Addiction/Recovery
Taking a daily personal inventory is essential to recovery and personal growth. Life Recovery Step Ten says, “We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.” Unlike Life Recovery Steps Four through Nine, which focuses on the past, Step Ten focuses on the present.
Before going to bed, spend a few minutes thinking about the good and the bad things that happened that day. Record answers in a journal. Consider asking the following questions when taking a daily inventory:
1. “What do I have to be grateful for today?”
Take the time to write down all the things that happened that day to thank God for. Write down as many things as possible each day—whether it’s a compliment from a coworker, an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend or an answer to prayer. Seeing life through the lenses of gratitude can give hope to prevent relapses or giving up altogether. (more…)
Relationships/Marriage
The dictionary defines “friend” as “a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.”
This definition is accurate, as far as it goes. But when one examines the deeper meaning of friendship, many more descriptors come to mind such as trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, humor, and cheerfulness, to mention but a few. A trusted friend can help someone discover God’s unfolding purposes for their life. Seek a friend who is wise, honest, and encouraging.
Suppose one genuinely wants to strengthen one’s character. In that case, one must build closer relationships with people who want to do the same. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Has life been painful? Want to make a change but don’t know where to begin? If so, consider going to a Life Recovery Group. No one should go through life alone, so everyone will benefit from having others walk alongside them on their journey. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed…Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12, NLT). Check out these 8 benefits of joining a Life Recovery Group.
1. You’ll have a plan to heal.
Life Recovery Groups offer a path to not only recover from addictions, heartaches, and unhealthy patterns, but to live a new life as well. The 12 Steps of Life Recovery are taught in each group; everyone who attends will have the opportunity to go through these 12 Steps. (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…)
Addiction/Recovery
After embarking on the journey of Life Recovery and completing Steps One through Eleven, the last step is Step Twelve. Step Twelve of Life Recovery says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we have tried to carry this message to others, and to follow these principles in everything we do.”
To “carry this message to others” and to help them get off the wrong path and onto the right one, there are four important qualities one must have.
First, it takes courage. Whether at a meeting or in everyday life, God will provide many opportunities to share the message of Life Recovery. Find a Life Recovery Group, participate in the weekly meetings, invite others to attend, mentor someone, or even lead a Life Recovery Group. Learn how to start a Life Recovery Group.
Secondly, it takes gentleness. (more…)
