"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.
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