What's Your Plan When Your Triggers Happen?

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

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.

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?

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.

So what do we do to combat our triggers? I can't tell you that because everyone's lives and circumstances are different.

Perhaps think about the yellow lights in the recoveryBox app and how they connect to triggers.

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.

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 trigger of stress 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.

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.

Planning is not something that we evaluate once and then say - OK, I'm good. This is what I'll do. No, planning to change what we do when we face triggers is a life long exercise that must be evaluated for it's effectiveness. And that's where your sponsor or accountability partner can help.

Recovery from an addiction is not easy - but with some planning and support we can succeed.

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I Can Do Everything

I can do everything though Him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13

Beating an addiction is truly hard. It takes effort each and every day to make the right choices. To choose to not fall into the old way of life.  let's face it - old habits are hard to break.  But it can be done.

Then I think about our Creator. He made everything we see - people, animals, the sky, grass, and well everything.  He made the brains we have to be able to figure out how the human body works or how to create amazing technology.

He could have made us so that we were perfect..but he didn't. God gave us free will to make the choice to have a relationship with Him. And when we choose our addiction, we are choosing that god rather than The God.  But just as we have free will to choose to drink, do drugs, overeat, watch porn, over shop, and more, we have the free will to also choose to not to.

Yes, our brains is filled with chemicals that make us feel good when we do these things.  But we can also retrain our brains.  How? By following programs such as Celebrate Recovery or a 12 step - working with counselors, interacting with people who have walked this journey.

But also, and most importantly, by asking God to give us the strength. And I'm not talking will power either. I'm talking about the ability to live a life that is pleasing to God in all that you do. Today's verse is a short one but one filled with promise.

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Constructive Thinking

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from the death to enjoy life after we die. Ecclesiastes 3:22

This is where I struggle. In fact, it's often the root of my depression. I have stayed home with the kids every since they were babies.  I gave up a great career in IT as a programmer/developer to take care of my kids. I do have a special needs child and when he was younger I knew that staying home is what I was being called to do.

But now they are in school and I often have the itch to go back.  But, with working full-time, it would be such a challenge.  My son especially needs the structure of mom home in the mornings and afternoons. And I sometimes get called to go to school during the day for situations.  And that depressed me --  Won't I ever get to go back to work full-time?  Wouldn't it be nice to have some extra money for vacations?

But, isn't work not about making money but about being purposeful? Isn't it about being able to make a difference in someone's life?  So lately, the more I dwell on this the more I realize that right now God has set my life up to take care of the boys (which has a purpose) and also to be able to continue with the development of recoveryBox.  I get to help others because of our own family journey through addiction.

It's not always easy to see God's purpose and often harder to accept it.  Ultimately, life is about contributing to something that is bigger than ourselves. But in whatever you do, we must do it to the best of our abilities - always!

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Ask Me for Anything

At Gideon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you." I Kings 3:5

Ever get annoyed when someone uses a lot of words and kinda beats around the bush rather than asking you outright for something?  It's like pulling teeth, huh ? Well, the same thing can happen to us when we pray.  We can beat around the bush with God rather than just saying what we want. Keep in mind, He already knows what's on our heart so why do we do this?

I think as an addict we sometimes so this because we feel not worthy.  And that will change in time as you are further in your recovery journey and your walk with God grows deeper.  For now, make an effort to be direct with God.  He wants honesty and openness from us.

But also pray for wisdom so that we can hear his voice and discern what He is telling us rather than our own inner voice. And pray too that we can accept His answers.

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Musical Devotions - I Surrender

Get Help Today - Be accountable to someone! Use this with your Celebrate Recovery or 12 Step Meeting, accountability partner or sponsor!  It was created by someone recovering from a Habit, Hurt or Hang-up attending a Celebrate Recovery program. Accountability does work. Good luck and Blessings to you on your recovery journey!

