tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89973351412989118982024-02-19T23:40:30.611-08:00recoveryBox Daily DevotionalsDaily Devotions for those in Recovery for an Addiction.
Access the devotions directly from the web, or from the recoveryBox App available in the Apple store. For more, visit www.recoveryboxapp.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-58015621131697618262017-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:002017-11-30T01:00:00.246-08:00The Light on Your WayWhen we look back along the road we have traveled, we tend to focus only on the negative things. Because the past had its share of problems, many people expect the same from the future.<br />
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But this is a negative way of looking at life. The prayers of your heart every day should be, "Lead me, O Light of the world!" Jesus Christ is still the Light of the world and He has promised that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness. Take His hand in faith and trust and experience Him as the light of your life.<br />
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God said , "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3<br />
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-- It's so very hard to try and be positive in the midst of battling an addiction, but this is when we need to stay positive the most. Because of past behaviors it's very hard to trust ourselves to make the right choices for the future and we might even be very cynical that we can. But the great thing is that we don't have to be the one leading the charge. God does. We just need to follow Him. If I allow myself to make decisions through the lens of His redemption of me, I know I'll make better choices. Don't forget about all the tools that are available for you - He created those. Use them. The Bible, 12 step meetings or Celebrate Recovery Meetings, accountability partners or sponsors, counselors, friends, Bible studies, devotions, prayer and yes, even aids like technology apps are all things available to you from Him to help you reframe your perspective on life.<br />
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Grace for Each Moment<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-64835411306815224902017-11-29T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-29T03:31:15.860-08:00A Little Lump of Clay<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Jeremiah 18:1-6</h3>
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<span class="text Jer-18-1" id="en-NIV-19386">At the Potter’s House</span></h3>
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<span class="text Jer-18-1"><span class="chapternum">18 </span>This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:</span> <span class="text Jer-18-2" id="en-NIV-19387"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>“Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”</span> <span class="text Jer-18-3" id="en-NIV-19388"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel.</span> <span class="text Jer-18-4" id="en-NIV-19389"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>But
the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the
potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.</span></div>
<span class="text Jer-18-5" id="en-NIV-19390"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Then the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to me.</span> <span class="text Jer-18-6" id="en-NIV-19391"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-18-6" id="en-NIV-19391">Ever think, "There is no way God can change me!" Or what about "I just can't change, I'm such a failure." You (and I) am thinking about addiction in terms of human eyes and human limitations - our personal limitations.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-18-6" id="en-NIV-19391">In this verse, the message is clear. God is like the potter who takes the marred clay pot and reshapes it into something else. Our lives filled with addiction, hurts, hang-ups, habits, and sin are that marred pot and God simply reshapes us.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jer-18-6" id="en-NIV-19391">When we finally decide to allow God to mold us and stop living in doubt or trying to control the outcome, our attitude of humility allows us to finally accept that our Creator can do anything. Anything! He may remold our lives into something that looks similar to the one before we gave up control, or he may mold it into something completely different. It may be scary, but it will be something beautiful. Just hold still and let Him mold us.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-6073655379415777732017-11-28T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-28T03:30:45.467-08:00God, Please Remember Me<div class="passage version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html ">
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<span class="text Ps-38-1" id="en-NLT-14468">Psalm 38</span></h3>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1">A psalm of David, asking God to remember him.</span></h3>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1">Many of my readers or followers on Twitter know that I am a musician. Music brings healing to me during so many hard times in my life. Did you know that worship music often comes straight from the Bible? The more I read and study the Bible, the more I catch those references when listening to music. Often when I get stuck not finding the right words to pray (as I am not one who is good with words), I search out a good song to help me get started with my prayer to God.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1">King David, who had his share of troubles in life, was a man after God's heart. And he was a musician and for me I can so relate to his Psalms because of his genuine openness about his failures. Below is Psalm 38 where David is crying out to God for help. I can relate to David in so many ways - I've made such bad choices, have hard decisions to make, want so desperately to please God, and fall short over and over again, oh yeah, did I mention he was a musician.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1">My point, is that when we need to pray and can't find the words, it's OK to look to other sources for help - the Bible for scripture, worship music, printed prayers, or just ask the Holy Spirit to pray for you on your behalf.</span></div>
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Psalm 38</div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-1"><sup class="versenum">1 </sup>O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, don’t rebuke me in your anger</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-1">or discipline me in your rage!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-2" id="en-NLT-14469"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Your arrows have struck deep,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-2">and your blows are crushing me.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-3" id="en-NLT-14470"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Because of your anger, my whole body is sick;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-3">my health is broken because of my sins.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-4" id="en-NLT-14471"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>My guilt overwhelms me—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-4">it is a burden too heavy to bear.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-5" id="en-NLT-14472"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>My wounds fester and stink</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-5">because of my foolish sins.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-6" id="en-NLT-14473"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>I am bent over and racked with pain.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-6">All day long I walk around filled with grief.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-7" id="en-NLT-14474"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>A raging fever burns within me,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-7">and my health is broken.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-8" id="en-NLT-14475"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>I am exhausted and completely crushed.