Birds Of A Feather..Flock Together

Hi everyone, and we pray that you are well….I’m sure you have heard that above saying of “birds of a feather flock together” which just in case you haven’t means…people with similar interests and character will often choose to spend time together. In other words…who are you hanging with and who are you attracted to?  And what if those so called “birds” that are drawing  you into their little flock turn out to be vultures in disguise?

So I know you have probably heard me say this before, but as the saying goes…”repetition reinforces retention and recall” so here it goes again…people, places and things. We truly do become a product of our environment, which includes those “birds” we hang around with.  Are your friends or acquaintances living a life that is filled with abusing and/or misusing alcohol or drugs?  If so run! Don’t feel that you have to be “strong enough” to put up with the temptation, and believe that you have to prove to them how strong you are. Forget it.  You don’t have to prove anything to anybody except God almighty. He is the only one of importance who will be judging you for the life you lived.

When we allow unhealthy people to frame our way of thinking, we get side tracked from the “big picture”. The big picture that God has put in front of you. Here’s one of my favorite versus…so try to put it to memory…

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity

Try finding some healthy and high functioning people that you can socialize with…I know it’s not easy…but if you look in the right places (church), you just might find some….Start flying with some Eagles and leave those buzzards behind…

Stay well and God Bless….

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Drug addiction…Alcohol addiction….Pornography addiction…..Internet addiction

Those Bad Thoughts Again

Hello from Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Again, mainly because we think it is so important, we will like to revisit how important it is to keep a check on our thoughts.  More and more research is indicating that our thoughts line up with how we feel. So in essence, if I am thinking despair, hopelessness, “what’s the sense”, type thinking, the way I feel is going to coincide with those thoughts.

Our minds are a powerful force, that left to run wild, can wreak havoc on the way we feel and function.  The lies we tell ourselves such as, “I am no good, I will never beat this thing, life stinks” will have a big impact on our well-being. Try changing your thought patterns this week. I know what many of you are saying, (easier said then done) but it’s a good habit that you have to get in t0.

Always remember that you are a creature of God, made by him in his likeness.  That means our thought patterns should line-up with those of God. What do you think God might think about? What a lousy day this is, or what a waste I am?  I sincerely doubt it. his thoughts most probably are focused around love, kindness, sacrificing and doing good unto others. Let’s see if we can get those same thoughts moving in our lives.

Here is another great devotional from intouch.org that is worth a read:

The best life you could possibly live is the one your Creator has designed for you. He has given believers everything they need to become more like Him and to achieve all He has planned for them. Since the way we think is vitally important in this process, the Lord has given us the mind of Christ. Now we have the capacity to think as He does and to see situations from His perspective.

This marvelous ability to align our thoughts with His is a gift that we receive from God at the moment of salvation. However, the practice of it is our responsibility. We all come to Christ with minds which are already “pre-programmed” to one degree or another. For example, a child who grows up hearing demeaning comments will probably incorporate them into his concept of who he is and what he can accomplish. Also, this world system is constantly attempting to fit us into its mold, and Satan tries to inject his lies into our thinking.

If we are to experience the abundant life the Lord wants us to have, old thoughts that do not agree with God’s Word must be replaced with truth. Then we need to screen the ideas that bombard us each day. As we cooperate with God in this ongoing process, our lives will be transformed.

Compare your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs with biblical teachings. If they don’t match, reject those patterns of thinking, and fill your mind with corresponding truths from Scripture instead. Since the Lord has empowered believers to think right, let’s cultivate the mind of Christ within us.

Try changing your thoughts this week.  I know old habits are tough to break at times, but with Christ’s help, you can accomplish just about anything you put your mind on.  Stay well…

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Drug addiction. Alcohol addiction. Pain killer addiction. Internet addiction

Addictive Personality?

Hi everyone…we hope you are well.   Can somebody be predisposed to addictions?  Apparently more and more research is indicating that some people have inherited traits that actually make them more susceptible.  Some of the more prevalent addictions are alcohol, pain killers, gambling and the ever increasing pornography. 