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Scott Allen Matthews - I Surrender

From the movie - Home Run

I have left the battle lines

There's a hope that lies in front of me

I've discovered who I am

And I found I was the enemy

I have struggled for so long

I lay it down

I give it up

I'm letting go

Of this war I've always know

I wave the flag

I humbly fall

On my knees 

I've tried to do it all

On my own

I Surrender

I have waged unholy war

And have left a trail of misery

Can a hard heart be restored?

Can a prisoner find his liberty?

I have struggled for so long

I lay it down

I give it up

I'm letting go

Of this war I've always know

I wave the flag

I humbly fall.

On my knees 

I've tried to do it all

You gave me hope

And I walk the road

And I'm holding on

To this love I've come to know

You gave me hope 

And I walk the road

And I'm holding on 

To this love I've come to know

And I Surrender

Jesus, I Surrender

Lord I give me life to You right now

I Surrender

I give you my everything all to you

I Surrender

I can't make it on my own

Yes I Surrender

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Sweating, Sweets and Tummy Tucks

You must not have any other gods but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other Gods. Exodus 20:3-5

Why can't we be pleased with our body images?  (Trust me..I'm right here in this category!) Why must we put body image on such a pedestal that we do crazy things to make ourselves "perfect". Diets, surgery, starvation, over exercising, and so much more.

First we have to face that what you see in the media that is portrayed as perfect - well it's a lie!  Yes, Hollywood and all those skinny ladies with perfect skin - yes it's a lie!  Shocker, right?!?  Umm..no. So comparing yourself to that standard is downright wrong.

Yes, we are to take care of our bodies as they are a temple that God gave to us.  And yes, we must eat healthy to live as well as exercise to keep our bodies strong  - but the moment we start to "obsess" with how much we eat or how much we exercise it becomes an idol. We need to stop spending so much time thinking about us - our weight, wrinkles, diet, etc. And we need to start thinking more about Him - and what he wants for us.

Some people have a hard time appreciating how eating disorders or over exercising can fall into the addiction category, but the moment that you let food or exercise or body image consume your thoughts and action - well, it has now become an addiction. But, like all other addictions, you CAN overcome.

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In This World

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

My heart is heavy with sorrow and sadness over the tragedy on this anniversary of the Boston Marathon.  And it's not that I am surprised that such horrible acts of violence can happen because I am well aware that they do - and all over the world every day.  Events happen all the time that break our hearts.

As I was watching the news with my son, I was watching his reaction closely.  He has special needs and so I was concerned as to how he was processing the information.  And his voice to me said clearly, "Mom, we can pray." How wonderful is it that he knows immediately "Who" to turn to.  He wanted to continue watching the coverage because he was fascinated by it.  But I told him that to continue to watch the same event over and over is what the horrible person wants us to do.  I asked him "Should we give control to this person by doing that?  Or should we give control to God and pray?"  Of course we need to be aware of such events but not get stuck frozen in fear.

I knew my son was interested because I participate in triathlons.  And he has been at the end of my races, watching and eagerly awaiting for me to appear so that he can run to me and finish those last few meters cheering me on (how I have wonderful pictures of this).  It reminds me of the end of times.  When we are finishing up our race here on earth and God is waiting for us at the end.  

We will be rewarded by Him and rest assured as I told my son...God does not turn a cheek on evil.  

Look what John writes in  Revelation 21:8 

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

And so I will continue fighting the good fight here on earth, fill our lives with kindness, and love and generosity and I will leave the rest to God. To do otherwise is to give power to evil and to live in fear. And my God is a strong God, more powerful than any evil that Satan can drum up.

Be strong today, pray, and always show love.

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Perfectionism Can Paralyze us

The Parable of the Bags of Gold

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21 “His master replied, ‘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!’