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-8">My groans come from an anguished heart.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-9" id="en-NLT-14476"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>You know what I long for, Lord;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-9">you hear my every sigh.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-10" id="en-NLT-14477"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>My heart beats wildly, my strength fails,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-10">and I am going blind.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-11" id="en-NLT-14478"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-11">Even my own family stands at a distance.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-12" id="en-NLT-14479"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-12">Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-12">All day long they plan their treachery.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-13" id="en-NLT-14480"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>But I am deaf to all their threats.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-13">I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-14" id="en-NLT-14481"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>I choose to hear nothing,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-14">and I make no reply.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-15" id="en-NLT-14482"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>For I am waiting for you, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-15">You must answer for me, O Lord my God.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-16" id="en-NLT-14483"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-16">or rejoice at my downfall.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-38-17" id="en-NLT-14484"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>I am on the verge of collapse,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-17">facing constant pain.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-18" id="en-NLT-14485"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>But I confess my sins;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-18">I am deeply sorry for what I have done.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-19" id="en-NLT-14486"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>I have many aggressive enemies;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-19">they hate me without reason.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-20" id="en-NLT-14487"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>They repay me evil for good</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-20">and oppose me for pursuing good.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-21" id="en-NLT-14488"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>Do not abandon me, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-21">Do not stand at a distance, my God.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-38-22" id="en-NLT-14489"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Come quickly to help me,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-38-22">O Lord my savior.</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-77906070577465302332017-11-27T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-27T03:30:08.105-08:00Let's Praise Him With Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ul><b>Psalm 95:1-6</b><br />"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to
the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with
thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD
is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the
deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea
is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let
us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." (KJV)</ul>
<ul>This time of year , in the United States, we celebrate a holiday called Thanksgiving. I wish everyone would stop and give thanksgiving each day for all the blessings that we have been given, but it just doesn't happen unless we make a decision to incorporate that type of thinking into our daily lives and prayers. The more we search out our blessings each day, the more our eyes are opened to how God truly is working in our lives in ways we never could have imagined.</ul>
<ul>Those who suffer from addictions or habits, hang-ups, etc and are in recovery because of making that important decision to end the insanity truly understand the blessing of a new day to paint a new picture. </ul>
<ul>And while I'm very thankful to have this day to spend with my family, I want us to all take a moment each day and thank God for something he has done in our lives. Have a wonderful holiday and make a joyful noise to the Lord in thanksgiving.</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-70168398855593967922017-11-26T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-26T03:30:04.958-08:00Confessing Our Sins As They Occur<h3>
<span class="text 1John-1-8" id="en-NIV-30549"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.</span> <span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John: 8-9</span></h3>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">When we are living in our worlds of addictions, habits, hurts, hang-ups, etc we are living in what verse 8 says "we claim to be without sin". It's where we might say something like "I can kick this anytime I want", when the truth of the matter is we can't. Perhaps it's because we just don't want to admit the truth -- which is that we have a problem and need help.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">But once we move past that piece of denial, and confess our sins, we can begin to heal. Verse nine says that our sins will be forgiven and we will be purified from all unrighteousness. The "he" referred to in these verse is the Lord, God Almighty. And only He has the power to truly free us as this verse says.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">To "confess our sins" is telling God that we agree with him that our actions are wrong. Now the key to really moving on and having that relationship with God is to be able to confess as our sins occur - (even if it's the tenth or one-hundredth time). And in order for that to happen, we must be vigilant about analyzing our lives. Each time we confess our sins, he forgives us. He wipes our slate clean (as my mom used to say). </span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">For those going through a Celebrate Recovery program or a traditional 12 step program, having an accountability partner is a way to help us recognize when our actions are unhealthy and help keep us accountable. No, these sponsors and accountability partners are not a substitute for our relationship with God, but they can help by having someone to talk your actions over with.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">Going to God and asking forgiveness should not be something that's awkward. In fact, it's something that the Lord wants us to do in order to maintain a relationship with him. He already died for our sins and wants you to reap the benefits. Let's not deny him the satisfaction of his sacrifice and his gift of redemption freely given.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-3472813439466810302017-11-25T01:00:00.000-08:002017-11-25T01:00:10.345-08:00When There's a Hole in Your Soul<h2>
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19</h2>
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"So what is a hole in your soul? It is a deep, dark well that resides in the core of your being. And the harder you work to fill it with stuff, the bigger the doggone thing gets!"<br />
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The author goes on to talk about filling it with stuff - like clothes, romance, status, etc. but what about alcohol, drugs, food, pornography - OK..you get the drift. We have a hole and we are trying to fill it with things or actions - basically filling it with a god. With things that make us feel good - or at least temporarily But not THE God who will fill us with good things eternally.<br />
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Try trusting in God and letting Him fill that hole. As humans we choose wrong waaaayyyy to many times - but He will always choose right. ANd I don't know about you but an eternity of good sounds so much better than an earthly good.<br />
