Tetelestai Recovery

The Last Word

As part of an ongoing prison ministry at Lansing Correctional Facility behind the razor wire, we discussed Tetelestai (It is finished) with the inmates. Together, we explored the truth and finality of the power of Jesus’ words which delivered complete healing, grace, and forgiveness to all of mankind.

Not only did it call an end to addiction, dysfunction, and criminal behaviors, but it created a starting point for the beginning of something new, powerful, and unexpected. On the third floor of an old stone prison chapel, we embarked on a weekly tour of Jesus words and works.  We explored, discovered, and embraced the expansive impact of His words, “It is finished!” into other areas of our lives where we still struggled.

There we found freedom, commitment, courage, grace, love, compassion, fulfillment, and the desire to face our ailments and our addictions head on and in a permanent manner. Christ’s grace and what he did on the cross cannot be undone and neither can his words “It is finished.”

We documented what we discovered in that old prison Chapel. We wanted to preserve for others the testimony of our experience with the power of Tetelestai.  Jesus’ word had enabled us to move out of a lifestyle of relapse, despair, hopelessness, and criminal behaviors. We were able to move into something life-changing, and life-preserving, just like Christ’s work on the cross. We were excited to share how Jesus made us each a new creation.

Tetelestai Recovery

Conflict and Controversy

As we level up, we begin to realize how unproductive it is to spend time analyzing controversial topics or arguing over the meaning of obscure scriptures. We avoid the debaters and instigators. We steer clear of the loud, sweaty preachers yelling about sin and eternal damnation.

We choose rather to participate in worship services, recovery groups, and Bible studies that are surging with positivity and hope. Our fellowship gatherings serve as a recharging station where we plug into the power and become energized for the work ahead. We focus on encouraging the gifts and talents of fellow believers.

We remain open to new opportunities, even though we feel awkward outside of our comfort zones. We understand that fear of the unknown is an obstacle everyone encounters, but it need not hold us back. We stay open to change and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice, in response to the Spirit’s directives.  

Chapter 1, Leveling Up

Tetelestai Recovery

Divine Destiny

We believed we were no longer damaged, dysfunctional, disease-ridden plagues on society. We sensed that our bodies, souls, and spirits were coming into harmony with our divine destiny. As light seeped in where the darkness had been, we saw things we’d never seen before. We understood spiritual concepts which had seemed confusing in the past.

Tetelestai Recovery

Feelings vs Truth

We know that our emotions can be a powerful force that affects us, body, mind, and soul. We also know that Jesus has made a way to escape being controlled by our feelings, which can range from pesky to obsessive or even frightening. We are told in the Word that we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ. This flies in the face of feelings which indicate something is wrong with us. Our feelings are no match for the Word of God. If the Creator of the universe says we are righteous, then our emotions have no right to dispute it.

We have been made right by the blood of Christ which was donated as a divine transfusion to heal us from the inside out. The emotions we feel, the sounds we hear, the words we say, and the images we see, must all defer to the words of our King who has decreed ‘tetelestai‘ (it is finished) over all that is wrong with us.

A Date With Destiny

The House of God

Happy Birthday 11/4

You are the dwelling place of God on this earth. You serve as His hands, eyes, ears, and heart while you journey through time.

Since God is a Spirit, His impact on the physical realm can only be supported by those who coordinate their efforts with His.

Knowing that the Creator of the Universe has entrusted you with His Spirit and made His home within you gives you purpose and direction.

You know that none of the daily tasks of life are insignificant.

You recognize that each conversation you have with another human being is a sacred connection.

You know that each impulse of compassion, mercy, kindness, or strength is a signal for action from the Spirit of God which leads you to your next assignment.

As the temple of God, you keep your mind and body healthy and strong.

You offer your physical presence to God as a living space where He can function through you to bring light and life to the people you meet on the paths you walk.

Tetelestai Recovery

Tetelestai Recovery

Tetelestai Recovery – Finding Total Recovery in the Words of Christ, “It is Finished!”

Within the pages of this book you will learn how to move out of your addiction and into your destiny. Through their personal journey of recovery, the authors present indisputable evidence that total healing and release from the disease of addiction can be found through the final declaration of Christ, “It is finished!”

Whether you are a suffering addict; an exhausted 12-stepper; a chronic relapser; or a person who loves one, Tetelestai Recovery will open your eyes to the possibility of permanent sobriety without the struggle. This revolutionary concept is bringing radical changes to the recovery community. You are here for a reason and it’s time to find out why.

A Date With Destiny

Respected

***Happy Birthday 11/3 ***

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God has caused you to be respected by those who are naturally inclined to disregard you because of race, religion, culture, or economic status. You have gained the favor of those in power because God has placed you in a position to serve them.

You are kind, trustworthy, and compassionate. You are loyal and dependable. You are confident and comfortable in your own skin. Your submission to God’s authority has caught the attention of human authority figures and caused them to admire you.

You are respected wherever you go. You maintain a wide circle of influence and are surrounded by powerful people who are inspired by your call and willing to help you on your journey.

A Date With Destiny

The Sound of His Voice

1 Chronicles 11:2
The Lord your God spoke to you.

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As you hear God’s words, your faith surges. Supernatural energy infuses you with a heavenly mindset.  As you focus your attention on Kingdom goals, you are simultaneously improving the world in which you reside. 

In this way, you are living in two realms at once. You are a citizen of Heaven, and an ambassador of Christ. Your heart is set on things above, and your days are filled with bringing heaven to earth.

The spiritual sound waves of that still small voice within, creates melody in your mind and harmony in your heart. This music of heaven shifts your gaze away from human struggles and toward the throne room of your King.

You are able to enjoy the presence and comfort of God, while existing in a finite dimension. You reap the benefits of a dual reality where His Kingdom is as real to you as the world in which you live.

A Date With Destiny

Purpose

I tell you, do not worry. Don’t worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don’t worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than eating? Aren’t there more important things for the body than clothes? Matthew 6:25

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In the passage Jesus is telling the crowds that there is much more to their lives than the clothes they wear or the food they eat.

What is this MORE he was talking about? Perhaps it is true satisfaction and purpose.

Each of us has a MORE in our divine DNA. It is the unique effect we were designed to deliver to this earthly planet. It is the portion of the Kingdom that we each bring to earth during the years we spend here. The ‘more’ Jesus spoke of are the blessings we give, the encouragement we offer, the mentorship we provide, and the miracles we perform.

We realize that if we continue to focus on these Kingdom matters, we can level up to a life of satisfaction and contentment. God takes care of our needs, and we expand His Kingdom.

It is a win-win.

Chapter 10 – We are Satisfied

Tetelestai Recovery

Support System

As we watch some of our fellow travelers go in a different direction, we fight against anxious thoughts that breed fear and insecurity. We must dismiss feelings of rejection or abandonment, choosing rather to be grateful for the support we received during the times we needed it most.

When Gideon was first called, he struggled with a sense of inadequacy and cowardice. God brought many soldier volunteers to his side, to bolster his courage and boost his confidence. That was their only purpose, and once Gideon was on board and ready, God removed those props, one by one, until only a few remained.

Not every soldier was destined to go into battle with Gideon. And like Gideon, we come to terms with the fact that some of the fellow travelers who join us at various times in our lives will be called away to another mission.

Not everyone can go where we are going. Every believer has their own call to follow. God brings many wonderful people into our lives, at various stages in our journey, to bolster our courage and strengthen our resolve. We are grateful for their support, and we must be gracious if the time comes for them to move on.