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

Who Are You Trusting?

This country was built on “In God We Trust”…Unfortunately, many of us have strayed off that belief and have put our trust in “alleged” friends, colleagues, acquaintances and idols.  We truly have to get back to trusting God. He is our creator, and he has the best in mind for us.  When we finally surrender, and say, “I can’t do this on my own, I need some help”, it’s God who is standing by, waiting for us to turn to him.

Remember, some of the individuals that you might call “friends” suddenly disappear when your health and/or money run out.  I have seen more “fair weather” friends come and go then you could imagine.

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org….let me know what you think…

Life can seem confusing at times. Sudden changes in our circumstances or the people’s behavior can make us wonder how to go forward. That’s why God gave us His Word as a reliable compass to point the way in difficult times. But we need an abiding trust in Him if we are to effectively use His guidance and follow His instructions.

We know God is trustworthy. He is the One who created us. God sent His Son to die in our place. He adopted us permanently into His family. With His great power, He resurrected Christ. With that same power, He is able to keep every one of His promises. These are solid reasons that we can depend upon Him.

There are several signs that we don’t trust the Lord. Sometimes we rely on other things to determine our course of action. We lean on our reasoning power, material desires, or feelings. You may also seek advice and help from other people instead of from God’s Word. These ways show a lack of trust in Him.

Some things keep us from placing our full confidence in God. One obstacle is a lack of awareness that God desires an intimate relationship with us. If we don’t realize that He is deeply interested in our affairs, then we won’t look to Him for guidance. A second barrier is pride. We often would rather rely on ourselves than depend solely on Him. Placing our confidence in the almighty, eternal triune God is always wise. He can be trusted in every situation

Addictions, be it to drugs or alcohol can wreak havoc on one’s well-being….It truly is a “family disease” and will linger on unless you get help….We are praying for you and your recovery and believe that God can be the biggest part of your recovery if you surrender to him….Love and God Bless…

Thanks For The Little Things

Hi everyone, and we hope you are well…..Sometimes in this fast pace life, we forget how fortunate we are….a friend of mine just came back from a third world country  (Costa Rica)  and he said how amazed he was at the poverty that was there.  There were people living in what to him looked like “garages”, or shacks, and many just homeless on the streets…..drugs were running wild, and he was cautious not to go out at night….

When we think of the above, we truly have to give thanks for the blessings that we have…Although we go through difficult times, God has blessed this nation, and its inhabitants…I was thinking how fortunate I was the other day to have hot running water, plenty of electric, a car to get around, and a God who cares about us…..

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org on God’s blessings and sharing your blessings with other people…..If you know someone who is struggling, reach out to them and give them a call…..Sometimes we think we might be intruding, but that person might just be praying for God to send them someone who can help them through these difficult times…..Don’t under estimate the positive influence you could have on someone…even if it’s just sitting there and listening to them talk and express their pain……God did put you here for a reason…and that reason is good…

It is God’s nature to bless. However, we need to understand that He has a greater purpose in mind than we may realize. His ultimate goal is far more encompassing than just to make us happy, peaceful, protected, and prosperous. In fact, it is never the Lord’s intention for His blessings to end with us. Rather, He wants them to flow out to others as part of His plan for the whole earth.

As we can see in today’s psalm, the Lord blesses us so that His salvation, His ways, and His justice may be known by every nation and every people group around the globe (vv. 3-4, 7). He is always acting with this larger picture in mind—even while working personally in our individual lives. Knowing this should fill us with an awesome yet humbling sense of significance. Every believer has a part in helping others know and understand the one true God. Each blessing He gives not only benefits us personally but is intended to help further this cause. On the other hand, we may sometimes not receive the things we want because they don’t contribute to His higher purpose. But if we are willing to fit our requests into God’s greater plans, we will position ourselves to be greatly used by Him.