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One Year Book of Inspiration<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-61121712947372504872017-11-24T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-24T03:30:29.005-08:00What Time Is It?<h1 class="entry-title" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-image: url(https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/rbc-base-theme/images/hash.png); background-position: 50% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: #353d4c; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 5px 0px 10px; transition: all 0.3s linear;">
<a href="http://odb.org/2013/11/24/what-time-is-it-2/">What Time Is It? - Our Daily Bread</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="entry-author" style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://odb.org/authors/joestowell" style="color: #718ec4; text-decoration: none;">Joe Stowell</a></span></h1>
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The old adage is true: Timing is everything! That’s why Paul’s statement, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” intrigues me so much (Gal. 4:4).</div>
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A quick look at history reveals that the coming of Christ was at just the right time. Centuries earlier, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and language. On the heels of his demise, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of the culture and language of the Greeks. It was under Roman rule that the crucifixion took place, where the blood of Christ was shed for us. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across three continents: good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions, and a unifying language. The providence of God had put all the pieces in place for the perfect time to send His Son.</div>
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God’s timing is perfect in everything. While you are waiting, perhaps wondering why God doesn’t seem to be acting on your behalf, remember that He’s working behind the scenes to prepare His moment of intervention at just the right time. Trust Him. He knows what time it is.</div>
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Lord, in Your infinite wisdom and power, You work<br />
behind the scenes to prepare all things for just the<br />
right time. Teach me to wait well and to trust You<br />
to know when the fullness of time has come.</div>
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Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work. —Marshall<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-53926443405392882302017-11-23T01:00:00.000-08:002017-11-23T01:00:01.334-08:00Believing without SeeingTherefore we are always confident. We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinth 5:6-7<br />
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When you are facing problems, difficulties or tough decisions, do you trust God sufficiently to put yourself and your future in His hands?<br />
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Jesus came to confirm that God loves you unconditionally. His care, help and compassion are unquestionable. You are precious in His sight. Therefore, Christ will not allow anything to harm you.<br />
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With this assurance, you can trust God unconditionally in everything. Then you will walk along His path, doing His will.<br />
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If you do this, you will experience peace and tranquility of mind. Even if you cannot see the complete road ahead, faith will carry you through.<br />
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-- Let's face it, we are creatures that just have a hard time believing without seeing the proof. In fact these days, we as a people are so cynical about just about anything. Think about it..ever see something on facebook and immediately go to snoops to check out if it's real? I do it all the time myself.<br />
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However, I don't do that with my faith in God. My life is too important to risk filling my head with bad garbage. When I need to do a litmus test on something, I head on over to the Bible. Following that practice has never failed me. When you hear the devil speaking to you (and yes he does), don't listen to him. Go snoop in the Bible! Are you worried that you might not be reading scripture correctly - ask your pastor, or sponsor, or accountability partner.<br />
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Remember we recently talked about how God has a plan for us and it is to do good! Whatever you are contemplating..taking a quick drink, placing that bet, just taking a look at that Victoria's Secret catalogue...ask yourself if that makes sense with God's good plan for you.<br />
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Have a great day!! Remember to take care of those basic needs to make some good choices today.<br />
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Grace for Each Moment<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-35346523707102686202017-11-22T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-22T03:30:27.705-08:00What Do You Crave?<h3>
<span class="text 1Pet-2-1" id="en-NIV-30401" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Therefore, rid yourselves<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30401A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30401B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> of every kind.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-2" id="en-NIV-30402" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30402C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> so that by it you may grow up<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30402D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> in your salvation,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1Pet-2-3" id="en-NIV-30403" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At my church this weekend, the service was about getting rid of the ugliness about us. For those who are in addiction recovery, we know this list is kinda long and extends past just the actual addiction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our pastor pointed out something in the passage that I really never noticed before..it was the word "crave". The passage does not say "drink" the spiritual milk, but rather that we need to crave it. When I first became a Christian, a friend remarked that I was so "hungry" for the Word of God. And only later did I realize what she was referring to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we crave something, it's our brain saying that we have to have "it", that we can't control the impulse and that it's almost impossible to resist. Umm...sound familiar? Just have to have that drink? Just one more? Just have to watch that porn on the computer? Just have to always be right? Just have to shoot up? Just have to buy those pants even though I have 12 other pairs at home? Can't resist it, huh? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we have tasted the goodness of the Lord, it's what we need to crave. It's the spiritual milk that is going to heal us and help us move on from the world of addiction. I'm not perfect at all and I too need to work on this craving of the Lord in everything I do. And I'm also learning that when the temptation comes for my addiction, that I have to have a plan in place to handle the physical crave. We can still have the end reward (the feelings we got from the addiction), but we need to replace the bad habit with a new habit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Practical applications - replace the addiction with reading the Bible, talking to a friend, going to the gym, attending a Celebrate Recovery meeting or a traditional 12 step meeting, any Green Light recoveryBox light!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And so I ask you to think about this today. "What do you crave?"