Faith/Spiritual
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has on one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:12-13
What is love?
Theologians, musicians, writers, and even Hollywood directors, have attempted to define, explain, and quantify love throughout history. But there has yet to be a consensus reached so far.
When it comes down to it, however, love is a choice.
A person can choose to act lovingly toward others or selfishly toward them. There is no mistaking that the foundation of genuine love is not feelings that change from day to day, from week to week, and sometimes even from moment to moment. There is no doubt that true love requires effort because it is a decision—one must be willing to do their part to build a lasting relationship. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Jesus alone did what no one else could: He rose from the dead. And this is why Life Recovery Step Two says, “We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
This same power that brought Jesus out from the grave is the same power that a person stuck in addiction can plug into and bring them to—and help them maintain—sobriety.
If the lamp is not plugged into an outlet, a lightbulb is of little value. Likewise, a person’s life will not shine to their family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors if not connected to God’s power source. It takes work, but the results are well worth it.
One way to plug into God’s power source is to connect to Him by talking to Him daily. This happens through a daily quiet time of prayer. But for the individual in recovery who has gotten away from this habit, it will be only a matter of time before they are tempted to use—which is always crouching around the corner—and fall prey to relapse. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Is your journey of Life Recovery going well? Or, are you overwhelmed at the path set before you of getting through all of the 12 Steps? If so, you are not alone. Whether it’s our first time in recovery or we’re getting back into it after a long break, the 12 Steps can seem intimidating.
Another way to look at the 12 Steps of Life Recovery is to see it as a 3-fold path—or, that there are three commitments we need to make. In other words, the 12 Steps call us to make a commitment to God, ourselves, and others.
Commitment to God
“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living (more…)
Faith/Spiritual
There’s a lot of controversy over believing in a Higher Power in recovery. On one hand, some believe that God is not essential to recovery; while on the other hand, others believe God is an essential part of recovery.
Whether you’re in a Christian recovery group or a secular recovery group, those who take God more seriously and develop a conscious awareness of Him in their lives are more successful in recovery than those who don’t.
Spirituality and Sobriety
Evidence shows that those who believe in a Higher Power are more successful in recovery. Someone once asked Dr. Dave Stoop, coeditor of The Life Recovery Bible, “Is God an essential part of recovery?”
“Yes,” said Dr. Stoop. “Success in maintaining sobriety in recovery is directly related to the development of a personal relationship with God.” (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
It does not matter what you are addicted to.
If you are willing to allow God to make a way, and get into his system of recovery, God will make a way! The strength to defeat your addiction will not come from you but from God. But you have to go to him with your weakness and join his program in order to receive his strength. Here are some tips to help you get started in your journey to recovery! (more…)
