CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous)
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I use an herbal health called Protandim (NfrR2 synthesizer: stimulates my body to create antibodies to promote optimum health). Protandim is a LifeVantage product. I also take 2000 mg of Vit. D(3). And 2000 mg of Vit. C. I also take GABA and L-Theanine; these two amino acids help regulate dopamine and serotonin.
I just take nature made super B complex every other day and eat salmon w/spinach salad once a week for the zinc, selenium , iron and omega 3 (plus I like baby spinach.) add croutons or oyster crackers for crunch.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
BEING SENSITIVE TO OTHERS
In the Bible we read over and over again how Jesus was sensitive to people and what they were going through. He reached out to them with compassion. Recovering the life God intends us to live is learning how to move from being overly sensitive about our own needs and feelings to becoming aware what others are going through and truly caring about them.
Don’t be jealous or proud but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves. (Philippians 2:3-4 CEV)
It’s important to be sensitive about what we say, when we say it, and how we say it. We need to learn to be honest but compassionate to those we are speaking with. This goes hand-in-hand with truth telling.
…Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. ...Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen. (James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29 NIRV)
God’s word instructs us to be careful and sensitive about what we do or say so we don’t offend others. When we insensitively say and do “what we want when we want,” we may harm those who are seeking to recover from hurtful situations.
You say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything is helpful. Again you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything builds us up. No one should look out for their own interests. Instead, they should look out for the interests of others. (1 Corinthians 10:2324 NIRV)
God desires us to have confidence in being the person He created us to be. He longs for us to leave behind feelings of inferiority which lead to living oversensitively to the words and actions of others. God encourages us to stand strong in His love and acceptance.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to speak and behave with wisdom and compassion. Help me to be gentle and kind in all my dealings with others. Amen
(CO Partners in Hope Ministries)
BEING SENSITIVE TO OTHERS
In the Bible we read over and over again how Jesus was sensitive to people and what they were going through. He reached out to them with compassion. Recovering the life God intends us to live is learning how to move from being overly sensitive about our own needs and feelings to becoming aware what others are going through and truly caring about them.
Don’t be jealous or proud but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves. (Philippians 2:3-4 CEV)
It’s important to be sensitive about what we say, when we say it, and how we say it. We need to learn to be honest but compassionate to those we are speaking with. This goes hand-in-hand with truth telling.
…Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. ...Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen. (James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29 NIRV)
God’s word instructs us to be careful and sensitive about what we do or say so we don’t offend others. When we insensitively say and do “what we want when we want,” we may harm those who are seeking to recover from hurtful situations.
You say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything is helpful. Again you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything builds us up. No one should look out for their own interests. Instead, they should look out for the interests of others. (1 Corinthians 10:2324 NIRV)
God desires us to have confidence in being the person He created us to be. He longs for us to leave behind feelings of inferiority which lead to living oversensitively to the words and actions of others. God encourages us to stand strong in His love and acceptance.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to speak and behave with wisdom and compassion. Help me to be gentle and kind in all my dealings with others. Amen
(CO Partners in Hope Ministries)
Meeting etiquitte
It is a generally accepted practice to avoid cross-talk, which is addressing a share at another person rather than the group. When shares are directed to the group everyone can benefit from the message being offered and no one individual in the group is singled out. Additionally, members will often try to limit their shares to their own experience, using “I” rather than “you.”
It is a generally accepted practice to avoid cross-talk, which is addressing a share at another person rather than the group. When shares are directed to the group everyone can benefit from the message being offered and no one individual in the group is singled out. Additionally, members will often try to limit their shares to their own experience, using “I” rather than “you.”
As one of the guiding principles of twelve-step programs, anonymity protects not only the individual but also twelve-step programs as a whole. Each person who attends a twelve-step meeting has a right to have their anonymity observed.
Most twelve-step meetings are warm and inviting spaces. If something doesn’t make sense or you have a question, just ask. Everyone—everyone—was new once and most people at meetings are more than willing to help answer questions or provide insight into how the group runs. Your presence at the meeting is important and the group wants you there.
Meeting Etiquette
...shares are directed to the group everyone can benefit from the message being offered and no one individual in the group is singled out. Additionally, members will often try to limit their shares to their own experience, using “I” rather than “you.”