</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-42990449408749332472017-11-21T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-21T03:30:07.647-08:00Healing By Confessing <h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Therefore confess your sins</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30371A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30371B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16</span></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">About ten years ago I got into my minivan that was parked on the street (we live on a hill), put it into reverse (by mistake) and drove it right into my husband's car - which then popped his car out of gear and rolled down the hill. I had no idea how bad it was until I got out of the minivan. I saw my sweet husband running down the road after his car before it smashed it into someone's house. And what did I say? "Oh my gosh - I think there is something wrong with the minivan because I know I put it in drive and it just felt like it slipped."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">After I said those words I almost slapped myself but I kept with my story. This is not one of my prouder moments. I stuck with it until later that week we went to church and was about to receive </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">communion. And then it hit me - how awful a thing it was that I did. I made a mistake and then lied about it (and really stuck to my story too).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is so hard to admit when we are wrong. Sometimes, I think I might die before I admit I was wrong. And I've wondered, why should I do that in front of others? I tell my kids all the time it's OK to say that "I was wrong and I'm sorry" but then when it comes to me - my pride rears it's ugly head.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's all agree that admitting we are wrong is hard. If it wasn't, then I think the admission step of recovery would just be a bunch of words. And, I think it's easier to admit to God when we are wrong - (and this is my opinion) because we are not face to face. I have considered this before actually. If I was before God, would it be as easy to say "I screwed up!"? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">James is telling us to confess our sins to another righteous person. He's not saying to go out and look for the holiest person you can find. But rather, he is saying someone that is doing what God and man wants. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's why in Celebrate Recovery and a traditional 12 Step program, the 5th step involves that we admit to not only God and ourselves <i>AND another being that we are wrong. </i>If we can find this type of person (and often it's someone who has gone before us such as a sponsor) usually that kind of righteous person isn't going to judge you - but rather understand your journey.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personally, when I admit my sins I tend to feel a whole lot lighter - almost with a spring in my step because I know the ugliness is behind me. I'm not going to look back and dwell on it but look ahead and learn, knowing that I've admitted I was wrong.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope that I don't have anymore runaway minivans in my life and my prayer is that you too go get the "minivan" in your life and admit to someone so that you can embrace God's healing power.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recoveryBox/id538010611">recoveryBox</a> <i>can help be a daily accountability tool during your recovery journey.</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-65917815339133574982017-11-20T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-20T03:30:10.954-08:00What's Your Plan When Your Triggers Happen?<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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Jeremiah 29:11</h3>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For I know the plans<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span><br />
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Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that God really does have amazing plans for me and that I need to let go of my agendas and submit to his.<br />
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BUT, this does not mean that there should be no planning going on in our lives. This verse refers to long term - where the direction of your life is going. When in recovery from an addiction, habit, hurt or hang-up, you must plan because part of recovery is identifying your triggers. And that's great - but then what?<br />
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We must then figure out what we will do when trigger occurs - and that takes planning! If we continue to do what we have always done then we get the same results. If we say "God will handle it now that I've admitted to him I'm a sinner" then we are being foolish. God wants us to make our own choices not because he makes us or says so - but because he wants a relationship with us. And by making the right choices on our own we are declaring that we have let the old ways past and desire a new life.<br />
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<i>So what do we do to combat our triggers?</i> I can't tell you that because everyone's lives and circumstances are different.<br />
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Perhaps think about the <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">yellow lights</span></b> in the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recoveryBox/id538010611">recoveryBox app</a> and <i><u>how they connect to triggers</u></i>.<br />
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Yellow lights are based on being with a person who can lead us to acting out, a place that can lead us to acting out or a thing that can lead to acting out.<br />
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For example, if you know that going to a mall will tempt you to overspend, then don't go there. Perhaps in the past you would go to the mall when you got stressed out at work. The<i> trigger of stress</i> in our lives won't go away - so substitute where you will go when you feel that stress. Instead of the mall, perhaps go work out or go for a walk. Change the routine. Make a plan to handle the trigger of stress.<br />
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It's Friday night and you feel so alone at your apartment by yourself. In the past you would turn on the computer and start surfing for porn. What can you do? We aren't meant to be alone in life (which is why God created Eve for Adam). Find something to do in place of the computer to combat the isolation. Enroll in a cooking class or find a group that meets that has similar hobby interests to yours.<br />
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Planning is not something that we evaluate once and then say - OK, I'm good. This is what I'll do. <i>No, planning to change what we do when we face triggers is a life long exercise that must be evaluated for it's effectiveness</i>. And that's where your sponsor or accountability partner can help.<br />
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Recovery from an addiction is not easy - but with some planning and support we can succeed.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-62425054648600823332017-11-19T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-19T03:30:14.927-08:00Be Still!<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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Psalm 46:10</h3>
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<span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NIV-14625" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14625A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;">I will be exalted<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14625B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> among the nations,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;">I will be exalted in the earth.”</span></span></div>
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Be still! Goodness, it's something I must say to my kids at least ten times a day. Maybe it's just boys but mine are always on the move. I joke around (sometimes) and tell my husband that they must get this desire to always be moving or doing something from his side of the family. But then he quickly tells me it's gotta be my side of the family.<br />