Whether it’s smoking cigarettes, or engaging in some form of obsessive behavior, the key is that “compulsion” to engage in that behavior over and over again.  At this point one must realize that it is more than a mere habit, but more of an “addiction”  A sign that you are becoming psychologically stronger and growing at the same time is having the ability to set limits on your behavior. If your habits appear to be taking over, and are influencing your everyday functioning, than it may be an addiction.

A group member was telling the group last week how he believed he had the so called “addictive personality” gene. Now I don’t know if that really exists, but research has indicated some hereditary factors in regards to addiction. The member explained that he pretty much “surrendered’ to the fact that he couldn’t break and/or change his personality disorder, so he channeled it into more positive behavior.

He explained how he started exercising again, and literally became a “gym rat” so to speak. Now here’s a guy that couldn’t walk a city block, but after years of conditioning was jogging miles a day!

The moral to the story….if you buy into this “addictive personality” theory, then perhaps channeling that behavior into more positive and less destructive actions might be the answer you have been looking for.  I wouldn’t just hit the streets and start jogging etc., without your doctors okay, but if you get the green light, then why not give it a try?

How about getting addicted to Christ and his beliefs and promises. Christ said that he came so that you might have life and have it more abundantly. He didn’t mean for you to be strung out and struggling with some habit that is tearing you and your loved ones apart.  Get addicted to reading the bible everyday. You will be surprised how some of the verses seem to be pertaining to you and your life.  I know it worked for me.

Enjoy the nice weather coming and continue to pray for your recovery. We shall be praying for you as well.

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Drug Addictions Alcohol Addictions. Heroin Addicitions

Pain Killers….Don’t Be Fooled!

Hi everyone….we pray you are well…I would just like to mention pain killers today…and how careful you have to be while using them.  True, they serve a wonderful purpose for alleviating pain related to all sorts of ailments…but truth be told, they can be quite addicting.  Pain killers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin seem to be the main culprits. In-fact, we had a member in the group discuss how he was “hooked” on Vicodin’s, and taking over 50 (yes 50) a day.  He stated that the “withdrawal” that he went through to get off them was unbearable.  Locked up in his room for weeks, vomiting etc etc (I will spare you the details), drove him into despair.

Let’s face it…Vicodin is an “opiod pain killer” which puts it right there on top of the list with several others. So please, don’t fall into a trap while utilizing pain killers such as those mentioned above.  Tolerance (where you need more to achieve the desired effect) can develop quite easily, and before you know…guess what?  So carefully monitor you usage and consult with your prescribing physician regularly, in an attempt to monitor things before they get out of hand. Your doctor should know best.

Colleagues of ours are opening up a local “youth center” next month, and it can’t come early enough. We had some youths who were actually grinding up the above mentioned medications and snorting them. I can only imagine the detrimental effects that must have on their young bodies. So getting them off the street, and giving them a cool “hang out” center..might prove helpful.  Notice I said might….sometimes only God can make the difference when it comes to eliminating drug use.

Remember, God loves you and he didn’t create any “zeroes” You are special in the eyes of God and you are created in his image. This is truly a “fallen” world, where evil does exist. As Christ said when warning about evil..”.The thief has come to kill, steal and destroy…but I have come that you might have life” John 10:10 .  There is an evil out there (Satan) and he really wants to bring you down….the sooner you realize that the better….The only one that had a definite victory over him was Christ…so  we want to be on his team for sure.  

Get Christ behind you….he’s got your back when the “thief” tries to rob your life. Hit your knees like I do and pray…Lord give me strength and some wisdom, because here we go again….Set up some good “boundaries”…learn to know where and with who the “thief” hangs out….and “avoid” those places…you are literally walking in to an earthly hell…..If you have friends who are actively using and they say we are having a little “get together” or party….run!  Don’t put yourself in that situation…just run…and find some clean and healthy people to hang out with…..and if there is nobody…then grab a bible…and quietly read alone…..it just might make the difference you’ve been looking for.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we pray that your struggles are becoming less and less.  Pray…read the bible…and most of all…make Christ a part of your life….stay well and God Bless!