22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23 “His master replied, ‘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!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

When we measure ourselves by others, we might as well give up because there is always someone we are not going to be able to please. But, when we measure ourselves through God's eyes - our creator, then we should keep on trying over and over again. He doesn't expect us to be perfect and he knows we will not be because we are human. But when He sees progress, He is pleased. Even the little bit of progress is better than being done in by our own perfectionism. God is looking for that little bit of interest in our lives.

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Pray Continuously..and Listen

Pray Continuously 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I know how hard it is to "make time" to pray but the more I find that time, the more I find my life complete. I stop the searching for that "something" that I just need. Because that something is Jesus.

What is my motive for prayer you ask? Well, it's not to tell him all my burdens (but I do that too), because he already knows. Rather, my motive is to listen to Him and hear what He wants for my life. If we had all the answers, I don't think we would be in recovery for an addiction, right?

The more I pray, the more I see God in my life.  Because again, prayer is listening.  And listening is not always with our ears. We have to listen with our hearts, minds, souls (well, OK and yes ears too).

I find myself guilty of praying less when life is going well.  But then it comes crashing down and I remember I wasn't listening to Him.  And there are many times I have realized if I had been praying I would not have made those mistakes.  Or I would have reached out to someone in need? Why am I so hard headed sometimes?!?

So today, I pray. I'm off to go swimming and I must say it's a time of complete pray (and no I am not saying Lord,, please don't let me drown). But in that time of exercise I quiet my mind and pray for me and those I know.  Try and listen to him today! You can fit in prayer in to your day anywhere and anytime.

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Jesus What a Friend We Have for Sinners

Lately, I've been finding comfort in just saying the name Jesus. Come on and try it. Let it rest in your mind. You don't have to try and attach anything to it - just say Jesus calmly and see how you feel. I bet you feel it don't you...peace?!?

Last Sunday we sang this song in church and it brought tears to my eyes because just saying the name Jesus and then adding "a Friend for sinners" really helped me understand why I have such peace when I say His name. It's because I am a sinner.

Most of my readers know by now how much music is important to me and so today, please let the words of this song rest upon you.  I can relate to the message and I hope you can too.

The hymn was written by Wil­bur Chap­man in 1910. Hope you can let it bring you peace today.

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Refrain

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Refrain

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
[or Jesus! I do now adore Him,]
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

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Celebrating the Victories of Others or Have a Critical Heart

Romans 14:10 “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God.(13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.” (The Amplified Bible)

Ever sat in a Celebrate Recovery meeting or 12 Step meeting and get jealous of others when their anniversary's come around and others are clapping and cheering for them. If that emotion happens it must be examined to see why you feel that way?

• Frustrated because it's them and not you?
• Disappointed?
• Frustrated because you feel their approval seems to be higher than when you were celebrated?
• Frustrated because you are stuck in the 30 day cycle where you act out every 30 days and they are on 10 years of sobriety?

There could be such a number of reasons and I won't even pretend to know them or list them all. But this "critical spirit" needs to be examined.

Are you a person of negativity, insecure with your own recovery, immature in your faith or belief that sobriety can be yours, has the Devil got a grip on your heart? 

The bible is urging us to not put a stumbling block in front of another person. What if your attitude was actually able to be seen by the person who is receiving their anniversary coin? Would you want to be the person who suddenly fills them with doubt or even shame about their accomplishments? 

Perhaps it's time to have a one on one with the Savior and ask him to remove these feelings from your heart. Perhaps it's time to develop such a faith in yourself and make these feelings disappear. Yes, you might need to talk this over with your accountability partner/sponsor or even a trained counselor. But know that these feelings are not healthy - but that you can overcome! Hebrews 10:25 says that we are to come together to encourage one another. There is NO peace in dwelling in the deeds of others - but there is peace with Jesus Christ.

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When We Don't Know What to Pray For

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

There are days when I literally just want to give up. I feel like I'm failing on so many fronts - not even one small victory. In fact, it's so bad that I just don't know how to pray. What do I say? What do I ask for? If I knew what to pray for I'd probably try and do it right? I know it sounds weird - I should know exactly what to pray for..the things that have me in despair. But in reality, I don't even know where to begin to find the words.