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This morning I drove my youngest to school as I normally do. As I pulled into my driveway I realized I couldn't remember how I got home. In fact, I don't remember any of the driving part. But the sad thing is I remember the entire conversation I had in my head. I remember telling myself I need to go start a load of laundry before I practice for tonight's practice at church. I told myself to start the dishwasher. I was envisioning what I was going to code today. I was thinking about this past weekend when I was so bored out of my mind just sitting on the couch resting my foot still in a cast.<br />
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Whoa - how in the word did I have time to think/plan all these things (and more) on my short ride home from school. I know we live in a society that is just screaming at full volume about all things that we have to accomplish in order to be successful. And then I realized - yes I am just like my kids in that I am never stopping myself to "just be" and "rest".<br />
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Perhaps, if I rest I am worried about what will happen if boredom sets in? I know for me, boredom leads to me being cranky and then I start to get involved in everyone's business and - well, let's just say I'm not going to even allow myself to think down that CoDependent route!<br />
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As I was driving I could hear this voice in my head saying - "Be Still! Be Still!" Over and over. I knew it's that voice I hear when God is speaking to me. So today, I choose to be still and reflect on Him. I know I'm a doer - but sometimes we need that time to reflect on our lives and our recovery journey and on Him. And sometimes we need to allow ourselves to be still - just so that we can overcome. Can you be still today?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-22909894105006162392017-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:002017-11-18T01:00:00.168-08:00Grow In Faith<br />
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Many Christians urge fellow believers to, "Just believe!" but it's not always as easy as that, especially when the storm clouds close in around you.</div>
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Fortunately, through the grace of God it is easy to develop a mature and sincere faith. Recall an incident in your life when something out of the ordinary happened and thank God for it. It might not be something big or significant, but when you recall the incident it strengthens your faith in a wonderful way.</div>
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Make a habit of remembering small answers to prayer, and your faith will gradually grow to the extent where you will receive bigger revelations from God. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed 'I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!". Mark 9:24</div>
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-- When an addict decides to stop the insane life that revolves around that next hit, or drink, or whatever the addiction is, hopefully it is a decision to be kept for life. Staying in a 12 step program or Celebrate Recovery will help maintain that sober life because of clinging to God. Yes, I know it's hard to say 'Well, where was He all those times I cried out and nothing happened?' Goodness knows we all have a million of those types of questions. But as the author points out, believe in the little things and you will begin to have eyes that are able to perceive the bigger things that God does for us each day.</div>
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I find for me, counting my blessings each day makes a huge difference. I used to have a small list that started with thank you for the sun today, my kids, my husband to later much more mature thoughts such as thank you for opening my eyes to the unhealthy relationship that I needed to severe, etc.</div>
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It takes time but it is worth it!</div>
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Grace For Each Moment</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-65625154871917436952017-11-17T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-17T03:30:07.672-08:00Hero Over Sin ~ Our Daily Bread<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://odb.org/2013/11/17/hero-over-sin/">Hero Over Sin - from Our Daily Bread</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <span class="meta-sep">— <em>by</em></span> <span class="entry-author" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://odb.org/authors/annecetas" style="text-decoration: none;">Anne Cetas</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not long ago, someone asked me a very tough question: “What is the longest you have gone without sinning? A week, a day, an hour?” How can we answer a question like that? If we’re truthful, we might say, “I can’t live a day without sinning.” Or if we look back over the past week, we might see that we haven’t confessed to God even one sin. But we would be fooling ourselves if we said we hadn’t sinned in our thoughts or actions for a week.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God knows our hearts and whether we’re sensitive to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. If we really know ourselves, we take 1 John 1:8 to heart, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” We certainly don’t want verse 10 to be true of us, “If we say that we have not sinned, . . . His word is not in us.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A more encouraging question to ask might be: “What is God’s response to our admission of sin and need for forgiveness?” The answer: “If we confess . . . , He is faithful and just to forgive us” (v.9). Jesus has taken our sin problem upon Himself by dying in our place and rising again. That’s why He can create in us “a clean heart” (Ps. 51:10). My young friend Jaydon is right when he says, “Jesus is the hero over our sins.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No one can say he doesn’t need</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For all must come to Christ by faith</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To have new life within. —Branon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Christ’s forgiveness is the door to a new beginning.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-31614569663887654812017-11-16T09:56:00.000-08:002017-11-16T09:56:33.982-08:00God IS In Control<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Everywhere you go you will meet pessimistic people - people who see no hope for the future and carry an atmosphere of gloom around with them.</span><br />
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Rather than give in to despair, consider the greatness of God. Look back over the years and you will see many examples of the wonderful ways in which God transforms despair into hope; sorrow into joy; and defeat into victory.</div>
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When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold onto the promises of God. Remember the mighty deeds that He has performed, and continue in confidence and with the certain knowledge that He is wholly in control.</div>
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Job replied to the Lord, "I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted". Job 42:1</div>
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-- I must say, for me the idea that no plan of God can be thwarted is such a promise. The Bible also says in Jeremiah 29:11 "<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." With those two promises how can we go wrong. Who are we to doubt God?</span></div>
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Yes, when on is in the depths of an addiction it's almost impossible to see these truths - but when that moment comes and we decide enough is enough and it's time to let go of the old ways - trust in these truths. Because the life that God planned for us is about to begin. And It's gonna be a good one!</div>
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Grace For Each Moment</div>
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Feb 7th<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-25212083842096966852017-11-15T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-15T03:30:50.437-08:00Courage to Change the Things That Should be Changed<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">