...shares are directed to the group everyone can benefit from the message being offered and no one individual in the group is singled out. Additionally, members will often try to limit their shares to their own experience, using “I” rather than “you.”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
LIFE IMPROVES AS I PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL
The Bible tells us that when God's Spirit lives in us our lives will demonstrate it by qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control. God works in us so we can choose and act in ways that please God and satisfy our souls. One of the ways we please God is to say "yes" or "no" at the appropriate time.
We live in a time and culture that could easily be labeled as self-indulgent rather than self-controlled. One principle that appears to operate in our lives in this 21st Century is, “If it feels good, do it.” God desires for us to have a rewarding and fulfilling life. Surprisingly, God tells us that in order to have that we will sometimes have to deny ourselves some immediate pleasures.
So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
Just like the farmer who plants good seeds has to deal with weeds all through the growing season, we will need to do what is right while fighting against the temptation of immediate gratification. Sometimes we will have to wait longer than we expected and trust God’s promise to provide us with everything we need at just the right time. While times of waiting are difficult, there are rich rewards to be reaped when we sow the seeds of selfcontrol.
As we follow God’s guidance and allow God’s Spirit to mature the fruit of self-control in us, we will both be blessed and be able to be a blessing to others around us.
But we belong to the day. So let us control ourselves. Let us put the armor of faith and love on our chest. Let us put on the hope of salvation like a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, even though I normally “want what I want when I want it,” I pray today that You would help me walk in Your ways and allow Your Holy Spirit to mature the fruit of self-control in me. Amen
(CO Partners in Hope)
LIFE IMPROVES AS I PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL
The Bible tells us that when God's Spirit lives in us our lives will demonstrate it by qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control. God works in us so we can choose and act in ways that please God and satisfy our souls. One of the ways we please God is to say "yes" or "no" at the appropriate time.
We live in a time and culture that could easily be labeled as self-indulgent rather than self-controlled. One principle that appears to operate in our lives in this 21st Century is, “If it feels good, do it.” God desires for us to have a rewarding and fulfilling life. Surprisingly, God tells us that in order to have that we will sometimes have to deny ourselves some immediate pleasures.
So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
Just like the farmer who plants good seeds has to deal with weeds all through the growing season, we will need to do what is right while fighting against the temptation of immediate gratification. Sometimes we will have to wait longer than we expected and trust God’s promise to provide us with everything we need at just the right time. While times of waiting are difficult, there are rich rewards to be reaped when we sow the seeds of selfcontrol.
As we follow God’s guidance and allow God’s Spirit to mature the fruit of self-control in us, we will both be blessed and be able to be a blessing to others around us.
But we belong to the day. So let us control ourselves. Let us put the armor of faith and love on our chest. Let us put on the hope of salvation like a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, even though I normally “want what I want when I want it,” I pray today that You would help me walk in Your ways and allow Your Holy Spirit to mature the fruit of self-control in me. Amen
(CO Partners in Hope)
I do not believe that what is a sin for some is a sin for all however we should refrain from doing things in front to others that causes them to stumble. In fact in 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 it says; 9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
I identify as an alcoholic because I believe I have an allergy that if I drink like most ordinary people do, causes a phenomenal on craving that most people don't get. I sincerely doubt that Lord turned the dish washing water into grape juice at the wedding in Cana considering John 2:9-10 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." NIV
Alcoholic beverages certain herbs, flowers and behaviors are a sin for me. They are thorns in my flesh that cause me to sin. So I have learned that for me and people like me abstinence is one of the very best ways to avoid relapse and continue living, happy joyous and free.
I identify as an alcoholic because I believe I have an allergy that if I drink like most ordinary people do, causes a phenomenal on craving that most people don't get. I sincerely doubt that Lord turned the dish washing water into grape juice at the wedding in Cana considering John 2:9-10 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." NIV
Alcoholic beverages certain herbs, flowers and behaviors are a sin for me. They are thorns in my flesh that cause me to sin. So I have learned that for me and people like me abstinence is one of the very best ways to avoid relapse and continue living, happy joyous and free.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
GETTING TO KNOW HOW GOOD LIFE CAN BE
As we continue to pay attention and do what God’s word says He will reveal more of His will for our lives. God has good plans for our day-to-day living and He’s more than willing to make those plans known to us. God has promised us a life that is even better than we could imagine. This is the purpose of prayer and meditation – to get to know the good things God has planned for us and then shape our lives around His life-giving principles. As we act on what God teaches us we become more and more conscious of how well His ways work in all our relationships.
