"Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith . . . " 1 Peter 5:8-9. It has come to my attention in the past few months that there seems to be a precursor to relapse. I've heard this from more than one person and have dealt with it myself. Our enemy, the devil, wants nothing more than to destroy your life and mine, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." (John 10:10). That's his sole purpose in this world and he comes in subtle ways. When he tempted Eve with the apple did he shout "Here I am and what I'm tempting you with will destroy your relationship with God for generations to come!!!"? No, he simply enticed her to eat what must have been a delicious looking apple, afterall, God did make the apple right?
So, she was tempted subtly and she eventually gave in to temptation. We've all done it, we've all been there. However, just when you think things are going great for you when you've been free for a while he comes. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12) Remember, when we fall we've pleased satan and done as he wishes and we've fallen away from God. When we've walked with the devil for a while we've destroyed trust that was built up, integrity that was built, truth that was built, and restored relationships that were built, all built upon the foundation of God.
Here's the point, there's a precursor to falling into temptation believe it or not. Don't believe me? Have you ever gotten the thought in your head about an upcoming time when it's ripe to fall into temptation? For instance, are you a gambler? Maybe you've heard the subtle thought in your head that nobody will know if you're at the casino, maybe I can go just one more time. Are you an alcoholic? If so, have you heard the subtle thought that you'll be alone in the near future and you could have that one last "dance"? Perhaps you're a single parent and share custody of your child with his/her father/mother. On your upcoming "off" night have you heard the subtle thought that it won't matter if you fall into temptation because nobody will be the wiser or it won't be a bad thing to take another trip down memory lane? Here's the kicker, once you've decided you're going to do it, it's too late! You've already agreed to give in when the time comes. You're now walking with the enemy. Don't believe me? For those of us who have relapsed I want you to think of something, is there a stronger force on earth that can stop a person in recovery once they've made that decision? The problem lies with the fact that we've started a journey with the enemy and we're no longer thinking or caring what God wants for us. It becomes all-consuming to reach, what has now become the goal, of relapse. However, there's good news on the horizon.
Stand firm in your faith and "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5)and brace yourself for the subtle onslaught that is temptation from the devil. Falling into temptation doesn't have to happen. Before entertaining the thoughts that come your way become reality at the point of decision making, ask yourself if what you're thinking is from God or from the thief who comes only to steal kill and destroy. The enemy won't come shouting, I can assure you of that because I've lived it myself. Rather, stand firm when the storm comes. Don't give in to temptation and continue to live free of life's hurts habits and hangups.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Principle 4/Step 4
Hi All,
Glad you came back! If you look to the right of the page, you'll notice that we're going to be spending the next several weeks on Principle 4/Step 4, so I thought I'd mention some things that pertain to this particular area of recovery since a large chunk of our time will be devoted to it.
Principle/Step 4 is really where the rubber meets the road. This is where we get down and dirty and do some serious soul searching. It is vital that you do not proceed without a sponsor. An accountability partner won't cut it for this step. What's the difference? Glad you asked. A sponsor is someone who has been through the steps and has completed each one with a sponsor of their own to walk them through it. Who better to teach than someone who's walked in your shoes? An accountability partner is someone who is maybe in the same boat you are. Someone who hasn't been through the steps before and who also needs guidance. It's someone whom you can call and can cry to or vent to or spill your guts to, but not someone who's qualified (I don't like using that word, but it's the most appropriate for our discussion) to take you through the steps.
This is probably the toughest, and longest, step you'll go through. I can't stress enough the importance of having a sponsor for this phase of recovery in order to fully grasp the reality and gravity of what we've done (relationships that need repair). In recovery, the most important thing is to go through the steps/principles thoroughly and without anything left behind. This is how a sponsor can help manage your recovery in making sure you're thorough enough to get through what may be the hardest thing you'll do in recovery.
It is my hope and prayer that you get through this most important step/principle with the utmost honesty and integrity. When we go through the fire, God will refine us and make us stronger when we come out because of what we've been through. It is these circumstances that make us who we are in Christ. He is the best solution to our problems. It doesn't matter what we've done, He still loves you and desires your attention and is excited when we come Home to Him. Read the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) Rejoice in your suffering, it leads to His glory within you.
