CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous)

[Cabrillo]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 - COMING BACK
Audio for COMING BACK
In the Bible Jesus told a story about a father and two sons (Luke 15:11-31) The younger of the two boys became dissatisfied with life in his father’s household and believed life away from home was more desirable. He asked for his inheritance before it was due to him, and then went out and squandered all he had on wild living. While he had money, he had friends, but his money soon ran out and he found himself alone.

Often when we come into recovery, we find ourselves where the prodigal son was, alone and worn out by sin, with a life that is unmanageable. God offers us a purposeful life, but we want our own way and think that God’s way is restrictive rather than protective. We want to have fun without considering the consequences of the choices we make. The sad truth is, we end up broken and needy by following self-will rather than God’s will.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. (Isaiah 55:2-3 NKJV)

The father of this boy was always waiting for the return of his son and when he saw him coming back, he ran to meet him. God is always pursuing us with His love, and when we turn to Him, He welcomes us with open arms and gives us the privilege of being called His precious child.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1 NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have rejected You in favour of my own self-centeredness. I ask for Your forgiveness. Thank You for adopting me as Your precious child. Help me to follow Your ways in all my affairs. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

Sometimes folks become too prideful of their recovery to a fault. They forget that relapse is only an arms length away. It's easy to become arrogant when we be become caught up in our own self pride and think we are the program answer man. We shouldn't forget where we came from be cause it's the opposite way back.

Here we have the parable of a self righteous, self centered, egotistical, egomaniac that thinks his doesn't stink vs. A meek, humble, sinner saved by grace. I've heard of this kind as program Nazis. They're high on their success and want everybody to know it.

Luke 18:9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

That's why we customarily identify ourselves and our problems. The problem is it sort of becomes a mantra. Part of a reflex and or a memorized pattern of speech. It can lead to problems as we become more prideful of our success and forget why we are really there. It's to carry the message and humble our self. Not to become a talking head!

We're not pastors or gurus in the rooms. We're folks with problems. Don't forget to identify our higher power. Jesus is the Christ. He's real and loves to be praised.

See ya later. PIH dosn't post till almost dawn, Pacific time. Ta-ta for now. Cali.

 

[Cabrillo]

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 - WISDOM FOR OUR RECOVERY - WHAT GOD HATES and WHAT GOD LOVES
Audio for WISDOM FOR OUR RECOVERY - WHAT GOD HATES and WHAT GOD LOVES
When we pray for God’s will for us and the power to carry it out, God just doesn’t point to something unfocused in the distance. God brings truth up front and close and tells us in simple ways what we need to know and act on. In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, there is much wisdom in the many clear and simple sayings that are truths we can put into practice while we are learning about our life in recovery.

Today we find a list of practices that are clearly NOT God’s will. The more we avoid these things and do what God says the more we will grow and find continued success in this new life we have been given.

There are six things the Lord hates. In fact, he hates seven things. The Lord hates proud eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who aren’t guilty. He also hates hearts that make evil plans and feet that are quick to do evil. He hates any witness who pours out lies and anyone who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIRV)

We have all sorts of excuses for lying and for angrily confronting or accusing someone of their wrongdoing. It is easy for us to be a bit shifty and underhanded in how we approach a person in authority or someone from whom we want some favour. Instead of acting in these ways, God calls us to be those who love and lift others up, and with all that we are, to encourage them. God is love and He tells us to love one another, promising us that love will never fail.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIRV)

Prayer: Loving God, Thank You for rescuing me from sin and darkness. I admit that I have done things that Your Word says You hate. Forgive me and wash me clean. Help me to move away from being sneaky and negative and always blaming others. Help me to be humble, truthful, quick to do what it right and to make peace rather than say things that stir up anger and conflict. Help me to establish new patterns of thinking and behaving regardless of what others may think. Help me to endure through every circumstance. Your love is unfailing, and You have been my friend who sticks close to me. My desire is to please You with my life. Amen

CO; partners in hope. Vancouver B.C.