Jesus said: But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. (John 15:7, Jeremiah 33:3, James 1:5-6a NLT)
Meditation and reading scripture reveal to us the nature of God and all the promises He has made. Underneath the "spiritual exercises" is God's desire to affirm His unfailing love for us. As we pray and meditate on God’s Word, we are not seeking to simply learn facts but rather to consciously get to know God.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. (John 16:13, Psalm 69:32 NLT)
As we become familiar with God’s character and ways and make them the foundation for our daily living we will become more and more aware of the loving and uplifting presence of God in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I welcome the work of Your Holy Spirit to guide me as You reveal Your will for my life. I am grateful that you give me the desire and power to carry out what You have prepared for me to do. Help me to humbly serve You in Your divine purposes and to honour You in all my ways. Amen
(C.O. Partners in Hope)
GETTING TO KNOW HOW GOOD LIFE CAN BE
As we continue to pay attention and do what God’s word says He will reveal more of His will for our lives. God has good plans for our day-to-day living and He’s more than willing to make those plans known to us. God has promised us a life that is even better than we could imagine. This is the purpose of prayer and meditation – to get to know the good things God has planned for us and then shape our lives around His life-giving principles. As we act on what God teaches us we become more and more conscious of how well His ways work in all our relationships.
Jesus said: But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. (John 15:7, Jeremiah 33:3, James 1:5-6a NLT)
Meditation and reading scripture reveal to us the nature of God and all the promises He has made. Underneath the "spiritual exercises" is God's desire to affirm His unfailing love for us. As we pray and meditate on God’s Word, we are not seeking to simply learn facts but rather to consciously get to know God.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. (John 16:13, Psalm 69:32 NLT)
As we become familiar with God’s character and ways and make them the foundation for our daily living we will become more and more aware of the loving and uplifting presence of God in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I welcome the work of Your Holy Spirit to guide me as You reveal Your will for my life. I am grateful that you give me the desire and power to carry out what You have prepared for me to do. Help me to humbly serve You in Your divine purposes and to honour You in all my ways. Amen
(C.O. Partners in Hope)
Hi...
Been reading your past post , I am sitting here crying my eyes out , especially when I read the prayers at the end of each post...
Last night I failed , I drank 5 bottles of beer , started of with two , knowing I was going to go back for three more...
When God saved me , I was drinking weekly , I would drink all night long into the early hours of the next morning , and sleep for 4/5 days recovering , the LORD has changed me so much , that these past 5 months have been the longest I went without a drink , until last night...
My spirit is a mess , I did not use any Scripture to help me fight the temptation , I just walked in my flesh without putting up a fight , that disgusts me more then drinking , feel so ashamed I could treat God like that , I feel like a hypocrite , especially because God has shown me through His word all about alcohol , and I clearly understand what He was showing me , yet I pushed all the knowledge and wisdom that He taught me aside ...
Today I am struggling over that , treating Him that way , I have confessed my wrong doing , I feel heavy and out of sync with God...
Thank you for this forum , I am embarrassed to post this to be honest , but I want the darkness of my failing to be brought into the light...I pray God restores His peace to me today , because I cannot bare to be without it , what a fool I am...xox...
Relapse or backsliding can be turned around and used for the good. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV) Paul sometimes his own weakness of the flesh and repented. He was comforted and told "My grace is sufficient for thee" and he (Paul) also said where sin abounds Grace also abounds. Thus I although I know backsliding is bad it can be turned around to keep us humble. The power of sin or alcohol does not diminish the power of God and it's better to be humble than to trick ourselves into thinking we are better than others. Repentance and humility make us stronger.
As we become familiar with God’s character and ways and make them the foundation for our daily living we will become more and more aware of the loving and uplifting presence of God in our lives.