Dean
Glad you came back! If you look to the right of the page, you'll notice that we're going to be spending the next several weeks on Principle 4/Step 4, so I thought I'd mention some things that pertain to this particular area of recovery since a large chunk of our time will be devoted to it.
Principle/Step 4 is really where the rubber meets the road. This is where we get down and dirty and do some serious soul searching. It is vital that you do not proceed without a sponsor. An accountability partner won't cut it for this step. What's the difference? Glad you asked. A sponsor is someone who has been through the steps and has completed each one with a sponsor of their own to walk them through it. Who better to teach than someone who's walked in your shoes? An accountability partner is someone who is maybe in the same boat you are. Someone who hasn't been through the steps before and who also needs guidance. It's someone whom you can call and can cry to or vent to or spill your guts to, but not someone who's qualified (I don't like using that word, but it's the most appropriate for our discussion) to take you through the steps.
This is probably the toughest, and longest, step you'll go through. I can't stress enough the importance of having a sponsor for this phase of recovery in order to fully grasp the reality and gravity of what we've done (relationships that need repair). In recovery, the most important thing is to go through the steps/principles thoroughly and without anything left behind. This is how a sponsor can help manage your recovery in making sure you're thorough enough to get through what may be the hardest thing you'll do in recovery.
It is my hope and prayer that you get through this most important step/principle with the utmost honesty and integrity. When we go through the fire, God will refine us and make us stronger when we come out because of what we've been through. It is these circumstances that make us who we are in Christ. He is the best solution to our problems. It doesn't matter what we've done, He still loves you and desires your attention and is excited when we come Home to Him. Read the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) Rejoice in your suffering, it leads to His glory within you.
Dean
Monday, May 2, 2011
Getting Through Our Struggles
Greetings All,
In our struggles to live a somewhat "normal" life, to break through the pain and suffering of this world, sometimes we have more questions than answers and we don't understand the things that go on in our lives. Well, I got another email from James MacDonald that directly answers some questions we might have. The following is from him. It is my hope that this speaks clearly to all of us who are in the midst of the storm of life.
Will I Get Through This?
2 Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. — habakkuk 1:2-4
Many of the people in the pages of the Bible were as confused and filled with questions as we are today. One of the great things about God’s Word is that He decided to include a lot of their questions alongside the answers He gave them. Such is the case of Habakkuk, above. Don’t his questions sound familiar?
Like us, Habakkuk wondered if he would get through what he was facing. But in his third chapter, Habakkuk moves from questions to answers, and he models something for us that is incredible. In response to the question, “Will I get through this?”
Habakkuk prayed.
His survival strategy involved prayer. Chapter 3 begins, “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet…” When you think about difficulties, you’re like, “Prayer? That’s hard!” I know what you mean; sometimes prayer can be very difficult. Fortunately, Habakkuk has a few insights for us.
He began with reverence for God’s Word: “O Lord, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O Lord, I do fear” (Habakkuk 3:2). Habakkuk is ridding his heart of all anxiety, and stress, and burden. He’s also praying to God as He has revealed Himself: a God who is to be feared. A God who is mighty —who can do anything. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a).
Habbakuk also is remembering God’s mighty works on behalf of His people. This reverence for “Your work” is followed by reverence for God’s Word. And that’s why he prays, “In the midst of years revive it” (v.2). Verses 3-16 review God’s work in history.
After reverence for God’s Word and God’s work, a time of praise is in order. Habakkuk decided to rejoice in the Lord. In verse 17 he says, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines. . . ” God knows what the deepest valley will be for you. But to come to the place where you can say, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (v.18), you are no longer just getting through, you are overcoming!
And then Habakkuk finishes with this, a decision to rely on God’s strength. He says, “God, the Lord, is my strength” (v.19). What a great way to say, yes, I will get through this—God will get me through. — James MacDonald
Journal:
What place does prayer play in my survival plans?