And then one day I read this nugget of a verse. The Spirit himself intercedes on my behalf. The Spirit knows my heart, and my situation and when I am too weak, too weary, too emotional spent when I try to utter words of pray and nothing comes out that makes sense - the Spirit helps me out.

I can't say how that in and of itself gives me such hope!  The verse says that the spirit intercedes according to the will of God - and God's will is perfect. So I'm not going to even doubt what the Spirit asked for. This verse is not to be used as an out from praying at all, but it does help us understand that there are going to be times in our lives when we can only muster out "Help" to God and the Spirit just runs with it. And God knew this would happen and planned for it on our behalf!  Truly amazing to me.

For me, with all the battles being fought, that's enough. And so I end with "thank you my precious Father". When this happens, mention this to your accountability partner/sponsor and talk it through. God provides us help on many fronts.

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Freedom from Addiction

Freedom from Addiction by Sarah Phillips
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Today's daily devotion is a story I read that I just knew I had to share as so many will be able to relate . Visit the freedom from addiction site for more.

Romans 12: 1-2
Have you ever met someone you thought was beyond God's reach? Someone whose life has sunk to such depths all seems hopeless? Most of us can think of people we've encountered like that. It may even be someone we love.

When we start to lose hope for another's soul, it's good to remind ourselves that some of the greatest Christian Saints were some of the most broken people. This week, in my search for Christian heroes, I encountered the story of one such person that did not resemble the perfect stained-glass images I grew up with. His name was Matthew Talbot, and here's a glimpse into his life.

The second of 13 children, Matthew was born in Dublin, Ireland on May 2, 1856. His family was poor and heavy drinking was the norm among his father and brothers. So from the start, Matthew was predisposed to alcoholism -- and sure enough, his drinking began at age 12.

As Matthew entered his teen years, odd jobs led way to a career working with bricklayers. While the local community considered him excellent at his trade, his drinking became central to his life. By the time his twenties arrived, it was common for Matthew to spend all his earned wages obtaining alcohol.

When that wasn't enough, he began selling his possessions and eventually resorted to credit. Finally, after racking up too much debt, he sunk to an all-time low: stealing.

Not only was Matthew a heavy drinker-turned-thief, but he had a terrible temper and a vulgar tongue. Gripped by his disease and his poor choices, Matthew's life was going nowhere. His mother, Elizabeth, pleaded with him to change his ways. Finally, Matthew's life sunk so low he had no earthly place to turn.

So, in 1884, Matthew's mother received an answer to her prayers. The 28-year-old went to the only place left to go: Church. There, he confessed his sins and took a pledge to avoid drinking for 3 months. He seemed an unlikely candidate to keep the pledge. Yet Matthew had experienced an interior conversion in that church.

Three months passed, and he was still sober. Inspired by his progress, he pledged to avoid drinking for life and also gave up tobacco.

While Matthew's first several years of sobriety consisted of intense, interior battles, he lived the rest of his life with unwavering devotion to God. The once angry, vulgar Irishman became kind to those he encountered, and he paid back all his debts. He lived simply, prayed daily, and served those in need, eventually taking monastic vows.

Mathew Talbot died at age 69 while walking to church. He had been sober for 41 years.
Matthew's story is a testament to God's transforming power as well as our participation in that transformation. A tearful mother pleaded, a broken young man made a decision to change, and God poured out His graces.

 It's also worth noting that Matthew, with the help of his pastor, employed many of the same steps later incorporated into the Alcoholic's Anonymous 12-Step program. While he wasn't healed overnight, Matthew Talbot eventually experienced new life, giving hope to those battling addictions and the people who love them.