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Chemical Dependency—Pain Killer Addiction—-Drug Addiction–Vicodin—-Oxycontin—–

Negative Thinking

Hi…we hope you are well…..This week we would like to discus negative thoughts and how they can have a “negative impact” on your well-being.  I was reading last week how some psychologists believe that there is a link between depression and the way we think.  It seems that there are many “depressed’ people who are overwhelmed with negative thoughts of despair and helplessness.  Apparently, there is research that indicates if we change the way we think into a more positive “self-talk”,  then some of our perceptions will improve to a more positive outlook.

I recall a colleague telling me that….it isn’t as important as to what happens to us in life, but how we “perceive” what happens…I know there are some out there who can make a mountain out of a molehill, and can make the slightest life challenge seem like Armageddon….maybe our biggest battle really is in our minds….

Regardless, there is hope….and God provides us this hope when we not only cast our burdens upon him, but dwell on the good things that life has to offer….The book of Phillipians (4:8) tells us that …And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Like the old saying goes…you are what you eat…..well perhaps we should add ….you will feel like you think…This is especially true for those of us struggling with an addiction and/or addictive personality…..

Here’s another great devotional from intouch.org

Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.

To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.

That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.

When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.

At Christian help For Addiction Online…we will continue to pray for you and your family….This month we were in contact with many people who were struggling with heroin and a self label of “Heroin Addict”…..That is truly a dangerous drug, and if you or you know somebody struggling with Heroin….please encourage them to seek professional intervention immediately…as the physical toll Heroin takes on the body can be truly detrimental…stay well and God Bless….

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online—-Alcohol Addiction—Drug Addiction—-Internet Addiction—-Heroin Addiction

Acquiring Faith

Hi everyone…we hope you are well……Many people ask us …how do we get faith?…That’s a difficult question to answer, as everybody’s  level of faith seems to vary.  I’ve met some people who have a rock solid faith that can’t be moved…while others seem to struggle with having any faith at all…..

The biblical definition from Hebrews tells us that…Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the eveidence of things not seen….which to me means that I’m hoping for things to get better, yet I haven’t seen this “better” come to pass yet…So how long do I wait?…Should I do anything while I’m waiting?….Should I take matters into my own hands?

A lot of those answers depend on who or what I am putting my Faith in….If I am putting my faith into “somebody”…I might be in for a big let down, as fellow human beings fall short quite often….Or maybe I am putting my faith in the economy…and hope that it will turn around some day and make me prosperous….

Where we really want to steer our faith is into our creator, God almighty, who ultimately has our best interests at heart…..People and the world can letr us down…but if we put our faith and trust in God…..our troubles become more manageable, as his strength and guidance can bring us through the most difficult struggles life hits us with….

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org….

I’ve had people tell me, “I wish that I had great faith.” While most of us would like God to just drop that kind of confidence into our laps, it’s not the way He operates. Faith increases as a result of our obedience in little things. We all marvel at Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac at the Lord’s command. But have you ever stopped to consider all of his smaller steps of submission that prepared the way for this enormous test?

Throughout his lifetime, Abraham obeyed God. At the Lord’s command, he left his country (Gen 12:1-4), was circumcised (17:10, 26), conceived Isaac in his old age (21:1-3), and sent his son Ishmael away (21:9-14). By the time he was asked to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he already knew that his God would always be faithful to His promises. His previous experiences had taught Him to trust the Lord.

In the same way, each small step of obedience solidifies our confidence in God. Then, when He challenges us with a more difficult assignment, a firm foundation of assurance enables us to trust and obey Him. Great acts of faith flow from our past interactions with the Lord. By neglecting His simple commands, we miss priceless opportunities to witness His faithfulness.

Having trouble trusting God for something big? Maybe it’s because you’ve ignored those “small” and “insignificant” promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord considers each of His commands important and promises to reward every act of obedience, regardless of size. Great faith begins with little steps.

Try putting your faith in God….get a bible and read it…..The book of Psalms is a great chapter on faith…..and will comfort you in times of despair….

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer….and that your faith will become stronger each and every day……God Bless

 

Alcohol addictions—Drug Addictions….Marijuana Addictions….Internet Addictions…..Online Help For Addiction

Meditation…Can It Really Help?