When the Lord blesses you, He’s not only doing something for you; He’s also doing something in and through you to affect others’ lives. Don’t let the pleasures and comforts of His blessings blind you to their intended purpose. Ask God how to use His kindnesses as a way to point people to Him…

We continue to pray for you and you loved ones….At Christian Help For Addiction Online we know what it is like to be struggling with addictions….and how stressful it can be…..Call out to God and surrender to him…..You really don’t have to go it alone…..He loves you more then you could ever imagine…..and he really does want the best for you….Get a bible today, and start reading…..your recovery might be closer then you think…..God Bless

Let Go and Let God

Hello from Christian Help For Addiction Online.  We pray that your struggles are becoming less, and that this new year of 2011 will be a healthy and prosperous year for you and your family. 

Casting our cares upon God, can help in alleviating most of the anxiety and stress that we struggle with today.  Christ even told us to cast your cares upon the Lord, for his burdens are easy and his yoke is light…….(Matthew 11:28-30)  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  The yoke as described, was that heavy wooden harness that was placed around the oxens head as he was pulling a heavy plow etc.  Truly a heavy burden for sure.

When we hold onto our stressors (family struggles, finances, kids, health, work), we wear ourselves down.  At times we feel that there is no escape, and we look for a way to alleviate our stress.  Unfortunately, there are many that try to alleviate the stress by unhealthy means, namely alcohol and/or drugs.  Self medicating can be quite dangerous, and left outside of the hands of a physician can put us in harms way.  Dealing with the stresses of life in a healthy and spiritual way, can work wonders for many.

Try letting go of some of the issues that burden you.  Turn them over to God and leave them in his hands.  A good prayer might be, “Lord, I can’t do it by myself any longer….I tried, but had no results…I am going to turn my troubles over to you, and have faith that you will see me through these ordeals….”  It’s hard to figure out or put reason behind just “why” some of these dilemmas have come upon us…..but trusting God to see us through the difficult journey will help ease much anxiety and fear.

Here is a devotional from intouch.org, discussing just how to trust God and casting your cares upon him.  Let us know what you think.

God’s shoulders are wide enough to carry your burdens. He is sovereign over the universe, so He is certainly capable of working out problems and meeting needs. Today I want to give you an exercise that will help make casting your cares a practical act.

First, write on a piece of paper the things that cause your anxiety. Once you start writing, you may discover a list of items that cheat you out of peace.

Next, pray each issue into God’s care. Recall Psalm 18:35, which promises that He upholds believers in His loving grasp.

Finally, as you pray, visualize placing the situation into God’s omnipotent hands. For example, a woman may imagine handing over to the Lord what she owes, while saying, “Father, I give You my financial anxiety. I know that You will show me how to get out of debt. You are more than sufficient to handle it, and I trust You to guide me.”

Some people may protest this suggestion, because humanistic and pseudo-spiritual movements also use a method they refer to as “visualizing.” Don’t let anyone steal what is rightfully yours. God creates word pictures throughout the Bible. This exercise merely creates a mental snapshot of the Lord doing exactly what He says He will do (Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25-26).

When you have transferred all of your worries to God’s hands, wad up that paper in your fist, and then destroy it. In this way, you symbolize the transaction that just took place. Your cares are no longer yours. Every one of them belongs to the Lord. Walk away in perfect peace.

We continue to pray for all our readers…and hope that your struggles and burdens become less…..pray daily. as your turning point might be nearer then you think…God Bless

Worrying and Stress

Hi everyone, and we hope you are well…..we were away since the beginning of the year, but now back, we hope to start a new season of hope and healing that will provide all our readers with a new sense of encouragement.

Do you worry?  Who doesn’t.  Worrying seems to have become more popular these days, since there are so many things to worry about.  We worry about our future with our jobs and relationships, we worry about our kids and loved ones, we worry about tomorrow, even if there isn’t anything to worry about!

Unfortunately, worrying can take a toll on our health.  Chronic worry can wreak havoc on our immune systems, and make us more prone to psychological and even physical ailments. God did intend for us to be chronic worriers.  As Christ stated…I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly”…not filled with worry and fear.  To make matters worse, there are many that try to address the worrying by self-medicating to relieve the fear. This can only make matters worse, as compromising our health by abusing alcohol or drugs will only make our situation worse.