Today is a new day and recovery is 1 day at a time. Live and let live. Learn and love. You are a blessing and yesterday is over. Praise the Lord!
As we become familiar with God’s character and ways and make them the foundation for our daily living we will become more and more aware of the loving and uplifting presence of God in our lives.
Today is a new day and recovery is 1 day at a time. Live and let live. Learn and love. You are a blessing and yesterday is over. Praise the Lord!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
JUST FOR TODAY – WALK HUMBLY
Just for today I will seek to serve others with kindness, doing what is right, and walking humbly with God.
The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy and you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God. (Micah 6:8 NIRV)
As we choose life with God in recovery we will often come to a place of challenge where we want to do what we want to do rather than what God is telling us to do. Perhaps we are having fun and it would be inconvenient to stop and listen to a person who needs to share or needs help with something. We’d rather let someone else do it this time. We hear the quiet voice in our head saying, “Do the right thing.” Will we ignore it or respond?
Self-centered ways are childish ways. God invites us to grow up and make mature choices as adults to act responsibly. For too long we have let our feelings be our guide and that’s been our downfall. God calls us to live as Jesus did, showing compassion and mercy where we can, even when its inconvenient and we don’t feel like doing it.
He makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. (Ephesians 4:16a NIRV)
We may not know why it’s important to do inconvenient things in order to find freedom from character defects and grow into the person we were created to be. We want to learn what we want to focus on when we think we are ready. That’s where the principle mentioned above gives us guidance: “be humble as you live in the sight of your God.” We are the students. God is the teacher. Only God knows the proper sequence of lessons. God wants us to depend on Him and lessons will come in God’s right time. God will show us the way forward and strengthen us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work, but it requires humility and surrender on our part.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the grace and strength to serve others with kindness. Teach me to do what is right when it is right to do it. Help me to be willing to do things Your way not mine. Amen
(co Partners in Hope.)
JUST FOR TODAY – WALK HUMBLY
Just for today I will seek to serve others with kindness, doing what is right, and walking humbly with God.
The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy and you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God. (Micah 6:8 NIRV)
As we choose life with God in recovery we will often come to a place of challenge where we want to do what we want to do rather than what God is telling us to do. Perhaps we are having fun and it would be inconvenient to stop and listen to a person who needs to share or needs help with something. We’d rather let someone else do it this time. We hear the quiet voice in our head saying, “Do the right thing.” Will we ignore it or respond?
Self-centered ways are childish ways. God invites us to grow up and make mature choices as adults to act responsibly. For too long we have let our feelings be our guide and that’s been our downfall. God calls us to live as Jesus did, showing compassion and mercy where we can, even when its inconvenient and we don’t feel like doing it.
He makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. (Ephesians 4:16a NIRV)
We may not know why it’s important to do inconvenient things in order to find freedom from character defects and grow into the person we were created to be. We want to learn what we want to focus on when we think we are ready. That’s where the principle mentioned above gives us guidance: “be humble as you live in the sight of your God.” We are the students. God is the teacher. Only God knows the proper sequence of lessons. God wants us to depend on Him and lessons will come in God’s right time. God will show us the way forward and strengthen us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work, but it requires humility and surrender on our part.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the grace and strength to serve others with kindness. Teach me to do what is right when it is right to do it. Help me to be willing to do things Your way not mine. Amen
(co Partners in Hope.)
Matthew 5:10 New International Version (NIV)
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principals in all of our affairs." (step 12)
Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (NIV)
We don't need to clobber them with a bible and preach; "Thou shalt not..." If they know they've done wrong we need to treat them with loving compassion and tell them the truth. Talk about how it was for us, then them what happened and how it's getting better. Pray with them, not at them. We are getting over it they can too.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principals in all of our affairs." (step 12)
Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (NIV)
We don't need to clobber them with a bible and preach; "Thou shalt not..." If they know they've done wrong we need to treat them with loving compassion and tell them the truth. Talk about how it was for us, then them what happened and how it's getting better. Pray with them, not at them. We are getting over it they can too.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019
DEALING WITH INSULTS AND LIES
Jesus always spoke the truth. He encouraged people to follow Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. He said some things that are very difficult to do and do not seem to fit into the category of comfort and encouragement.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Does Jesus really mean this? We see examples of situations like road rage and know that quick-flash anger lives in most of us and can be triggered very quickly. Isn’t it enough that we don’t act violently in response to what others say and do or spread vicious rumors about them to others? Not only does the Bible teach us to not react and return evil for evil but it challenges us even further when we are taught to find a way to bless the one who is speaking badly about us.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11 NIV)
As Jesus hung on the cross, He blessed and forgave those who put Him there, even while they were busy mocking Him and making fun of Him. Jesus knew it was better to focus His actions on fulfilling what God wanted Him to do rather than be distracted by the sinful words or behaviours of others.