 

[Cabrillo]

Well folks the internet was down this am so I never got through. Here's the daily meditation. Better late than never. Oops.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 - RELYING ON GOD’S PROMISES
Audio for RELYING ON GOD’S PROMISES
To succeed in living well in recovery with God, we need to rely on His promises. His comforting words will help us persevere through the trials and the pain that we experience. Some of us thought that when we gave our will and life over to the care of God, we would automatically be exempt from the troubles of this world. Jesus did not tell us that, and He is the one who should know.

I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world. (John 16:33 NIRV)

The promise Jesus made was that we could have peace because of Him. How can we experience that peace when sin and sickness and death are all around us? Jesus has already won the battle over all those things. Jesus is always with us. This should encourage us because no matter what happens we never have to face life’s circumstances alone. If God is our helper in times of trouble, why should we fear anything that might come our way?

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6 NKJV)

God promises to strengthen those whose hearts are turned towards Him. When we are in trouble, is God the first person we turn to? Do we truly believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him? God has made numerous promises to us, but faith to believe that He exists is required to activate His promises. If we truly believe God is our higher power, let’s confidently stand on His promises today.

God looks down from heaven to see if there is anyone who is wise, anyone who looks to him for help. (Psalm 53:2 ERV)



Prayer: Almighty God, To You all hearts are open, and all desires known. Cleanse my heart of everything that would doubt Your word and help me to stand firm on Your promises. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 - THE BEAUTY OF A QUIET AND GENTLE SPIRIT
Audio for THE BEAUTY OF A QUIET AND GENTLE SPIRIT

God invites us to a life of gentleness where we honour truth, respect the dignity of everyone – including ourselves, and delight in the joy and wonder of each new day.

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. (Psalm 119:77 NLT)

To be gentle with others and ourselves doesn’t mean that we look for “easy ways” to avoid dealing with issues, while allowing ourselves to continue in whatever is familiar but harmful. Gentleness means we approach life with quiet honesty, admitting the truth when we are struggling to cope and need help.

We make space for gentleness in our lives by setting safe boundaries in relationships. We experience gentleness of spirit when we take the time to slow down and notice the good things around us – a baby in a stroller; the aroma of food; the beautiful colours in the sky as the sun goes down.

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. (Psalm 40:11 NLT)

Gentleness will grow in us and and flow out from us as we sit quietly and have a conversation with God. Just reading the Bible often brings peace and gentleness to our soul. When we speak to God in response to what He is teaching us, a gentle spirit seems to wrap itself around our hearts and our souls feel comforted.

Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. (Deuteronomy 32:2 NLT)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live in the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in Your sight. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 - HOPING TOGETHER
Audio for HOPING TOGETHER
There is an account in the Bible of ten men who were lepers. They were from different areas of the country and normally would not have associated with one another because of cultural prejudice. Somehow, they must have heard of Jesus healing a leper and that gave them hope that Jesus might also heal them. They gathered at a place where they thought they would see Jesus passing by on his way to Jerusalem.

Lord, you hear the desires of those who are hurting. You cheer them up and give them hope. You listen to their cries. (Psalm 10:17 NIRV)

Often in our addictive lifestyle we gathered with people who were in the same position as we were. We lost all hope of recovering from the dependency that kept us in bondage, so we chose an existence with those who were just like us. Maybe at some point we heard about someone who had given their will and life over to the care of God and managed to turn their life around, and it gave us hope that perhaps we could do the same. If we have hope, perhaps it is time to get to a place where we can meet with Jesus.

I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. (Proverbs 8:17 NASB)

In the account of what happened to the lepers, Jesus did not immediately heal them, He told them to go show themselves to the priests. On the way they were cleansed of the disease but only one of the ten returned to give thanks and praise to God for the healing. This one man, in returning to glorify God for his healing, received complete wholeness. The others, who were likely excited by their healing, continued on their way to the priests for confirmation of their healing.

Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” (John 17:17-19 MSG)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise and thank You for giving me hope to live a sober life. I now ask You to cleanse, heal and restore me to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Outstanding! Partners in hope, CA.. is a non-profit organization in Vancouver Canada who's focus on recovery from various types of addictive disorders including Co-occurring disorders (aka., Dual Diagnosis) and unlike other programs that sell books, they make the info like step guides free. (Like they should be.)

 

[Cabrillo]

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 - SUNDAY PSALM - LOOK UP AND LEARN
Audio for SUNDAY PSALM - LOOK UP AND LEARN
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens. Praise him in the heavens above. Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his angels in heaven. Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens. Praise him, you waters above the skies. Let all of them praise the name of the Lord, because at his command they were created. He established them for ever and ever. He gave them laws they will always have to obey. (Psalm 148:1-6 NIRV)

The person who wrote this Psalm was so amazed by all that he saw in the heavens above that he called out for everything to praise the Lord. Why should the heavens praise the Lord? The Psalmist says because they were created at God’s command and are established forever. Another incredible thing is that God gave them laws to follow which they will always obey. The earth orbits the sun, and the moon reflects the light of the sun. The stars light up the heavens.

The Bible indicates that there are three heavens and God resides in the highest one from where He rules over the heavens and the earth. Humans reside on earth surrounded by the atmospheric heaven. When humans send rockets and probes into space they move around in the stellar heaven. The elements in the heavens obey God’s laws and therefore we humans, animals, and fish are able to survive in the earth’s atmosphere.

I know a man in Christ who was taken up to the third heaven. This happened 14 years ago. I don’t know if the man was in his body or out of his body, but God knows. (2 Corinthians 12:2 ERV)

God in His wisdom gave us a book containing His laws for life. It is called the Bible. He also put within humankind a moral code to live by. Can’t we assume that if we obey God’s laws our lives will be much better than if we try to manage things on our own? Who knows best, the creator or the created?

Prayer: Loving God, You really are an amazing creator. Help me to be obedient to Your laws and live life to the full as You intended. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021 - STEP SEVEN - COMING HUMBLY FOR GOD’S HELP
Audio for STEP SEVEN - COMING HUMBLY FOR GOD’S HELP

What does it mean to humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings? If we truly have come to that place where we want God to remove our shortcomings, then we will have given some thought to what they actually are. We will be mindful of the negative effect they have had on our lives and strongly desire to have them removed.

The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. (Psalm 25:8-10 NLT)

When we think of our character shortcomings is there a sense of regret, or do we attempt to justify what we have done and perhaps continue to do? To humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings reveals that we have become aware of how far we have strayed from the ways of God, and from being the person He created us to be. We are humbled by the price Jesus paid to set us free from our sin and make us right with God. We know that only by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us will we be able to live the purposeful life we have been given. We are truly humbled by the fact that God has promised to provide everything we need to live a life devoted to Him.

We will strengthen the new foundation we have laid in recovery by our daily admission that, without God we can do nothing. Obedience to God’s word is the tried and true way to have victory over self-absorption. God does not want us to focus on our faults. He wants us to focus on getting to know His will for our lives as revealed in the Bible, and then put that knowledge into action.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I recognize the shortcomings in my character and humbly ask You to remove them. I receive Your forgiveness for my sins and look to You for rest for my soul. I surrender my fear and worries to You. I ask You to change my thinking and believing until I am totally secure in your love and goodness. I choose to embrace life on your terms. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

In spite of internet and electrical failures Monday & Tuesday. We couldn't download the PiH daily meditation. Fortunately I've also have a Zondervan Recovery Devotional bible. I just don't have permission to copy/paste it here. The foundation of yesterdays CRA study meeting was Psalm 73 vs. 1-12 The topic was The nature of evil.

Psalm 73
A psalm of Asaph.
1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. a
5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity b ;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
​

The overall message is evil is real but in regards to real recovery which takes work. Laziness in this regard is evil because it holds us back from uncovering the character defects within. (step 4.)

