Faith/Spiritual
What will a person battling addiction do to stop using? The first thing they may do is try to correct their behavior. Therefore, they will white-knuckle it, try another weight loss program, read self-help books, or turn to another addiction.
Most programs, self-help methods, and diets often only focus on one thing: correction. While correcting behavior is very important—including lifestyle changes getting enough rest, exercising, and growing spiritually—very few focus on the one key element that needs to occur for all the other steps: connection!
Without connection with other people, it is almost impossible for anyone battling an addiction to change their daily routine behaviors that have become rituals and patterns. Connection is more important than correction because it brings accountability, support, awareness, and growth and deepens a person’s relationship with God and others. (more…)
Life Issues
“So then, putting away falsehood let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not make room for the adversary.” – Ephesians 4:25-27
The Bible gives us a great strategy in Ephesians for dealing with our anger in a godly manner. It says there are appropriate times to be angry. In the original language, the word for “anger” in Ephesians 4:25-27 is in the imperative – meaning it is a command. At times, we are commanded to be angry. But it holds in tension that the anger must be expressed in a way that is not sinful or destructive to the person who is offended, or to the group or individual with whom we are angry. (more…)
Articles on Recovery, Relationships/Marriage
- Take a step of courage and place yourself in situations where you can meet people, like a church, social clubs or book club involving your interests. Say yes to invitations for gatherings you would otherwise find an excuse to not attend.
- If you want a friend – be a friend. Get involved in service or ministry opportunities. You will be connecting with others who are serving and who are in need of help.
- Proverbs 22:11 says – He who loves with a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. Keep your motives pure. Avoid manipulation and don’t desire someone’s friendship for social status or other selfish reasons.
- Don’t rush it. People desperate for friends often overwhelm potential friends by getting too personal too quickly. This can scare off acquaintances that might otherwise become friends over time. Deep, lasting friendships take time to develop. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery, Articles on Recovery
- Time:
We never feel like we have enough. Yet a day turns into a week; weeks turn into months; months turn into years. Take the first step — set a short term goal. But do it today. Don’t put it off until tomorrow!
- Work:
God has work or ministry for which you are to serve His purposes. Begin each day by asking, ‘What, Lord, would you have me do today‘?
- Possessions:
Learn to hold on loosely to the things of this world, or they will hold on to you. Another question you can ask is, ‘What, Lord, would you have me to do with this possession?‘ It isn’t wrong to have things. Our troubles start when things have us. (more…)