While it may be a challenge, it is true that God will help us when we choose to stop the cycle of insults with kindness. This does not mean that we smile while our fists are clenched. It does mean that we give up the desire for revenge. We let God speak truth to our hearts and give us peace within so the insults and evil lies of others wash off us like oil on a non-stick pan surface. When we do this, we can then ask others to tell us what their problem is and listen long as they offer an explanation. Sometimes it is the right thing to simply walk away in peace and pray a blessing on the wounded angry person.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I can’t imagine not insulting someone back when they insult me but I’m willing to do things Your way. With Your help I will do my best to bless someone who, either in the past or even today, speaks evil to me or about me. Remove all lies from my mind and heal my wounded heart and help me to see myself and others as You see them. Amen
(co; Partner in Hope.)
DEALING WITH INSULTS AND LIES
Jesus always spoke the truth. He encouraged people to follow Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. He said some things that are very difficult to do and do not seem to fit into the category of comfort and encouragement.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Does Jesus really mean this? We see examples of situations like road rage and know that quick-flash anger lives in most of us and can be triggered very quickly. Isn’t it enough that we don’t act violently in response to what others say and do or spread vicious rumors about them to others? Not only does the Bible teach us to not react and return evil for evil but it challenges us even further when we are taught to find a way to bless the one who is speaking badly about us.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11 NIV)
As Jesus hung on the cross, He blessed and forgave those who put Him there, even while they were busy mocking Him and making fun of Him. Jesus knew it was better to focus His actions on fulfilling what God wanted Him to do rather than be distracted by the sinful words or behaviours of others.
While it may be a challenge, it is true that God will help us when we choose to stop the cycle of insults with kindness. This does not mean that we smile while our fists are clenched. It does mean that we give up the desire for revenge. We let God speak truth to our hearts and give us peace within so the insults and evil lies of others wash off us like oil on a non-stick pan surface. When we do this, we can then ask others to tell us what their problem is and listen long as they offer an explanation. Sometimes it is the right thing to simply walk away in peace and pray a blessing on the wounded angry person.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I can’t imagine not insulting someone back when they insult me but I’m willing to do things Your way. With Your help I will do my best to bless someone who, either in the past or even today, speaks evil to me or about me. Remove all lies from my mind and heal my wounded heart and help me to see myself and others as You see them. Amen
(co; Partner in Hope.)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2019
SUNDAY PSALM – THE POWER OF A GLIMMER OF HOPE
My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. (Psalm 38:4-8 NLT)
This is a pretty graphic picture of someone who has sunk low in their addiction and been trapped there for some time. Our inner pain and guilt are heavy. Our physical bodies are a mess. Our health is broken. We're filled with grief over all we've lost. Exhaustion overwhelms us. The anguish of what has been, what could have been, and what will never be, fills our minds.
You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. (Psalm 38:9-12a NLT)
Somehow, even though we felt abandoned by our loved ones and were filled with fear about what our enemies might do to us, a new thought came. Who knows why? Did someone offer a prayer on our behalf that God would make Himself known to us? Did we remember something we heard in a meeting in some soup kitchen when we could hardly stay awake? Did we remember something from a childhood Sunday School experience? Who knows how, but the kindness of God seeped into our dark minds and we began to long for something more than we currently experienced. How amazing is it that God met us in that dark state and has brought us to this day in recovery? The job isn’t finished but we have another day to go forward in the care of God.
