Showing posts with label addiction recovery devotions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label addiction recovery devotions. Show all posts

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Musical Devotions - Set Me Free by Casting Crowns

Every person who has struggled with an addiction and the want to be free of it will relate to this song. The video is an interpretation by youth of the chains and demons of the hurts and hangups and addictions and the grip that they can have on you. But what I LOVE about this video is that finally when the person decides to let it go and accept the help from Jesus - watch how it's not just her fighting..but every movement she makes it backed up with the same movement of Jesus.  And that IS how it is when we ask Jesus for help. He IS fighting with us each day.


"Set Me Free" by Casting Crowns
It hasn't always been this way
I remember brighter days
Before the dark ones came
Stole my mind
Wrapped my soul in chains

Now I live among the dead
Fighting voices in my head
Hoping someone hears me crying in the night
And carries me away

Set me free of the chains holding me
Is anybody out there hearing me?
Set me free

Morning breaks another day
Finds me crying in the rain
All alone with my demons I am
Who is this man that comes my way?
The dark ones shriek
They scream His name
Is this the One they say will set the captives free?
Jesus, rescue me

As the God man passes by
He looks straight through my eyes
And darkness cannot hide

Do you want to be free?
Lift your chains
I hold the key
All power on Heav'n and Earth belong to me

You are free
You are free
You are free



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Thursday, May 4, 2017

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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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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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Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Fall to Our Knees

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and earth. I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:14-16

Recently a friend and I were discussing how life becomes so overwhelming with so many difficult situations that we just don't know where to go with it and how easy it is to freeze in fear. Fear of not being able to solve anything.  And then she remarked how we don't need to solve everything.  In fact, God has it worked out - we just need to ask Him for his help!

And so, she and I will pray for each situation in our lives.  But we tell each other our struggles too so that we may pray for each other. I do pray for God to fill her with resources - he truly does have everything at his disposal.   But I also pray for strength and sometimes it's just strength to hold back and let situations play out.

Sit back and close your eyes. I want you to think about how God created the heavens, the animals, the thunder, the lightening, people, grass, bees, think about the human body and all the cells and bones and the complexity of how it all works.  We have an amazing God - so yes he does have unlimited resources that he can send our way.  He created everything and can do anything!


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Monday, May 1, 2017

Encourage Each Other

So encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

This verse packs a punch. Either you are convicted of not doing it, or you feel good that you do offer that support to one another.

I truly believe that encouraging and support that others give to someone who has an addiction is the equivalent of a life preserver. It can truly keep someone afloat during hard times.  It's why I build recoveryBox (the mobile addiction recovery app) to have that accountability piece.  If used correctly, your sponsor should be supporting you during the bad as well as the good.

But now let's extend this verse to other areas of our lives.

Do we encourage our children or just tell them they can do better?
Do we praise our coworkers when they get a promotion or do we stew in jealousy because we felt passed over?
Do we help out in need when we clearly see someone struggling or do we hope someone else will step up?
Do we eat that juicy burger in front of someone so desperately trying to lose weight?
Do we offer help to the mom in the grocery store when her child is melting down or do we think her parenting skills need improvement and then we walk away?

Obviously I could go on.  I just want you to note I am guilty of all of the above I mentioned which is why they came so easily for me to think of as examples.  My point is that even as good as I am in one area, there are other facets of my life that I need to extend this verse to.

So, today, when you see someone struggling with something, offer help.  Or if it's not appropriate in that situation, pray for them.  Sometimes that is what we are called to do instead.


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Saturday, April 29, 2017

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!

Download recoveryBox, Addiction Recovery App - Your Complete Sobriety Toolbox



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

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Thursday, April 27, 2017

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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Monday, April 24, 2017

Our Days Are Numbered

I love verse 12 in Psalm 90.   Moses is praying to God that we would learn to realize that life is not forever.  "12 
Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

That we only have a limited number of days here on earth. Yes, you only have a limited number of days to accept God's gift of salvation. You have a limited number of days to make amends with those we hurt. We have a limited number of days to stop the insanity of an addiction and to start enjoying the life that God has in store for us.  So why do we drag our feet? Why do we make life harder than it has to be?