So what can we do to relieve all this worrying?  Well here’s a devotional from intouch.org.  It tells us how to trust God more, and step out in faith by casting our fears upon the Lord.  let us know what you think?

 

Isn’t it interesting that Satan prowling like a roaring lion is mentioned in a passage dealing with anxious thoughts? Worry can feel like an attack—we get torn up on the inside by fears, frustration, and helplessness. Anxiety is a tormenting emotion, and the Devil wields it very well.

We don’t have to live with worry, because the Lord closes the mouths of lions that threaten His followers (Dan. 6:22). Peter described how to keep clear of anxiety’s jaws. First, we humble ourselves before God. What causes worry is a sense of helplessness in a given situation, so the best response is yielding yourself to God—submitting to Him with the confidence that He has the power to control your life. Another thing that builds trust is the realization that God is always engineering circumstances for your good and His glory (Rom 8:28).

Remember, prayer is a declaration of dependence. When we humble ourselves, we’re kneeling before an omnipotent God. Nothing is a challenge for His power, which brings us to the second step of casting cares upon Him: the simple exercise of telling the Lord your troubles and then trusting Him to deal with them. He assumes responsibility for meeting believers’ needs (Matt. 6:31-32). Your part is to prioritize obeying Him and living a righteous life (v. 33).

There’s one more step: Resist Satan by remaining firm in faith. In other words, don’t snatch those concerns out of God’s hands to worry over them anew. When the Devil’s ways make you tremble with anxiety, reject His lie and affirm that the Lord is adequate to handle the situation.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we continually pray for your recovery.  Life can be a struggle at times, and constant worrying of what will come can only make the situation worse.  We suggest that you get an easy to read bible and start reading it!  Read a little each day, especially in the book of Psalms.  That is a wonderful book for how to deal with worry.  Until next time…we pray that your struggles become fewer…God Bless….

Holiday Stress

Hi everyone…and we hope you are well…..The holiday’s can be a wonderful time for many.  Family gatherings and getting together with friends, all set the tone for a joyous festive time. Unfortunately, the holiday’s can cause some painful memories to re-surface.  Memories of long lost love and family members who have since departed.    Holidays are notorious for reminding us of past regrets as well.

Research has shown that depression can sometimes elevate during this time of year.  You would think otherwise, but unfortunately that holds true, for many of the reasons mentioned above.  Stress is another holiday killer, as the rush to acquire gifts for friends and families, along with squeezing in as many functions as we can, takes its toll on the body, both physically and emotionally.

It’s difficult to put the Christmas season in the right perspective for many.  The minute you start mentioning the “true” meaning of Christmas, people look at you like you are an alien from anothe planet.  I think it was easier hundreds of years ago, when all the families had was a candle lit room, with a glowing fireplace and only books to read for entertainment. Sometimes simple is better.

If you find yourself struggling during this Christmas season, and have feelings of sadness or despair, seek out help.  Don’t let the despair turn into something worse.  In-fact, we recommend some professional intervention just to get you over the hump. Hopefully as the mad-rush subsides, you will regain a feeling of serenity that will last into the new year.

God did intend for this Christmas season to wreak havoc on his children.  It was intended to give thanks and to praise him for allowing his son (Jesus) to be born in a simple manger, and having him spread truth and life throughout the world.  Remember the words of Christ as he spoke….I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly……

Keeping Christ in Christmas is easier said then done for many….but if you find yourself getting overwhelmed…reach out to God and pray.  Take a pause from the insanity and sit quietly with your bible.  Meditate on God’s word and give thanks for what Christmas truly is.

At Christian Help For Addiction Online, we hope and pray that your struggles will be few around this joyous time of year.  A new year is upon you, and it can truly be a special year as long as you keep Christ in your daily thoughts and prayers.  Stay well and God bless…..

Coping With Stress

Hi everyone, hope you had a good weekend…..Stress is a major player when it comes to addictions.  When people feel stressed, they sometimes “self-medicate” with alcohol or drugs to relieve the pains of life.  Unfortunately, this self medicating comes at a price, and can wreak more havoc then good.