There is so much talk out there nowadays about stress, and how it takes its toll on our bodies in numerous ways. Stress and life events that cause us to be anxious and worried are inevitable…..even Christ said that…we will have struggles (tribulations)…in this life…there’s just no way around them….but how can we minimize some of the horrific side-effects of stress?

There is much research available that discusses “meditation” as a form of stress relief.   Meditation can comes in various styles, and most of these techniques offer us a way to “de-stress’ and reconnect with our inner self in a healthy and harmonious way.  Our groups form of meditation comes in the way of prayer.  It involves quiet time alone (usually at night before bed), and allowing the mind to focus on God, and his awesome influence that he can have on our lives.

I enjoy focusing on the good things of life while resting in bed with my eyes closed…love to our neighbors and friends, kindness, the great things that God has done in my life, and the good things to come.   Many people tell me they focus on a place of serenity such as sitting alone on a beach and mentally visualizing the sounds and smells of the ocean.  Some people quietly chant a peaceful word to themselves, as they focus on a peaceful setting….

Whatever technique you utilize, try to incorporate God into the meditation…..With God there is love, joy and kindness…..and when you focus on those things…..anxiety and worry just seem to become less and less….

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on giving thanks and praising God…..try to incorporate that into your daily meditation..

Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer’s life. 

One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God’s attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.

Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we’re lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we’re after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish “praise” falls far short of heaven.

Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers’ testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God’s name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He’s done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don’t just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God’s throne room ring with worship.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…..we will continue to pray for you and your family as you face life struggles and temptations…..Remember…you don’t have to “go it alone”…Christ is there to help you through these difficult times….reach out to him in prayer and meditation….and see how your burdens become less……

Watch Your Thoughts

Hello, from Christian Help For Addiction Online

Our thoughts can be quite powerful….and sometimes if we continually dwell on the “negative” aspects of life…we tend to get depressed, anxious, and frustrated.  Unfortunately, “stinking thinking” can sometimes become a habit…as our first waking thought could be..”ok..another day…I wonder what’s going to happen today?”…

Changing habits can be troublesome for many….but if we include God in the equation…we could have a better chance of success…try starting your day with a morning prayer….I start mine with..”thanks Lord for another day…being here with family and friends…help me to be a positive influence for others…and stand by me during difficult times”….

Our prayers don’t have to be some scholarly recital meant to impress somebody….God takes us just as we are…no matter how bad we have messed up….So tomorrow morning try saying (even if you have to pretend and force it out)…”Thanks God for another day…I feel stronger and am going to have a great day”….give it a try for a few weeks and see what happens…..you really have nothing to lose…

Here’s a daily devotional from intouch.org….stay well and God Bless

When life falls apart, how do you cope? All of us face circumstances that challenge our peace—and some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.

King David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul, for selfish reasons, pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just four of the many difficulties he endured. Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.

How was his soul sustained when others in similar situations would have drowned in despair? David knew how to meditate. He focused his mind and spirit on God—His character, ways, and will—in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him.

We should be following David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our heavenly Father and meditate on His Word. The Psalms document the depth and passion for which the shepherd and soon-to-be king delighted himself in God. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, he found solace in the midst of turmoil.

What subjects consume your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Perhaps you can remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to your Creator—one way is to read several of the Psalms and notice how the author refocuses on the almighty God.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we pray that you not only get stronger each and every day…but get closer to God as well….Meditate, pray and call out to God for strength….Life can be a challenge at times….and we need 24/7 support that we sometimes can’t get from friends and family…..However…God is there 24/7 365 days a year….and he is waiting to lend some support…stay well…..

Life’s About Choices

Hi everyone…from Christian Help For Addiction online….I will never forget what one of our group members said one evening as he attempted to define life….”life is a series of events we experience…stemming from the choices we make”…how true that is…when we look back at some of the poor choices we made and the subsequent consequences…one wishes…”wow, if I could only do that over again”…

But not to worry…..God didn’t intent that we live a life full of worry and guilt based on some wrong “choices”…that is not what he is all about…even Paul in the bible states how we are to …..move forward and forgetting what lies behind…..I don’t know about you, but that gives me great hope knowing that my past is “my past” and just that…not something to dwell upon and wallow in guilt and shame every day….