 We all have those dreams in life that something is going to happen to someone and it's a loved one. I have had them about my kids and spouse and parents and friends.  Those dreams happen for different reasons.  But I always take from them to make sure to reach out to those I love. My days are numbered and I don't know when the last day is.  But until then, I want to live as GOd wants me to - and that is to Love others. 17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90

A prayer of Moses the man of God.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the whole world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust,
    saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight
    are like a day that has just gone by,
    or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
    they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,
    but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger
    and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
    we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.


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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Life is Not Fair But Why?

In our culture we often hear "You Reap what you Sow" but how can that be? Yes, our actions most certainly do have consequences no doubt about that!  But how can I personally be responsible for the bombings of 911, the shootings in Newtown CT, the events at this weeks Boston Marathon. How can I be responsible for the happenings of earthquakes and tsunamis and volcano eruptions?

For most of us, it's just a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time - period.

Different religions answer this in different ways.

Karma says no bad deed goes unpunished and no good deed goes unrewarded. Well, I've seen a lot of people live their lives in horrible ways that have consequences on others so I'm not a believer in this. I do think this is true but not in the sense that it's intended. God will punish those and reward those but it's not in this life.

The Buddhist give up the notion on self. Pain results from our desires and our wants. I personally have a hard time grappling with this.  So if I have no desire then I will feel no pain. So if I create an example out of this.  I just desire my special needs child to have friends - and his autism makes it hard to do so.  And when I see him upset because of social situation my sadness is because of my desire to have friends.  This makes no sense either.  We were created to be with people and my desire is to have him experience this in a good way.

And then there is Christianity that clearly states there will be troubles in this world. Yup, there are. For me, I have to look to the Bible and have faith. I see over and over again where God is faithful. And so by studying this I am able to answer - Yes, Life is NOT fair. But God always makes it right. For me it's just faith.  I don't have to have all the answers - life is to big to have all the answers. And so I will continue to place my faith in Jesus Christ and the salvation and eternal life that he has promised.

Back to why Life is unfair.  For me, I think it's simple. We live in a fallen world where there are evil forces acting upon us that we can't see. I look to the Bible to prove this. Jesus was tempted by Satan. Yes, Satan has an army helping here on earth because this is his dominion.  But not for long - God has his army and it is way bigger than Satan's and someday, Satan will be banished from this earth and it will be God's dominion (the books of Daniel and Isaiah are loaded with goodies in case you are interested in reading more).

But rejoice. Don't be down and upset that life is indeed unfair and that you can't make it right.  You don't have to. Jesus came so that you don't have to!


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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Life Is Just Not Fair

Yes life is not fair and to that I say a HUGE "AMEN"!!  Honestly, if life was fair we would not have the salvation of Jesus who died for our sins..my sins..and your sins.  Why should the Son of God die for what I did wrong?  That makes no sense.  He did not sin when faced with the same trials that I face.  He made all the right choices.

I'm reading the book of the Life of Pi and I recently got to the chapters when the young boy is introduced to different religions and he remarks about why would a God do this for us?  A strong God give himself up for what we do wrong.  And the answer is simple - because He loves us.  It truly is that simple.

The Bible is full of stories of life's unfair situations and God's resolutions to situations.  He is so clever!  Honestly, we could never weave together such a story and have it all go back to love. But please remember when we think about how unfair life can be, we must remember that salvation, eternal life is not fair.  But rather, it's a gift from God.  And so when I think about how unfair life is I truly can say "Thank you Lord Jesus because I don't deserve it."

Think about all those who have been in the wave of destruction caused by an addict.  Was that fair?  And as the addict works through the steps and makes amends with those we hurt, is that fair that we can be offered forgiveness.  Yes, life is unfair!

I found the following about how life is not fair..it's long and so goes above the 5 minute devotion goal that I have set about for those blog, but I recommend reading it.

http://bible.org/seriespage/“life-not-fair-praise-god”-matthew-201-16


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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Yes, This Is an Unfair World

Genesis 39: (1-23 for the entire story)
19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

In this story, Joseph (who was first sold into slavery by his own brothers because he was his father's favorite) was later thrown into jail because of a lie by a vindictive women. 

