us this far to drop us off, leave us or say sike.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Starting This Weekend @ Recovery Christian Centers!!!!
Starting this Weekend at RCC............
A Powerful New Series!!!!!!!!!
"Why R U Looking 4 A Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem!"
Every Friday @ 7pm @ RCC Kensington Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite!
2418 Kensington Ave in Philly
Every Saturday @ 5pm @ RCC West Recovery & Deliverance Worship!
4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly
IT WILL CHANGE UR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! We Are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
A Powerful New Series!!!!!!!!!
"Why R U Looking 4 A Natural Solution 2 A Spiritual Problem!"
Every Friday @ 7pm @ RCC Kensington Recovery Gospel Open Mic Nite!
2418 Kensington Ave in Philly
Every Saturday @ 5pm @ RCC West Recovery & Deliverance Worship!
4110 Haverford Ave in West Philly
IT WILL CHANGE UR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! We Are Radical Ministry For Radical Brokenness!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Tonite @ RCC Kensington!
Getting excited about our Open Mic Nite Worship this evening at Recovery Christian Center Kensington @ SKA! We gonna get it in! I gotta WORD that will CHANGE UR LIFE! 2418 Kensington Ave @ 7pm!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
We bout ta blow up!
I am so excited about what God is doing at the Recovery Christian Centers. Over the next few weeks we will be getting ready for the Ordination and Installation of CoPastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez and we are beginning to consecrate ourselves and allowing God to strip things out of us in this season. We will soon be kicking offOvercomer's University at RCC Kensington @ SKA and also getting ready for PRO-ACT Recovery Walks 2013 and our part in Philadelphia Stand Down. We are also exploring the possibility of our own radio show and hosting and planning the first (that we know of) Recovery Ministry Conference in Philadelphia. I am also asking for prayer as I begin school in September at Open House @ Master's Commission Bible Institute. I am overwhelmed that God is doing all this through an an old ex junkie, ex con, and formerly messed up combat vet like me. Now I understand what the songwriter meant when he said, "He saw the best in me when everyone else around could only see the worst in me!"
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Event for Philadelphia Area Homeless Vets begins in 29 days!
The Philadelphia Stand Down event for homeless and disadvantaged veterans begins in 29 days and set up begins in 26 days. We are still looking for volunteers. Please in box me or the PSD FB page for more info or if you are interested in volunteering or donating.
https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiastanddown?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiastanddown?ref=hl
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/7/13 - Step 2: Filling the Void
Recovery Christian Center Daily Meditation - 8/7/13 - Step 2: Filling the Void
"How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear. Must you keep an eye on such a frail creature and demand an accounting from me? Who can bring purity out of an impure person? No one! You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. So leave us alone and let us rest! We are like hired hands, so let us finish our work in peace." Job 14:1-6 NLT
Step 2: We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The reality of surrendering control in Step 1 is that we are left with a void. One of the common mistakes made is the attempt to fill the void, not necessarily with whatever brought us to powerlessness, but with some new thing, even positive things in order not to feel empty. The problem with that approach is that we are still looking for something on the outside of us to fix what's wrong on the inside of us. We are looking for a natural solution to a spiritual problem.
The reason that we never feel full from this approach is because the void is the empty place in our soul that is designed only to be filled with a relationship with God. The void is the absence of the Divine in our lives. The reason we can't fill it is because the void so immense that it can only contain the immensity of God. Us filling it is like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with a toy shovel. The only way to fill it is by beginning to surrender ourselves to Him in the Person of Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us.
Sometimes the only way we come to that awareness is not by trying to fill the void, but by feeling the void and being honest with ourselves about how big it is in order to truly come to the realization the there is nothing we can fill it with but God.
https://www.facebook.com/
"How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear. Must you keep an eye on such a frail creature and demand an accounting from me? Who can bring purity out of an impure person? No one! You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. So leave us alone and let us rest! We are like hired hands, so let us finish our work in peace." Job 14:1-6 NLT
Step 2: We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The reality of surrendering control in Step 1 is that we are left with a void. One of the common mistakes made is the attempt to fill the void, not necessarily with whatever brought us to powerlessness, but with some new thing, even positive things in order not to feel empty. The problem with that approach is that we are still looking for something on the outside of us to fix what's wrong on the inside of us. We are looking for a natural solution to a spiritual problem.
The reason that we never feel full from this approach is because the void is the empty place in our soul that is designed only to be filled with a relationship with God. The void is the absence of the Divine in our lives. The reason we can't fill it is because the void so immense that it can only contain the immensity of God. Us filling it is like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with a toy shovel. The only way to fill it is by beginning to surrender ourselves to Him in the Person of Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us.
Sometimes the only way we come to that awareness is not by trying to fill the void, but by feeling the void and being honest with ourselves about how big it is in order to truly come to the realization the there is nothing we can fill it with but God.
https://www.facebook.com/
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