God wants us to come to him in prayer and thanksgiving when we are feeling stressed. Knowing that God loves you no matter what, and I stress…”no matter what”, we know that he will stand besides us during difficult times. here is a great devotional from intouch.org. let me know what you think.

 

Oftentimes, we use the word “stress” to describe the pressure we are feeling. It can come from something as simple as traffic or from more complex situations or underlying issues, such as insecurity. Stress becomes distress when it creates deep emotional and mental anxiety. Unfortunately, in today’s world, living with a fairly constant level of such tension is not unusual.

I remember 1944 being a year of tremendous turmoil in our country because of World War II. Many people would watch the evening news and hear reports of bloodshed in various locations. Those with loved ones overseas listened anxiously.

I can’t recall the name of my social studies teacher that year, but I have never forgotten something she said. One day, after tearfully announcing that we would take a break from the normal routine, she pulled out a Bible and read Psalm 46. The woman explained that her husband’s division had been mentioned on the news the previous night. Though fearful, she found comfort in the Scriptures.

Since then, I turn to that Psalm when I am troubled or afraid. We all face uncertain times when, in our humanness, we feel alone and scared. Yet there is confidence to gain in Jesus.

Today’s verse holds the key to releasing stress and finding peace. What is causing you mental anguish? Stop striving, and rest in our loving, almighty God. He wants you to trust Him, lean on Him, and allow Him to carry the burden for you. His desire is for His children to be relieved of worry.

We will continue to pray for you and your family. Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we know that life isn’t easy at times, and we need some support to get through those tough days or weeks. Christ can be your anchor during the storms of life.  Get a bible and start reading. It just might turn your life around….stay well…

Let Your Light Shine

Hi everyone….hope you are well…do you know anybody that is struggling with an addiction?  Perhaps you are on the road to recovery and know others who need some help. Being there for them during these difficult times is very important, as support from a healthy friend or partner is truly priceless.

Others will be watching us for the progress that we have made.  It is important to portray our “new” healthy lifestyle to others, and allow them to see how God is now a part of our life by the way we act and live.  Here is a great devotional from intouch.org.  Let me know what you think.

God displays His children to the world like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). The light from a thriving metropolis can be seen for miles. Likewise, believers are to “shine” in such a way that others will observe our good works and honor God.

A Christian’s “faith light” is evident through his deeds. We want co-workers, friends, and others in our sphere of influence to sit up and take notice of the way that we live. The reason? Because once they see we’re not simply “out for number one,” they’ll want to know why. And that’s when they will begin to connect the dots, with thoughts like: He helps others even when it’s difficult . . . He says he does this because he’s a Christian . . . His God must by worthy and good.

The more people see believers doing good works, the more glory goes to God, who is the Author of our service record.

To balance the command to shine, however, the Lord did give an admonition in Matthew 6:1: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them.” In other words, be mindful of the motive. If we’re performing in order to get a pat on the back or the attention of others,we will lose out on a heavenly reward. That fleeting bit of worldly appreciation is all we’ll get for our efforts.

Believers are here to point others to the Lord whom they serve. We are a reflection of His light and glory. It is He who not only gives opportunity to shine but also equips us with the strength and gifts to work for the kingdom. As bright as we may be, we are nothing apart from the Lord.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we will continue to pray for you. Remember, the greatest story ever told is in the bible. It is a guide for life. Get yourself an easy to read version and start reading. It will truly make a difference in your life. Stay well…and God Bless you…

Stress And Addictions

Stress is a killer no doubt…some of the reported effects of stress can be high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, low immune response and many many more….Unfortunately, stress can be caused by many different events, and is not isolated in any specific or measurable form….so what might be stressful for me, might not be stressful for you.

Some common day “stressors” could be financial difficulties (job loss), health issues, marital struggles, children problems, or sometimes just a negative perception of life. Again, my stressors can be significantly different from yours, but we might both end up with the same side effects.