<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God, give me grace to accept with serenity</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the things that cannot be changed,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Courage to change the things</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">which should be changed,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and the Wisdom to distinguish</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the one from the other.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Living one day at a time,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Enjoying one moment at a time,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Taking, as Jesus did,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This sinful world as it is,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not as I would have it,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trusting that You will make all things right,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If I surrender to Your will,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And supremely happy with You forever in the next.</span></span></dd></dl>
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<dl style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Those who attend any Celebrate Recovery meeting or traditional 12 step meeting know that the Serenity Prayer is often said together as a group. If you want to read about the history behind this prayer, check out this blog post </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";">http://recoveryboxapp.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-serenity-prayer-history-behind-it.html</span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";"><br /></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";">I'm not going to say exactly what you should feel or think when you pray this prayer because your circumstance are different than mine - and prayers are personal. But yesterday when I had my cup of apple cider and I saw the "Courage Mug" (see yesterday's post if you are not up to speed) it reminded me of this prayer. </span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";"><br /></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";">"Courage to change the things that should be changed." The first time I ever read this prayer was at my grandmother's house. I didn't understand what it meant then being only 12 years old. Later in life I came to understand that my grandmother was an alcoholic and struggled a lot..perhaps that's why she had the prayer in her house. It's a shame because I can't ask her what the prayer meant to her because she suffers from Alzheimers. So I can only speculate.</span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";"><br /></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The line I find intriguing especially as someone who wants to solve everyone's problems is "the Wisdom to distingush one from another". That's what I need to work on. I have got to figure out what is mine to change and what is mine to leave for others. Perhaps it sounds so easy but not for someone who deals with CoDepenedency. </span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So today, there is no verse but rather I pray the Serenity Prayer and ask for the wisdom to know the difference.</span></span></dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "times";"><br /></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-71911711768205734872017-11-14T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-14T03:30:37.390-08:00I Will Try Again Tomorrow<h3>
<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Isaiah 41:10</b><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'</i></h3>
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Each morning I get my coffee with my eyes barely open. My kids know not to even approach mom before I have had a cup of Joe and five minutes to let it start working. Each morning I walk over to the machine, pour the delicious pipeing hot fuel into a mug and breathe in deep waiting for the warmth to take over. Yes, I LOVE my coffee.</div>
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This afternoon I decided to get a mug of hot apple cider because it's fall and a little chilly (and I don't need any more caffeine today). I can't really do much physically because of being in a cast and the need to continue to elevate my foot. So picture me, elevating my foot, with my iPad about to begin sipping on my cider. I never pay attention to the mugs we have - as long as they are giant enough to hold my hot beverage I don't care. My mother-in-law likes to buy mugs for the kids that reflect their interests and so I guess that's what I grabbed to use.</div>
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Continue to picture, I'm sitting in my recliner with my feet up and I go to reach for my mug - and I see the huge word courage on the mug. This is what the other side of the mug says "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow". Wow! I don't ever remember this mug (even though I know she had to have purchased this). </div>
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"I will try again tomorrow". Isn't that all we can ask for? Try again tomorrow. Just because we are dealing with addictions, awful habits, hurt and hang-ups doesn't mean that others have it all figured out either. Everyone has to strive for trying again tomorrow right? So I pondered this for a bit and came to realize that if we never had our struggles and failures, we would never enjoy the accomplishment that happens when we overcome. </div>
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Having a sense of accomplishment creates amazing pleasureable feelings inside us - and I love how that feels. I want more of that feeling!</div>
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Today, I will end my day asking God for the courage to try again tomorrow. I'm not going to ask for him to take away all the burdens (but I do that sometimes too). Today, I'm going to pray for courage to face it all head on. I'm going to ask for courage to face my challenges and for the courage to make the right choice so that I might have that sense of accomplishment. Dear God, please fill me with courage today!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-26247328153570142712017-11-13T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-13T03:30:33.716-08:00Who Do We Offer Our Grace to Each Day?<h3>
<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-thessalonians/passage.aspx?q=2%20Thessalonians+1:4-5" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">2 Thessalonians 1:4-5</span></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.</span></h3>
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Many of my readers know that I have a son who has special needs. Because of his disabilities, he gets very emotional and add that to the impulsivity that comes with ADHD, he often explodes into rage even before we have a moment to help him process the situation. Now, add in the momma bear factor and my struggles with CoDependency --well you guess I'm a mess. I just want to fix his problems for him and I can't.</div>
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Lately, he's been working on some electronics projects that require programming (that's where he needs my help - with the programming). And lately, he's been in so much trouble at school that we had to follow through with consequences at home - which involved taking away all his electronics (these were some serious infractions folks). And so now we don't have our special projects to work on.</div>
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The verse talks about having perseverance and faith in all the trial I'm (we) am enduring. Well, I'm struggling huge with this. My son and I have very little to bond over, and he would rather play by himself than engage with the family. So when we finally found this common interest recently, it broke my heart that we had to take away his electronics. I feel like I'm being punished - I want what's best for him and I don't want to wait anymore for him to "get with the program" so we can work on these cool projects together. I want him to figure these things out now!</div>