The purpose of this is to admit and itemize our defects so we realize what we need help with. It's what we need to learn to let go of. It's not a blanket approach like please take my difficulties away. We need to identify what they are and make a determined effort to recognize and repent from each one as it arises so we won't take the fall. Rather we can rise above it if we carry out the necessary cleansing and ask Jesus to help us evict our evil (lazy) nature.

 

[Cabrillo]

OCT
7
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 - BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY
Audio for BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY

Moving forward in identifying character defects and allowing God to help us develop our true character is no easy process. Few of us are confident in our ability to succeed. We have too many examples of our trying and failing and if we are totally honest, we wonder if we will be able to maintain our sobriety at this time. Many of us slipped into addiction to cover up our lack of confidence and low self-esteem. It is no easy task to look ourselves in the mirror once again and believe that we can be something other than what we have become.

In His kindness, God affirms repeatedly in the Bible that there is a way forward for us and that He will be with us every step of the way supplying all that we need.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

God knows us better than we know ourselves. God knows that on our own we will fail but as we surrender our will and life to His care He will show us a new way. God will support us in each step we take and as we experience success our confidence will grow.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (1 John 5:14, Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

We are not aware of what we really need. Our understanding is too clouded by our pain and the destructive patterns of our life in addiction. God has never lost sight of the truth of who we are and what we need in order to succeed. If we remain close to God and let Him guide us on the pathway to peace, we can be confident of finding and living the wonderful life God has for us

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I cannot do life on my own. We both know that. Help me to trust Your view of me and who You say I am. Help me to listen carefully to the voice of Your Spirit as He gives me urgings in my spirit and teaches me how to apply Your Word to my actions and circumstances. Give me the courage and humility to return to You again and again for help in my time of need. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 - COMMON SENSE WISDOM
Audio for COMMON SENSE WISDOM

Common sense and wisdom are learned in many ways. We are encouraged to pursue habits that draw wisdom into our daily living and interactions with others.

Wise people always think before they do anything, but fools show how stupid they are by what they do. If you refuse to learn from your mistakes, you will be poor, and no one will respect you. If you listen when you are criticized, you will be honored. Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble. (Proverbs 13:16, 18, 20 ERV)

Think before you act or speak. Most of us have heard that advice from the time we were small. When we feel pressured, it is easy to neglect it, but it remains a wise practice to develop.

We all make mistakes but are we willing to learn from those mistakes? Shame and embarrassment keep some of us from being able to admit and confront our mistakes. John Newton said, “We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage." The sooner we realize that we are all learning and growing and some of our most important lessons are attached to our greatest failures, the sooner we will humbly accept that God is working for good in all things – including our mistakes.

So turn away from your sins. Turn to God. Then your sins will be wiped away. The time will come when the Lord will make everything new. (Acts 3:19 NIRV)

Criticism is hard to swallow but we are told that we will become wise if we listen and learn when we are criticized. We are within our right to check with a trusted sponsor or guide to sort out what is real and what might be someone else’s baggage. However, we can all learn from another’s perspective on our actions.
Our choice of companions and the people we listen to for wisdom and guidance are also important. We are told to love everyone and serve others, but we are advised to wisely select our friends, those we share our heart with.

One simple practice at a time, we can walk in common sense wisdom today.

Prayer: God, I want to be wise, but I know I have much to learn. Help me to see and humbly receive the lessons that You are teaching me today. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Magenta]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021 - SELF-SUPPORTING - PERSONALLY AND IN THE GROUP
Audio for SELF-SUPPORTING - PERSONALLY AND IN THE GROUP

When we have spent some time in recovery from active addiction, one of the amazing transformations we experience is that we have learned to become more self-supporting. Instead of always expecting someone to rescue us with a hand-out, we learn how to not only pay our own way but also to contribute to the needs of others.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 NIV)

Our recovery is our responsibility, not something that we expect someone else to do for us. As we recover, we learn how to work hard and little by little we see the fruit of our labour. Working hard and providing for ourselves and our families is both the will of God and the provision of God.

Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we appeal to such people—we command them—to quiet down, get to work, and earn their own living. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12 TLB)

We practice being self-supporting in our group life as well as in our personal recovery. We learn how to care for each other and how to “love our neighbour as ourselves” by putting some money in the basket when it goes around at a meeting. We express the value of this principle in what is described in the Responsibility Statement: When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible. (1965 AA Convention Literature)

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV; Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

It is God who gives us the skill to do a specific work. It is also God who gives us the will and the power to get to work and get the job done. We are created by God to be people who use the gifts God has given us. When we live responsibly, God will abundantly bless us.

Prayer: Loving God, Thank You for working in me and transforming me to do the work that You have created me to do. Help me to be faithful and trusting, as well as responsible and generous, in my work environment and wherever I meet with others. Amen

©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[49]

When left the methadone clinic late September, they had issued my last week of 5mg methadone tablets to take with me. Started breaking them in half to help wean (was not recommended, as 5mg is the lowest dose. Highest had been 75mg/daily for me last year). Methadone is EXTREMELY difficult to get off of, much harder than heroin (for me, anyway). Had withdraws for about a week after my last dose, and have body "rushes" once in a while still.

Will be 2 weeks this Tuesday since taking my last partial dose, and it is all because of God's grace and mercy. He has delivered me from so much, and could not have done it on my own. Am here to say to anyone that may be struggling with addiction(s) of ANY sort...give it to God, and trust in Him, and He can and will deliver and allow to overcome, if you let Him and believe.

Believe me, never thought would be delivered from the vast majority of the garbage in my life, but God is merciful, loving, forgiving...well, you know. Still have things in this flesh which are hindering me, and can certainly use prayer.

All glory and praise be to Him!!

 

[JaumeJ]

All blssings and love from our Father and all of your family in this age. May you continue free of that "garbage" and always bask in the Light from our Lord. This is said by one who has been there is no many ways.

 

[Bingo]

"Amen"
I hope of God's inspiration to be your everlasting stimilation that will
truly influence your life. And, to know not to let your guard down, as the
'adversary' is cunning, baffling and powerful."

 

[Cabrillo]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 - STEP EIGHT - THE HEALING LIST
Audio for STEP EIGHT - THE HEALING LIST
For most of us compiling a list of people we have harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them is extremely intimidating. When we think of some past events, we are not proud of the interactions that took place. This step urges us to deal with the harm we have caused rather than fretting over the situation and keeping it buried deep in our souls. Healing takes place when we strip away the excuses and look at the event in the light of God’s love.

Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God — for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 TLB)

How can we get to that place where we can envision ourselves making amends to those we have harmed? Through Jesus, God made a way for everything that was blocking a loving relationship with Him to be removed. In the safety of His love and forgiveness, it is now our turn to take responsibility for breakdowns in relationships and do whatever we can to remove barriers that divide us from others.

So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you? Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24 ERV)

When we come to that place where we are willing to make amends, we need to seek help from those who have completed this step before us and ask for their wisdom in choosing the right approach. In all of this we need to remember that God is with us and will help us.

Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own. (Jeremiah 33:3 MSG)



Prayer: Loving God, You know the people I need to make amends to, please help me be considerate and choose the right time and the right way to make peace with each person. Thank you for providing wise people I can consult with as I move forward. Help me to humbly accept and put their input into practice. Amen


©2021 Partners in Hope

 

[Cabrillo]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021 - SELF-SUPPORTING - PERSONALLY AND IN THE GROUP
Audio for SELF-SUPPORTING - PERSONALLY AND IN THE GROUP

When we have spent some time in recovery from active addiction, one of the amazing transformations we experience is that we have learned to become more self-supporting. Instead of always expecting someone to rescue us with a hand-out, we learn how to not only pay our own way but also to contribute to the needs of others.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 NIV)

Our recovery is our responsibility, not something that we expect someone else to do for us. As we recover, we learn how to work hard and little by little we see the fruit of our labour. Working hard and providing for ourselves and our families is both the will of God and the provision of God.

Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we appeal to such people—we command them—to quiet down, get to work, and earn their own living. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12 TLB)

We practice being self-supporting in our group life as well as in our personal recovery. We learn how to care for each other and how to “love our neighbour as ourselves” by putting some money in the basket when it goes around at a meeting. We express the value of this principle in what is described in the Responsibility Statement: When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible. (1965 AA Convention Literature)

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV; Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

It is God who gives us the skill to do a specific work. It is also God who gives us the will and the power to get to work and get the job done. We are created by God to be people who use the gifts God has given us. When we live responsibly, God will abundantly bless us.

Prayer: Loving God, Thank You for working in me and transforming me to do the work that You have created me to do. Help me to be faithful and trusting, as well as responsible and generous, in my work environment and wherever I meet with others. Amen

©2021 Partners in Hope

Thank you @Magenta for picking up the mantle.

 

[Cabrillo]

When left the methadone clinic late September, they had issued my last week of 5mg methadone tablets to take with me. Started breaking them in half to help wean (was not recommended, as 5mg is the lowest dose. Highest had been 75mg/daily for me last year). Methadone is EXTREMELY difficult to get off of, much harder than heroin (for me, anyway). Had withdraws for about a week after my last dose, and have body "rushes" once in a while still.

Will be 2 weeks this Tuesday since taking my last partial dose, and it is all because of God's grace and mercy. He has delivered me from so much, and could not have done it on my own. Am here to say to anyone that may be struggling with addiction(s) of ANY sort...give it to God, and trust in Him, and He can and will deliver and allow to overcome, if you let Him and believe.

Believe me, never thought would be delivered from the vast majority of the garbage in my life, but God is merciful, loving, forgiving...well, you know. Still have things in this flesh which are hindering me, and can certainly use prayer.

All glory and praise be to Him!!

I had a sponsor (Cherokee) that had terminal cancer somewhere in his spine. Unfortunately Methodone was the most effective pain med available. Addiction in his case was preferable to the alternative. Constant severe chronic pain. Medications do have their place in medicine, although the side effects are often as bad or worse than the illnesses or disorders they are intended to treat. Cherokee had terminal cancer so opioid addiction seemed to be the lessor of two evils. He worked every day and helped scores of people realize that life can get better in spite of our physical infirmities. He was affiliated with L.A. County dept of mental health, Dual Recovery Anon, and White Bison as well as executive director of Changing Spirits. A residential treatment facility Native Americans.

If you can put it behind you you'll be ahead of the majority that can be satisfied with good enough. I seriously doubt if big pharma has any intention of ending addictions. Dope peddlers would rather treat addiction with other addictive substances than lose customers. There is risks involved with abstinence. I pray that your doctor is or becomes an asset rather than an enabler. May God continue to bless and help you and your doctors.

 

[Magenta]

Thank you @Magenta for picking up the mantle.

I had thought of it at other times in your absence but always seem to be distracted by one thing and/or another One day last recently I spent hours reading through over half of this thread I was looking for something specific, and though I did not find it, I enjoyed the read rather very much I look forward to when your wifi is more reliable so you can be here more often

 

[Cabrillo]

I had thought of it at other times in your absence but always seem to be distracted by one thing and/or another One day last recently I spent hours reading through over half of this thread I was looking for something specific, and though I did not find it, I enjoyed the read rather very much I look forward to when your wifi is more reliable so you can be here more often

I just plugged in the hotspot. It's better than nothing. I'm told the bandwidth is too narrow to support all of us. Especially if baseball is on. It's the play offs now. Then the world series. Everybody here has Obama phones and sports for us retired guys is a major big deal.

I'm thinking of taking a conversational spanish class once I get situated. I found a sweet spot on a major bus route between Calvary Chapel and Santa Ana city college. When I was supposed to move 9/2/21 Calvary Chapel was beginning a mens study based on Hebrews. They also have a new christians study in spanish. It seems approiate considering Santa Ana is over 50% Latino.