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Addiction to Activity

From http://www.homeword.com/addiction-activity-dd-a-1946-t-18_29.html

You may say, “I am allowed to do anything.” But I reply, “Not everything is good for you.” And even though I am allowed to do anything, I must not become a slave to anything. 
—1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)

What is all the commotion about? It seems that everyone is rushing about, trying to work through our to-do lists so that we can… add more items to our to-do lists. Let’s get some perspective here! We are not doing ourselves any favors by living life at supersonic speed. Today, we cram more and more activity into our lives because our culture encourages us to do so and because we can.

This addiction to activity has also infected the church. It’s wonderful that so many churches today can offer a wide variety of ministry services in order to address a wide variety of life issues. But, far too many Christ-followers cram their schedules with too many (good) things: ministry meetings, program meetings, small group Bible studies, accountability groups, recovery groups, and even meetings to plan more meetings! And, as a result life loses its balance.

Remember, just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should! Busyness for busyness sake—even when the busyness is ministry oriented—is counterproductive at best, and simply sinful at worst.

When I look at Jesus’ life, I see a man who was not ruled by His schedule. He seldom seemed rushed. For instance, I love that while He pursued plans, He would welcome interruptions from people in need. From what we know, Jesus never said anything like this to anyone, “I’m sorry, I can’t help you. I need to be in Jericho by sundown.”

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to cut back on our pace of activities and actually live more like Jesus? Wouldn’t it be helpful to become more of the salt and light that Jesus called us to be in our neighborhoods and communities and spent less time in activities and meetings just talking about it?

Today, give some thought to the pace of your life. If necessary, begin the process of weeding out activities from your life that may be good, but actually prevent you from living a balanced life.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What good activities are you involved in that could actually be (or become) obstacles to your spiritual health and effectiveness in serving Christ?

2. Are you simply too busy? If so, what steps can you take this week to get your schedule under control?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 7:11-17; 10:38-42; Matthew 5:13-16; Psalm 46:10

From http://www.homeword.com/addiction-activity-dd-a-1946-t-18_29.html

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Allow Faith to Dispel Fear

There are few people who do not harbor fear in one form of another. It is a strange fact that many people cannot explain the fear that haunts them but it is nevertheless a burning presence in their lives. 

There is only one sure cure for a life that is dominated by fear, and that is living faith in Jesus Christ. Fear and faith cannot co-exist in the same life. Faith nurtures faith and fear nurtures fear. Place your trust in God.

At first, in the little things in your life, His love and wisdom will be revealed and confirmed, and in time, the bigger things in your life will be under His control too.

He said to His disciples "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Grace for each Moment

--I think fear is the number one reason that addicts hold onto the old way of life. Questions rattling around in one's head:: What is I just can't give it up? What is someone finds out I go to AA? Will my wife leave me if I reveal to her my addiction to pornography? It takes courage to finally take a stand and say "Enough insanity!" and to let it all go. But fear leaves our hands grasping that bottle or joint or whatever your addiction.  But FAITH will release it. You don't have to have all the answers.  But by faith He, our Jesus Christ, will begin to lead your life out of that pit. But ONLY if you let him.

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Productive Faith

There are many people who regard faith as a mere commodity, something you have a lot of or a little of, depending on the circumstances.

You should, however, understand the importance and necessity of maintaining a disposition of expectation towards life. Only those who have an unfailing faith and trust in the Eternal God can face the future with courage and serenity. This great truth, and the acceptance of it in your life creates stability and enables you to face the future with confidence.

He touches their eyes and said "According to your faith will it be done to you". Matthew 9:29

Help me Lord, to be steadfast in my faith and to be forever devoted to Your work. Bless me in abundance and help me to use it to Your greater glory. Amen.

Grace for Each Moment

-- True faith I believe is complete trust in God so that we can "face the future with courage and serenity" because we believe without a shadow of a doubt that He is in charge of our lives. I truly find it freeing to let go of "issues" and say, "Lord, into your hands I deliver this because I can't do it". And it's like a weight being lifted. He gives me everything I need in return to go on in life. It's not easy, I know, but for those in a life of addiction, answer honestly, has what you have been doing working? No, so try trusting in God. I guarantee it will work out for you.