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And so I wonder, is this what God feels? Is he waiting for me to "get with the program" so we can start working on our relationship together? Is he just as frustrated with me for my choices as I am with my son? I wonder. I mean, I try to make the right choices and yet I fall short a lot. I know what's expected of me and yet I don't follow through. Wow! It's like I"m seeing my son by looking in the mirror at myself.</div>
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God is waiting for me to make the right choices and is offering up tools to help me along the way AND his patience is forever. I'm thinking he's telling me that I must extend that same grace to my son, and when he starts to "get with the program" we will start to have the moments I feel normal relationships should have. But honestly, what is normal anyway?</div>
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The more I really embrace this parenting gig, the more I realize how much I have dissapointed my Father in heaven. I so want to please Him but I fall short so many times and yet he keeps extending me grace. God gives me that grace with no strings attached and it's such a blessing to have no shame and to continue to walk with Him each day. That's what I want with my own son. And so as God extends me grace on a daily basis, that's what I must do with my own son.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-83462259831038587322017-11-12T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-12T03:30:08.280-08:00Knowing Your Triggers<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (Mat 26:41)</span></h3>
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Today I'm sitting in the doctors office - again! I've been dealing with a serious injury for more than two years now. And while the average person who has been down this road has recovered within a year, I'm not even close despite being healthy, following all the doctors orders, doing the physical therapy. It's just not happening.</div>
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Something in me is getting rattled to the point where I can physically feel burning of frustration within my chest. Before I would have fallen into my old ways and acted out. But now I can recognize these feelings and employ my strategies. This verse tells us to be on guard -- we need to always watch and pray and be conscious of what is going on in our lives.<br />
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One strategy I have is making sure that I pay attention to my triggers everyday - I make an inventory of how I am doing (other strategies include praying, reading scripture, touch base with my friends and accountability partner)..but how do I know when to really dig deep? It's by identifying what my triggers are and then watching for them. Physical pain and depression are two of mine. I call my physical pain an <i>"Unmet Need"</i> in <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recoveryBox/id538010611">recoveryBox</a>. I figure it's unmet because first I want the pain to go away, and then second I want the injury to heal. Neither of which is happening and so that starts me on my road to depression.<br />
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A few years ago I wouldn't even have been able to recognize these feelings inside of me. So please understand that it will not happen overnight but it is worth the effort of getting to understand your triggers.<br />
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Be on guard!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-42213392970839397212017-11-11T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-11T03:30:15.285-08:00Musical Devo - Fernando Ortega - Just As I AmLet's pray over these words today. Lord, you shed your blood for me not because of who I am but only because of who you are. Thank you Lord Jesus for your unconditional love. Help me become unashamed of my past choices - so that I may never walk in that darkness again. Amen.<br />
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<span style="font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Fernando Ortega - Just As I Am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I waited and waited for God</span><br />
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He turned and He heard me<br />
He lifted me out of the mud<br />
His Own Hands They cured me<br />
The Lord is my help<br />
I will not be confounded<br />
So I have focused my face like a flint<br />
I'll not be ashamed<br />
Lord I come</div>
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CHORUS:<br />
Just as I am<br />
Without one plea<br />
But that Your blood<br />
Was shed for me. </div>
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Take the days that remain in my life<br />
Lord let me serve You<br />
While there is breath on my lips<br />
I would proclaim You<br />
I long for Your return<br />
I long to see You face to face<br />
I long to join the eternal song<br />
Communion of all the saints<br />
Lord I come</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-90899502395361554032017-11-10T06:49:00.000-08:002017-11-10T06:49:00.946-08:00Our Daily Bread - Remembering Our Father's Words<h1 class="entry-title" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear; background-image: url(https://odb.org/wp-content/themes/rbc-base-theme/images/hash.png); background-position: 50% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: #353d4c; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 5px 0px 10px; transition: all 0.3s linear;">
<a href="http://odb.org/2013/11/10/remembering-our-fathers-words/">Remembering Our Father’s Words</a></h1>
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<span class="meta-sep">— <em>by</em></span> <span class="entry-author" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://odb.org/authors/marvinwilliams" style="color: #718ec4; text-decoration: none;">Marvin Williams</a></span></div>
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Jim Davidson was climbing down Mount Rainier when he fell through a snow bridge and into a crevasse (a pitch-black, ice-walled crack in a glacier). As Jim stood bloodied and bruised in that dark ice cave, he reflected on his childhood and recalled how his father had repeatedly reminded him that he could accomplish great things if he pressed through adversity. Those words helped to sustain Jim as he spent the next 5 hours climbing out of that dark ice cave to safety with very little gear and under extremely difficult circumstances.</div>
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The psalmist seemed to climb out of his own crevasse of affliction and pain by recalling his heavenly Father’s words. He admitted that if God and His Word had not sustained him with joy, he would have died in his misery (Ps. 119:92). He expressed full confidence in the Lord’s eternal Word (v.89) and in the faithfulness of His character (v.90). As a result of God’s faithfulness, the psalmist made a commitment never to forget God’s words to him because they had a central part in rescuing his life and bringing him strength.</div>
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In our darkest caves and moments of affliction, our souls can be revived by our Father in heaven when we recall and fill our minds with His encouraging words.</div>
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<span class="smcap" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thinking It Over</span><br />
What crevasse of discouragement are you currently in?<br />
How can you use this time as an occasion to revive your<br />
soul by filling your mind and heart with God’s Word?</div>
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Remembering God’s words revives our soul.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-71458707628641356912017-11-09T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-09T03:30:19.675-08:00I Am Second - Sam Bradford: The moment you think you're first, your plans matter more than God's<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323133; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial"; font-size: 24px;"><a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/sam-bradford/">The Story - Sam Bradford</a></span><br />
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“The minute you start to think that you’re first and your plans matter more than God`s is the minute your life starts to go the wrong way.” Oklahoma University’s starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, gets nervous every time he hits the field, always recanting plans and plays in his head, but never forgetting that he works with a team and that God is always with him.</div>