The fact of the matter is - we do NOT live in a fair world, there is no fairy tale ending here on earth, and nothing you do is going to make life fair. Something else may come along to mar it. It's a lesson I review with my kids - a lot!

What I find fascinating in this story is how Joseph reacts to what has happened. In order for God to be with Joseph and show him favor and success in whatever he did - I'm thinking Joseph must have been obedient and trusting and faithful to God even through the unfair times.

It takes character and courage to remain faithful when life is giving us lemons. We can't change the facts that this world is unfair, but we are in control of our reaction to it. I want to remain faithful to God in the hard and unfair times of life - not just the good times. What about you? What are you doing to remain in God's favor?


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Friday, March 31, 2017

Do You Believe in Miracles?

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Today's devo was inspired by a message that I heard at church. My pastor asked us if we believe in miracles. Well, do you? Do you really believe in miracles, in things that we can't see or explain?  Do you believe in the resurrection of Christ? What about the Bible saying that if we believe in Him, we are a new creation?  Yup, these truly are miracles.

 In today's society we have such a distrust of things that we can't see or prove. Goodness, science has come such an incredibly long way that everything has to be explained, right? Technology makes our lives better, right? Easier? And believing in the devil is, well so old-fashion and the devil has nothing to do with our world anymore because advances in science have made our lives so comfortable.

 But this passage tells us that there are evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm just like there is evil battling right here on earth. The passage also says that our battles are not against the flesh and blood but against the devil's schemes.

Psalm 91 also tells us that evil exists and that spiritual evil is real. While the passage above tells us how to protect ourselves with the armor of God, I want you to consider my original question. Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that if God wanted to, He could defy all laws of nature (that we have defined and made sense of with science) and perform a miracle?

I want you to consider that there is an evil battle going on - and in battle the participants are active. God is actively fighting evil. And He WILL win. We don't understand why it's not here  now, but perhaps because He is waiting for us to fully embrace Him. Perhaps we are the ones not ready?

But, if nothing is impossible for God, perhaps the evil in our lives, our own personal battles are waiting for us to partner up with God for a miracle to happen. Would it be so hard for Him to take away our addiction? Restore broken relationships? I don't think so. And so, I think it's wise for us to pray for that miracle to happen. God is actively working on our behalf and it's OK to ask. And while we are at it, let's pray for us to believe, and for him to take away our unbelief.


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Thursday, March 16, 2017

What Exactly Do We Fear?

Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

 During our lives, we will have fears - no doubt about that. Many going through recovery even fear the process. Will I succeed? Will I maintain my sobriety? What will happen if others find out about my addiction? What will happen with my family if I tell them? Or perhaps your fears have nothing to do with recovery but rather life situations such as Will I still have a job tomorrow? Will my kids be safe at school? Are we going to lose the house? Will I die of some genetic disease?

 The thing is, there are so many things in life that we can fear. And so many are legit!!  No doubt about it!

 So how do we balance the idea that Jesus tells us not to fear in anything verses the reality of life and legit fears?

 Let's look at the verse above.There was a horrible storm - and Jesus woke up and quelled the storm! The wind stopped and the entire scene became calm!  Now look at the reaction of the disciples - they were AFRAID!  But not of the storm because they should have been relieved since it stopped. They were terrified of Jesus.  I would too if I saw the storm cease immediately. Up until now they saw Jesus healing people, and do miracles that affected others. But their lives were at peril because of this terrible storm - and Jesus stopped it in it's tracks. 

 Who is this man that the forces of nature OBEY him IMMEDIATELY!  Now the disciples were getting that He is the son of God. And they realized his power - and NOW they realized they should be afraid of him.

 Jesus is a compassionate person and full of love - but he is so powerful that we can't even begin to fathom how powerful.

 So, when Jesus tells us not to fear anything, I think I'm going to listen to the one who can calm the storm immediately. For he can do anything! If Jesus can calm a storm in life - he most definitely can calm the storms in my life no matter how simple or complicated they are.

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Saturday, March 11, 2017

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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Saturday, March 4, 2017

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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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Addiction to Activity


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



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Monday, February 27, 2017

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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Sunday, February 26, 2017

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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Saturday, February 25, 2017

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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Friday, February 24, 2017

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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