Freedom

Jesus has gone down to the lowest quarters of the jail and opened up the door and another prisoner has been released. This sums up my last little healing journey. My experience is that Jesus keeps freeing. I am free, yes, I know that. But Jesus keeps bringing me more freedom as I journey with him.

The latest healing adventure that Jesus took me on was a 2 month ordeal. Near the end of this time and working with a prayer partner God showed me that I was still holding on to some 'legitimacy' baggage. This comes from my adoption and abuse as a young child. As this unfolded God began to show me that I was still trying to prove myself and make sure that those around me knew I belonged on this earth. As I cried out to God to take this burden and asked for his forgiveness He open the door to the cell and gave me a new freedom! Neat-o !!

I'm starting to see a new reality on how God works. It would be all too easy for Him to slam the door shut as I walked out of the jail cell, throw away the key and never return again. I believe the door is still open for me if I choose to return.

A week or so after this new freedom I got a glimpse of going back. My wife and I meet with a newlywed couple once every two weeks and are going through some marriage videos. After dinner I was explaining some differences between men and women. To get my point across I brought it back to Adam and Eve. I stated that when the bible says rib, the original Greek meaning is "a part of" or "side".

The new bride immediately had to check her bible to see if this was true. By no means did she do anything wrong, but what rose up inside of me was shocking. I was angry!!!! "Like seriously... Come on", I thought.

What the enemy was trying to do was to invite me back to the jail cell. This would be just a small step towards it. I am reminded that I DON'T HAVE TO TRY TO PROVE MYSELF.

Today that cell remains empty and the door is still open. Today I have made a choice to stay free and for God to light my path and open my eyes.

I pray that God continues to free and light our paths.

Faithful with a little

Jesus told a story of a businessman who provided three of his employees with some investment money. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then the businessman went on a journey. Two of the employees immediately put their money to work and soon doubled their investments. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

When the businessman returned from his journey he came to settle the accounts. His response to the two men who invested the money was, ”Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Matthew 25:14-30

In the last few years God has opened the door at Jericho Road to start a Discipleship House for men with addiction issues. We began with two men and shared a house with four men with mental illness. We have sown our “talents” and have been faithful with what God gave us and He has grown our ministry. Two years ago we had the opportunity to move from our shared accommodations into a house in the Glebe with 6 beds and one full time staff. Then about a year ago we expanded to another house with the men who have graduated from the discipleship program. Today the Discipleship House has grown into a full-fledged addiction treatment program.

With the approval of the Jericho Board we are now expanding the discipleship program to eleven beds. We have a full time Director for our Addiction Services, an Addictions Counselor, a part time Supervisor and a House Dean. We have moved the Graduate program to another property and are currently painting and making repairs there. These last three years have not been easy, but when I look back I am amazed. This is nothing I could do; it is God and his power to bless those who are faithful!

If you are a supporter of Jericho Road Christian Ministries, I thank you; we would not be here today without you. If you want to join our support team, would you consider sending an email so I can set you up to pray for individual clients? Would you consider donating money to help our program grow? Would you pray for our staff and rest of the ministry and ask God to keep filling our beds?

Thank you for your love and support,

Jon Ruby

Director of Addiction Services

jonnyruby@yahoo.com