Faith/Spiritual
Life Recovery Step One says, “We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies and that our lives had become unmanageable.”
In Step One, one must realize they cannot meet God’s standards. Many addicts who are starting recovery think they can do everything in their own strength, but trying to do it all without any help is not the solution. Why? Because no one can do it all. Everyone falls short—no one is perfect. So, God gave the law as a measuring stick to reveal that no one can meet God’s holy and perfect standards.
The apostle Paul wrote: (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Leading others is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in their lives. As a sponsor, mentor, accountability partner, Life Recovery Group leader, or in any other capacity, a leader must ensure everyone feels connected and accepted. One of the best ways a leader can prepare to lead well is by being ready to tell their story.
Everyone has a story to tell. Every person has gone through stages in their faith and struggled with relationships and life. Even leaders have struggles. There might be a leader who has recovered from addiction. They may have struggled with their emotions and achieved freedom with the help of God and others. After navigating difficult relationships, perhaps a leader has grown in confidence rather than become codependent. A leader—no matter their past—can offer inspiration and assistance to others who are struggling. (more…)
Faith/Spiritual
As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (NLT), The Life Recovery Bible has been used as a path for countless individuals seeking recovery. In 1991, Tyndale House Publishers partnered with Steve Arterburn and Dr. Dave Stoop to create a study Bible that would encourage fellow strugglers to connect with the Bible. As a result, The Life Recovery Bible was born; since then, it has become the number one selling recovery Bible. And millions of those who’ve used this Bible have seen their lives transformed.
Want to start reading The Life Recovery Bible? If so, here are some helpful tips. (more…)
Faith/Spiritual
When the light of God’s truth shines on one’s weakness and failure, one sees the futility of self-righteousness and realizes that the only sensible response is to stop pretending things aren’t so bad. They are! Spiritual renewal and transformation require that one repents, which means to acknowledge and turn from their sins. But one cannot truly repent until one sees themselves as flawed, unholy, and needing redemption and complete reformation.
To recover from addiction or an unhealthy habit, one must turn their will and life over to God. This means they must also turn their shortcomings, losses, failures, fears, and needs over to Him. Life Recovery Step Three says, “We made a decision to turn our wills and our lives over to the care of God.”
Truth is, however, rarely does someone surrender their will and life over to God when their life is problem free. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
“We must be transparent to heal because God created us to be in community and relationships—not only with Him, but with one another.”—Steve Arterburn
Sponsors play a very important role in recovery. To understand and utilize a sponsor, examine the history of sponsorship and consider what to look for in a sponsor.
History of Sponsorship
The idea of being accountable to others is nothing new. The Bible is clear that accountability is a prerequisite for healing. James 5:16a (NLT) says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Since the recovery movement began, a critical healing component has been finding a sponsor. Alcoholics Anonymous started when the founders, Bill W., a stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S, a surgeon, met in 1935 and formed support groups and the Twelve Steps based on biblical principles. (more…)