We have all made some bad choices and mistakes….God calls it sin in some instances….but always remember that our God is a forgiving God…and when we repent of our sins and mistakes and come to him…we are “forgiven”…you really don’t have to live in guilt and shame…regardless of what others might tell you….Listen to God….not other human beings who might have hidden agendas or not your best interest in mind…

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on “walking wisely”…give it a read….

When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices. First, he says to
“be careful how you walk” (Eph. 5:15). Because we live in a morally corrupt society, we must be vigilant about the way we think and act. Unless we deliberately choose to guard ourselves, we will simply do what comes naturally and go along with cultural influences.

Next, in verse 16, the apostle instructs us to make the most of our time. The Lord has entrusted each of us with 24 hours per day and various opportunities to participate in His plans for us. But so often we are tempted to squander our time and energy on our own pursuits without a thought of what our heavenly Father may have in mind for us.

In verse 17, Paul lays out the final exhortation: to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” In its broadest sense, God’s will for us is that we would each become the person He created us to be and do the work He planned for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Knowing this, we should look at every decision with consideration of whether our choice will further or hinder our heavenly Father’s purposes for us. To live thoughtlessly outside of His will is foolish.

The Lord wants us to walk wisely so that we can enjoy all the marvelous benefits that He’s promised in His Word and longs to give us. Wasted opportunities and time misspent can never be reclaimed. Let’s commit to make our lives count for Christ instead of merely living for ourselves.

Christian Help For Addiction Online is an outreach ministry that hopes to shed some light on difficult issues in life, including addiction and its affects on the  family…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer as this year moves forward…God Bless

Mistakes…But Still Loved

Hello, and we hope you are well….At our group the other evening, many of the members there were still struggling with “guilt”. They had guilt from past relationships gone bad, guilt over causing others pain, guilt over not becoming what others thought they should become….you name it….but it was one “guilty group”

Listen, everyone makes mistakes. True, some of our choices have been poor, but that is behind us now, and it is truly time to move forward. Living in guilt can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental well-being. It stresses the body, and causes all sorts of ailments.

Fortunately we don’t have to live in giuilt. Our God is a forgiving God, who forgives our sins and allows us to move forward. God doesn’t hold “grudges” like many of our so called friends and/or family.  You might have had a life filled with drug or alcohol abuse.  many of you are still actively using, and are living with the associated guilt.

God doesn’t demand perfection…but he does demand that we surrender to him, and accept Christ as our Lord and savior. Once you become ‘born again”, your life takes on a new meaning….one filled with hope and peace knowing that the one true God loves you more than you could ever imagine. You don’t have to live in guilt or shame anymore……and the peace you will receive from God will give you the strength to move forward…

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org on some of the myths/lies that beleivers struggle with….

The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer’s self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective.

But maturation is just that—a process—so some immature thinking may linger with the Christian. Based on our childhood experiences, we may wrongly believe . . .

• Lie #1—God’s love for us depends on how good we are. We act as if our behavior can positively or negatively impact His affection for us. But Scripture tells us that the Lord’s love is constant; it never varies.

• Lie #2—Acceptance by others has to do with performance, not who we are. With this mindset, we constantly try to please other people. But we can rest in the truth that God has adopted every believer into His family; we are fully accepted.

• Lie #3—Our security rests in social status, material things, or some other worldly prize.
This leads to anxiety and manipulation as we attempt to acquire what we lack. The truth is, we’ll experience peace when we realize Christ is our true source of security.

These erroneous ideas represent a “hidden enemy of love,” because godly affection can’t flourish with immature attitudes. We must replace such beliefs with biblical truth.

Paul calls us to move toward maturity in our thinking and behavior. Clinging to immature ways can interfere with our sense of peace, security, and joy. But knowing the truth about God’s acceptance and recognizing that our security is in Him alone will lead to relationships characterized by His love.

Here at Christian help For Addiction Online we continuw to pray for our readers….may you be making progress in your recovery, and may your sobriety open up a new understanding of life and God and how special you truly are….stay well and God Bless

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