For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. … I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. (Psalm 38:15, 18, 22 NLT)
Prayer: Loving God, I’m so grateful for all you’ve done for me. I can’t do life on my own. Today I choose for You and for life with You. How could I do otherwise? Amen
(co; Partners in Hope)
SUNDAY PSALM – THE POWER OF A GLIMMER OF HOPE
My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. (Psalm 38:4-8 NLT)
This is a pretty graphic picture of someone who has sunk low in their addiction and been trapped there for some time. Our inner pain and guilt are heavy. Our physical bodies are a mess. Our health is broken. We're filled with grief over all we've lost. Exhaustion overwhelms us. The anguish of what has been, what could have been, and what will never be, fills our minds.
You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. (Psalm 38:9-12a NLT)
Somehow, even though we felt abandoned by our loved ones and were filled with fear about what our enemies might do to us, a new thought came. Who knows why? Did someone offer a prayer on our behalf that God would make Himself known to us? Did we remember something we heard in a meeting in some soup kitchen when we could hardly stay awake? Did we remember something from a childhood Sunday School experience? Who knows how, but the kindness of God seeped into our dark minds and we began to long for something more than we currently experienced. How amazing is it that God met us in that dark state and has brought us to this day in recovery? The job isn’t finished but we have another day to go forward in the care of God.
For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. … I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. (Psalm 38:15, 18, 22 NLT)
Prayer: Loving God, I’m so grateful for all you’ve done for me. I can’t do life on my own. Today I choose for You and for life with You. How could I do otherwise? Amen
(co; Partners in Hope)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2019
RATIONALIZING
We are experts at rationalizing – attempting to excuse, minimize, or justify our bad behaviour. We rationalize because we don't want the inconvenience or embarrassment the truth might bring. We rationalize when we are still angry with someone and want to justify our resentment. God's word paints a very clear picture about this poisonous mixture of truth and lies.
If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar. His word is not in us. Suppose someone claims to love God but hates a brother or sister. Then they are a liar. They don’t love their brother or sister, whom they have seen. So they can’t love God, whom they haven’t seen. (1 John 1:10, 4:20 NIRV)
We need to seek God to awaken us to the harmful choices we are making. He knows the poison stored in the roots of our destructive actions and reactions. He knows and understands the actual impact of all the events that make up our lives – good and bad. There may be traumatic events in our past to which we still have emotional links and the resulting fear translates into our rationalization. God wants to heal our wounds and set us free from the false belief the evil one attached to those memories. Are we willing to be healed?
God’s love goes deeper than any painful, shameful action in our past. For all sin that has resulted from rationalizing our behaviour, there is instant, total, and completely undeserved forgiveness. This is the way God’s truth begins to come alive in us – we speak truth to our hearts and minds and choose that truth over rationalization. When we surrender our imperfect understanding of ourselves and our past behaviour to God and ask for help, He will reveal the root cause of our confused conduct and show us the best way forward.
…Don’t let anyone lead you astray. The person who does what is right is holy, just as Christ is holy. The person who does what is sinful belongs to the devil. (1 John 3:7-8a NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have rationalized my thoughts in order to excuse my unwillingness to do the right thing. I ask You to give me wisdom and the courage to examine my thoughts and actions in accordance with Your word. Help me to get rid of the roots of bitterness and fear which support my rebellion. Help me to walk in truth in the light
of Your presence. Amen
RATIONALIZING
We are experts at rationalizing – attempting to excuse, minimize, or justify our bad behaviour. We rationalize because we don't want the inconvenience or embarrassment the truth might bring. We rationalize when we are still angry with someone and want to justify our resentment. God's word paints a very clear picture about this poisonous mixture of truth and lies.
If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar. His word is not in us. Suppose someone claims to love God but hates a brother or sister. Then they are a liar. They don’t love their brother or sister, whom they have seen. So they can’t love God, whom they haven’t seen. (1 John 1:10, 4:20 NIRV)
We need to seek God to awaken us to the harmful choices we are making. He knows the poison stored in the roots of our destructive actions and reactions. He knows and understands the actual impact of all the events that make up our lives – good and bad. There may be traumatic events in our past to which we still have emotional links and the resulting fear translates into our rationalization. God wants to heal our wounds and set us free from the false belief the evil one attached to those memories. Are we willing to be healed?