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“The minute you start to think that you`re first and your plans matter more than God`s is the minute your life starts to go the wrong way.” Oklahoma University`s starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, gets nervous every time he hits the field, always recanting plans and plays in his head, but never forgetting that he works with a team and that God is always with him.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-56329526946645020872017-11-08T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-08T03:30:05.035-08:00Putting Childish Thoughts Behind<h3>
<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>and have</i> put them aside. 1st Corinthians 13:11</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This morning, my son and I were having a heated discussion about his chore money. He felt that I owed him money even when I explained to him that he did not follow through with all of his responsibilities. And for the next fifteen minutes, in his childish ways he whined, tried to reason, complained and even threw a tantrum like a child will. And I expect that from my kids - because their reasoning ability is all centered around themselves - what is fair to them, what makes them feel good, what they can get for the least amount of work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I get it (even though at 7:10 in the morning right before his bus is supposed to come, this "discussion" was trying my patience - huge!) And what can I do besides stick to my parenting guns - I can pray that he will grow into a young man who sees life not just though his selfish eyes - but consider the world and people in it around him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As adults, aren't we supposed to have this all figured out? When we see our kids throwing a tantrum about something like this - it's obvious right? Or is it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For some of us - I don't think it is. If it was, we wouldn't be in this world of addiction, hurts, hang-ups, habits. If it was so obvious, shouldn't we just be able to stop?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps, you never received the type of parenting that you needed in order to be able to cope with life and instead you chose addiction as the answer. Now as an adult you see your life crumbling around you and perhaps are wondering why? It's time we stop reasoning like a child and put on our big girl (or boy) pants and make adult choices. If you feel like you don't know how - seek help with a counselor, attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting, or a 12 step meeting, ask a trusted friend for their honest truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's time to put childish thinking, child reasoning and actions aside. It's time to getting our healing on! What pants are you wearing today?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-1136079028048925552017-11-07T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-07T03:30:28.449-08:00Nothing But the Truth<h3>
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:17</h3>
God demands and teaches absolute truth. Jesus came and preached the Good News - which is the truth. He didn't mince his words and try to skirt the big issues because our lives are just too short for that. Jesus just preached the raw truth. And while many were offended by it, many were relieved and set free.<br />
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See, living a life filled with deception is actually very tiring. Those who view pornography and try to do it without getting caught live in a constant state of anxiety. Are you trying to hide a drinking problem from your spouse by disguising it as happy hour? What about a shopping addiction? Do you get home from a binge and quick hide everything in the closet and don't show your spouse the credit card bills? Your minds are working so hard to try and plan it so we don't get caught. Well, I'm here to tell you the truth. You are already BUSTED! God already knows.<br />
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So, who are you really hiding the truth from? Your spouse, your family and friends? I think the most important person you are hiding from is yourself! True healing from an addiction, or hurt or habit is going to come when you finally accept the truth. That took me a while to do. But once we accept this truth, it's really freeing. At that point there are other things we have to deal with..but the first step is accepting the truth of the situation. It's a huge step - but healing will only come when you take the first step. Infact, it's the first step in both the Celebrate Recovery program or a traditional 12 step program. Are you ready to take the first step?<br />
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And what if you have already done that? What if you are well into your journey of recovery? There are things that we can do. First, we can continue to be accountable to others so that we don't fall and act out again. Second, we can be that person for someone who has just taken the first step. We can be someone's accountability partner or sponsor and give guidance. This carries huge responsibilities with it too. Telling someone the truth can be a tricky thing. It can push others away or it can bring others to us. Sometimes it needs to be just said flat out - and other times we need to help lead the person to the truth but let them discover it on their own. Anyway you slice it, speaking truth to someone carries risks. The only advice I can offer here is to speak the truth in love. You are not responsible for the actions of others - but you are responsible to speak the truth.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8997335141298911898.post-82122123834459464742017-11-06T03:30:00.000-08:002017-11-06T03:30:09.933-08:00Are You Ready to Make the Choice?<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 4:12-13</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">New International Version (NIV)<br /><span class="text Heb-4-12" id="en-NIV-30027"><span class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">12 </span>For the word of God<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30027A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> is alive<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30027B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> and active.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30027C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> Sharper than any double-edged sword,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30027D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30027E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Heb-4-13" id="en-NIV-30028"><span class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30028F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.</span></span></h3>
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Just like the word of God is alive and working in our lives today, so is sin. Just like the word can penetrate deep into our souls and our very being, so can sin. Just like God can see the good in our hearts, He also sees the sin.</div>
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The choice then becomes ours - do we want to try and live in denial about our habits and addictions - OR, do we uncover it and lay it before God. We have to decide what type of lives we want to live. Either way, the choice will have a profound affect upon us. If we choose to live for God, our actions will begin to reflect the good in our lives and all that we have to offer. If we choose to hide in shame, ultimately it will destroy us.</div>
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Either way, we are accountable for our actions and God already knows. So doesn't it make sense to stop the make believe and give it up? The Bible, programs such as Celebrate Recovery or a traditional 12 step program, friends, family, counselors, accountability partners, sponsors - these are all tools or people to help us turn away from deadly issues in our lives. Are you ready to make that choice. He already knows all about your life.<br />
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