How would adopting Habakkuk’s “get through this” prayer plan affect my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord, when I pause long enough to pay attention, the power of Your Word, and the evidence of Your work, are always infinitely above what I’m facing. But it’s Your faithfulness that I want to stand on when all around me gives way. I know I won’t get through unless You are with me—that’s exactly what You’ve promised to do! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In our struggles to live a somewhat "normal" life, to break through the pain and suffering of this world, sometimes we have more questions than answers and we don't understand the things that go on in our lives. Well, I got another email from James MacDonald that directly answers some questions we might have. The following is from him. It is my hope that this speaks clearly to all of us who are in the midst of the storm of life.
Will I Get Through This?
2 Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. — habakkuk 1:2-4
Many of the people in the pages of the Bible were as confused and filled with questions as we are today. One of the great things about God’s Word is that He decided to include a lot of their questions alongside the answers He gave them. Such is the case of Habakkuk, above. Don’t his questions sound familiar?
Like us, Habakkuk wondered if he would get through what he was facing. But in his third chapter, Habakkuk moves from questions to answers, and he models something for us that is incredible. In response to the question, “Will I get through this?”
Habakkuk prayed.
His survival strategy involved prayer. Chapter 3 begins, “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet…” When you think about difficulties, you’re like, “Prayer? That’s hard!” I know what you mean; sometimes prayer can be very difficult. Fortunately, Habakkuk has a few insights for us.
He began with reverence for God’s Word: “O Lord, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O Lord, I do fear” (Habakkuk 3:2). Habakkuk is ridding his heart of all anxiety, and stress, and burden. He’s also praying to God as He has revealed Himself: a God who is to be feared. A God who is mighty —who can do anything. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a).
Habbakuk also is remembering God’s mighty works on behalf of His people. This reverence for “Your work” is followed by reverence for God’s Word. And that’s why he prays, “In the midst of years revive it” (v.2). Verses 3-16 review God’s work in history.
After reverence for God’s Word and God’s work, a time of praise is in order. Habakkuk decided to rejoice in the Lord. In verse 17 he says, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines. . . ” God knows what the deepest valley will be for you. But to come to the place where you can say, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (v.18), you are no longer just getting through, you are overcoming!
And then Habakkuk finishes with this, a decision to rely on God’s strength. He says, “God, the Lord, is my strength” (v.19). What a great way to say, yes, I will get through this—God will get me through. — James MacDonald
Journal:
What place does prayer play in my survival plans?
How would adopting Habakkuk’s “get through this” prayer plan affect my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord, when I pause long enough to pay attention, the power of Your Word, and the evidence of Your work, are always infinitely above what I’m facing. But it’s Your faithfulness that I want to stand on when all around me gives way. I know I won’t get through unless You are with me—that’s exactly what You’ve promised to do! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
God's Control of Your Life
Last week we talked about God being in control of all things, and that he's got a plan in all circumstances. Sometimes we may not always be able to understand why we have to go through the things we go through, but God is always in control.
In a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the surviving elders among the Jews in exile, God told them He had a plan. Sometimes we want His plan unfolded now. But we have to wait sometimes longer than we'd like. Life would be so much better if we could end the pain and bondage, but listen to this: Jeremiah 29:10, "This is what the Lord says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place." They had to wait 70 years for God to make good on a promise! For many, if not most, that was longer than a lifetime! Be patient in your suffering. Wait on the Lord, He's in control and He has plans for each and every one of us.
Jeremiah 29:11, "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." Amen! Your future is bright, although we may not be able to see it now, it's coming. The day is coming when the Lord will give us a future rich with His blessings. There is hope in Him, He's the only hope we have of being freed from bondage. Hang on a little while longer in your suffering. There's a hope and a future for you and me. 1 Peter 5:10-11, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." Praise God!
In a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the surviving elders among the Jews in exile, God told them He had a plan. Sometimes we want His plan unfolded now. But we have to wait sometimes longer than we'd like. Life would be so much better if we could end the pain and bondage, but listen to this: Jeremiah 29:10, "This is what the Lord says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place." They had to wait 70 years for God to make good on a promise! For many, if not most, that was longer than a lifetime! Be patient in your suffering. Wait on the Lord, He's in control and He has plans for each and every one of us.