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Let Jesus Guide You

How often have you experienced doubt, loneliness and anxiety? When an important decision has to be made do you find it difficult to make the right choice? If so, you are relying on your own limited insight.

Regardless the circumstances, put your plans, your doubts, your fears and your problems before the Lord's throne of grace and ask Jesus to be your Guide. Be sensitive to the whisperings and stirring of the Holy Spirit in your life, and face the future with faith and hope. You can rest assured that the living Christ will be by your side, leading and guiding you.

Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinth 5:6-7

Grace for each Moment

-- As long as we are at home in the body - things for the flesh that is -- we are not with the Lord. I want to be Lord at all times.  Making decisions is hard..will it be good for me? Will I hurt others? Is this what God wants of me? Will it hurt? So take a vacation and let it all to Him. How relaxing that will be!!  Remember, He has plans to prosper you and not harm you!

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Addiction Can Be a Good Thing - Huh??

Addiction can be a good thing! 

I ran across this at www.worthydevotions.com and the title caught my attention. 

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Does it ever happen to you – that something terribly simplistic just suddenly becomes clear? I realized something about us the other day. We humans are such addictive creatures.

We always hear stories of addictions such as gambling, drinking and using illegal drugs — most of which, many of us have either never allowed ourselves to touch or been able to conquer at some point in our lives. But it occurred to me that these are just a few of many things to which we can become addicted.

I mean, think about it. The more we work and the more money and material things we acquire as a result — the more we want to work in order to purchase more of those things. The more television we watch — the more we don’t want to miss that next episode. The more we win at the leisurely games we enjoy, the more we want to play and win more at those games. The more we sleep — the more we want to sleep! The more we complain — the more we want to complain! The more we eat — the more we want to eat! We have even created nightly support group meetings for our addictions to which, if we’re not careful, we can also become addicted! And there are countless other earthly examples we can probably add! It seems that mankind is hopelessly given to the substances and circumstances around us.

So wouldn’t it be great if we could just switch our focus from majoring on our daily grind, to majoring on the things of the Lord? And then, I'm sure we would find that the more we pray and see God answer our prayers — the more we’ll want to pray and see those victories! The more we share our faith and see people come to know the Lord through us — the more we’ll want to share and see others come! The more we read the Word and gain wisdom for our lives and others' lives — the more we’ll want to read the Word and gain that kind of wisdom! The more we serve God and those around us– the more we’ll want to serve them! And there are countless other heavenly examples we can probably add!

How about it? Let’s begin doing more of the things of the Lord and watch how they multiply! I have feeling that we just might experience more joy, peace and contentment than we ever have!

For more visit www.worthydevotions.com

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Great is thy Faithfulness

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“

  Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

    “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Sometimes a daily devotional does not have to be anything more than a powerful song. The lyrics are simply truth. I urge you today to google a version of the song that you like. My favorite is by the group Selah.  

I hope that you can see and believe that God is faithful forever. He doesn't change. He made promises to love and keep us to Him and he does.  Have a wonderful day today reflecting on the love of our Father.

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Living a "Faith Life"

Is faith a living reality in your life?
Faith becomes real when you feel that you are triumphant and completely in control of your own life through God's Holy Spirit, which resides in you and enables you to conquer all circumstances.

It is true that salvation is God's liberating deed of grace towards mankind. However, it does not release you from the responsibility to accept Him with both your spirit and your intellect.

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

Grace for each Moment

-- being in control of your life doesn't mean that you have recovery licked. I believe it means you take responsibility of your choices. We are all bound to make mistakes - and lots of them. But with faith we can truly believe that God is with us on our recovery journey and has plans for us. Plans to prosper us and not harm us. So celebrate your good choices but don't beat yourself up over your bad ones. Forgive yourself and move on. God doesn't keep score!!

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