God’s love goes deeper than any painful, shameful action in our past. For all sin that has resulted from rationalizing our behaviour, there is instant, total, and completely undeserved forgiveness. This is the way God’s truth begins to come alive in us – we speak truth to our hearts and minds and choose that truth over rationalization. When we surrender our imperfect understanding of ourselves and our past behaviour to God and ask for help, He will reveal the root cause of our confused conduct and show us the best way forward.
…Don’t let anyone lead you astray. The person who does what is right is holy, just as Christ is holy. The person who does what is sinful belongs to the devil. (1 John 3:7-8a NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have rationalized my thoughts in order to excuse my unwillingness to do the right thing. I ask You to give me wisdom and the courage to examine my thoughts and actions in accordance with Your word. Help me to get rid of the roots of bitterness and fear which support my rebellion. Help me to walk in truth in the light
of Your presence. Amen
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
A SOLUTION FOR OUR GUILT
We feel guilty for all sorts of reasons. When we were running wild in our addiction, we were not even aware of the harm we were causing. It was only when we woke up in recovery and began to look at our lives that we saw and understood how destructive our way of living had been. This awareness often fills us with overwhelming guilt. When we disobey God's principles and harm ourselves and others, we should feel guilt, but God has a solution for it.
God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him. Christ didn’t have any sin. But God made him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us. (John 3:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIRV)
God wants us to be honest about the wreck we've made of our lives and in His great love and forgiveness is waiting for us turn away from the continuing harm. God wants us to repent of our rebellion and live free from sin. God forgives. God washes clean. God brings about restoration. This is the only way we will ever deal properly with guilt. We are wise if we stop and consider what the Holy Spirit is saying about the consequences of continuing rebellious actions.
We have been set free because of what Christ has done. Because he bled and died our sins have been forgiven. We have been set free because God’s grace is so rich. (Ephesians 1:7 NIRV)
The evil one will try to tell us that we can’t be forgiven for some of the things we have done. That’s a lie! Sometimes we’ll think we should be behaving better than what we are – trying to live up to some perfectionistic standard – and feel guilt when we miss the mark. God knows we are frail humans. God wants us to become new creations as He journeys with us. He will teach us how to live life to the full. Today we have a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our guilt, accept forgiveness freely given through Jesus, and be blessed and built up in Him to be a blessing to others.
Prayer: Gracious God, When I do wrong, help me to quickly repent and receive forgiveness. When the evil one seeks to discourage me by false accusation, help me to stand firm on Your word and challenge my thoughts with the truth that, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Amen
A SOLUTION FOR OUR GUILT
We feel guilty for all sorts of reasons. When we were running wild in our addiction, we were not even aware of the harm we were causing. It was only when we woke up in recovery and began to look at our lives that we saw and understood how destructive our way of living had been. This awareness often fills us with overwhelming guilt. When we disobey God's principles and harm ourselves and others, we should feel guilt, but God has a solution for it.
God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him. Christ didn’t have any sin. But God made him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us. (John 3:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIRV)
God wants us to be honest about the wreck we've made of our lives and in His great love and forgiveness is waiting for us turn away from the continuing harm. God wants us to repent of our rebellion and live free from sin. God forgives. God washes clean. God brings about restoration. This is the only way we will ever deal properly with guilt. We are wise if we stop and consider what the Holy Spirit is saying about the consequences of continuing rebellious actions.
We have been set free because of what Christ has done. Because he bled and died our sins have been forgiven. We have been set free because God’s grace is so rich. (Ephesians 1:7 NIRV)
The evil one will try to tell us that we can’t be forgiven for some of the things we have done. That’s a lie! Sometimes we’ll think we should be behaving better than what we are – trying to live up to some perfectionistic standard – and feel guilt when we miss the mark. God knows we are frail humans. God wants us to become new creations as He journeys with us. He will teach us how to live life to the full. Today we have a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our guilt, accept forgiveness freely given through Jesus, and be blessed and built up in Him to be a blessing to others.
Prayer: Gracious God, When I do wrong, help me to quickly repent and receive forgiveness. When the evil one seeks to discourage me by false accusation, help me to stand firm on Your word and challenge my thoughts with the truth that, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Amen