Jeremiah 29:11, "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." Amen! Your future is bright, although we may not be able to see it now, it's coming. The day is coming when the Lord will give us a future rich with His blessings. There is hope in Him, He's the only hope we have of being freed from bondage. Hang on a little while longer in your suffering. There's a hope and a future for you and me. 1 Peter 5:10-11, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." Praise God!
Monday, January 31, 2011
What to do in times of trouble
Ever wonder what in the world is going on in your life? Ever wonder what you should do when the path is hard to follow and you're overwhelmed with the daily struggle? Do you trust God? Is he really in control? Well, to answer those questions I thought maybe you'd find something interesting that was mailed to me today. I subscribe to a weekly email from James McDonald from Walk in the Word ministries in Illinois. This week he talks about those things, and it relates directly to our recovery in whatever we're seeking freedom from. I hope you find this short article helpful and inspiring. God Bless.
God Is Always In Control; I Will Not Doubt
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Someone has said that doubt is cancer of the soul. Like a wrecking ball against your house, doubt pounds away and damages the structure of the most important thing about you - what you believe about God.
However, if in times of doubt we take our questions directly to the Lord, then our faith increases. We can't claim we won't doubt; instead, we aim toward knowing what to do with doubts when they do come at us. The promises of God and His character can stand under the most microscopic scrutiny. Doubts should drive us back to God's promises, not cause us to back away from Him! When you say, "I don't know exactly what God is doing, but I know He's in control" —that's evidence you're trusting Him. You don't realize how much you need God's promises until your smooth and easy life suddenly turns sideways. That is the time to dig into God's Word and get something to wrap your faith around.
As we've already seen, God makes two kinds of promises — conditional and unconditional. This one is conditional - you've got to do something. You have got to trust in the Lord with all your heart. You have got to acknowledge Him in all of your ways without leaning on your own understanding. If you do your part, God will do His part. "He will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:6b). The wording I memorized as a kid says, "He shall direct thy paths" (KJV). That means He will make your paths smooth — God will make the way passable.
Proverbs 3:5–6 is really quite a commitment on God's part. There are no illusions here. This is God we're talking about. "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). He can handle anything that's in your path with one hand tied behind His back. A common way we express this is by saying, God is in control.
There are times when all we can see is the hard road and the heavy load. But the Lord promises that if you trust in Him with all your heart, and that if you do not lean on your own understanding, and that if you acknowledge Him in all your ways, then He will make your paths smooth. God will pave the way for you.
God Is Always In Control; I Will Not Doubt
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Someone has said that doubt is cancer of the soul. Like a wrecking ball against your house, doubt pounds away and damages the structure of the most important thing about you - what you believe about God.
However, if in times of doubt we take our questions directly to the Lord, then our faith increases. We can't claim we won't doubt; instead, we aim toward knowing what to do with doubts when they do come at us. The promises of God and His character can stand under the most microscopic scrutiny. Doubts should drive us back to God's promises, not cause us to back away from Him! When you say, "I don't know exactly what God is doing, but I know He's in control" —that's evidence you're trusting Him. You don't realize how much you need God's promises until your smooth and easy life suddenly turns sideways. That is the time to dig into God's Word and get something to wrap your faith around.
As we've already seen, God makes two kinds of promises — conditional and unconditional. This one is conditional - you've got to do something. You have got to trust in the Lord with all your heart. You have got to acknowledge Him in all of your ways without leaning on your own understanding. If you do your part, God will do His part. "He will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:6b). The wording I memorized as a kid says, "He shall direct thy paths" (KJV). That means He will make your paths smooth — God will make the way passable.
Proverbs 3:5–6 is really quite a commitment on God's part. There are no illusions here. This is God we're talking about. "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). He can handle anything that's in your path with one hand tied behind His back. A common way we express this is by saying, God is in control.
There are times when all we can see is the hard road and the heavy load. But the Lord promises that if you trust in Him with all your heart, and that if you do not lean on your own understanding, and that if you acknowledge Him in all your ways, then He will make your paths smooth. God will pave the way for you.
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