The important thing to consider is how does one handle their stress?  Probably the first course of action would be a visit to your family physician for a check-up and physical.  If you are having physical symptoms (high blood pressure) then you should be treated medically.

The real fly in the ointment comes when individuals decide on treating their “stress” in unhealthy ways.  The most prevalent “unhealthy” way is by self-medicating with either a controlled substance and/or alcohol.  Many are tricked into believing that they are “coping” with their stress by self-medicating, when in reality they are stressing their bodies more by introducing “toxins” and substances that will eventually trigger a higher stress response.   It truly is a vicious cycle, and one that you want to avoid…

If your physician gives you the “ok”, then try starting an exercise program to relieve some of your stress….a brisk walk  or a bicylce ride does wonders for burning off some of that adrenaline, and releasing some of those positive endorphins that are so beneficial….I know for me , a light jog in the morning does wonders for “clearing the head’, and relaxing the body for the remainder of the day…

Meditation has also been recommended for those struggling with stress in their lives…..as Christians, we have the benefit of prayer, and focusing on God and all the good things that he has done in our lives…Try closing your eyes at night and focusing on some positives (no matter how few) and thank God for another day and a hope for a better future…..remember, Christ said in the bible that he came to give us life and give it more abundantly…not for us to be dragged down and living in despair and hopelessness….when we focus on him in prayer and thanksgiving……our thoughts seem to change for the better…

Here at Christian Help for Addiction Online, we pray that your road to recovery is short, and that the burdens you know carry will be removed as you draw closer to God…..When you see God as your creator, then you can realize just how special you are…created in the image of an all powerful God who loves you and is concerned for you…..This is a “fallen” world that we must get through…it is not paradise and can sometimes be a living hell on earth….but fortunately Christ promises that if we believe in him and accept him as our savior, our eternal future is secure…..don’t let another stressful day go by…accept Christ as your savior, and begin a journey that will never end…stay well and God Bless…

The Weekend Binge

I have heard it so many times….”Hey, I don’t have a problem….I only get wasted on the weekends”  Be careful if that sounds like you talking.  There are many people out there that believe they only abuse/misuse on the weekends..then they don’t really have a problem. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Suppose it wasn’t even a weekend. Let’s say for example that on every Wednesday night I would hit the sports bar to watch the evenings game and I would get hammered.  Then say for example I got bagged one Wednesday night for drunk driving. OK, I still have a license, but I continue to go out JUST on Wednesday night and get hammered. To make matters worse, my partner and family are giving me a hard time about this ritual, and ask me to stop because it’s stressing them. I say….” come on, it’s only one night a week, leave me alone”  Out I go, and get hammered again. This time, while coming home, I wrap the car around a telephone pole, causing an injury to my friend in the car. Motor vehicles now pulls my license for a year.  You think I have a “one” day habit/addiction?

Don’t be fooled by that “only weekend etc.,” mentality. Consistently getting hammered or wasted in some form of pattern, is a sign of a problem. I tell individuals that question me on this to stop drinking/smoking/drugging for a few weeks, just to see where they are at.  Most of them don’t make it through the week.

Hey, this isn’t to “judge” anybody. The purpose of this is to enlighten you to the possibility there might be a problem with drugs or alcohol etc… and if there is, then get help now.  Get into a good support program.  Seek individual counseling. Confide in a close (sober) friend that you might have a problem and need some adv ice.  Turn to God and ask for help. From what I have seen, it really is a struggle to beat some of these addictions without the help of God. There really is an “evil” in this world, whose ultimate goal is to bring you down. Don’t get drawn into the drama and chaos of life.  Get a bible and start to read it. Pray and meditate on God’s word. Read Proverbs and Psalms and you will really get some good advice and support for getting through this life in a healthy and productive way.

We are always praying for our readers here at Christian Help For Addiction Online. There are many today that are struggling with these new forms of addiction such as internet addiction and pornography addiction via the web. Be careful. Those things can creep up on you so quickly, and before you know it you are hooked. Shut down the computer and walk out! Run out if you have to, but just don’t be drawn in……Until next time….stay well and God Bless

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