Why do so many people fail in their battle with addiction? Why do so many recovery programs and treatment centers staffed with smart, educated people with good hearts and intentions fail so often in helping people struggling with addiction?
Programs alone do not work. Treatment centers alone do not work. Counselors alone do not work. The only way anyone will have permanent recovery, freedom, victory over sin and addiction, joy, peace, and contentment is through Jesus Christ, God's Son.
John 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
This is not to say that programs, treatment centers, and counseling do not play a part or are totally ineffective. It is to say that it is not a program plus Christ, but rather Christ working through the individual while the individual is seeking help.
In this article let us examine two reasons why failure occurs.
1. Failure occurs when we try to change the behavior rather than the underlying belief that determined the behavior.
For true change to occur, one's thinking has to be changed. The view of what is right and wrong behavior must be changed first. You cannot look at your addiction as not being your fault. If it is not your fault whose is it? The decision to begin using drugs or alcohol or whatever must be viewed in the light of Scripture. You choose to disobey God's Word. It was your choice, and therefore you are responsible for that choice. You cannot change the behavior until you change your thinking about what you did. It is vital in recovery that we seek God and His forgiveness for our sins.
The Bible says: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9.
God also has promised that our minds can be changed if we submit to Him and His authority. Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Please notice that the behavior of a person doing the will of God occurs after the renewing of their minds. It is important that we allow the Word of God to dictate our beliefs. God said it, I believe it and that settles it for me should be our motto.
2. Failure occurs when we rely on our own efforts instead of trusting God and living by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Can you overcome your addiction in the flesh or by your own power? I don't think so. Many people attempting to overcome addiction in their own power end up exchanging one sin for another. They end up as some call a dry drunk or one who experiences all of the pain, guilt, shame, and emotional trauma of alcohol addiction without drinking. Is that really recovery? Is that freedom from addiction? I don't think so.
Others try fleshly methods available including accountability partners, methadone programs, etc. Am I saying these programs are bad? Of course not, but I am saying that it is extremely difficult to beat a fleshly problem with the flesh.
Let us look at what God's Word says concerning the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Study the list! God is saying when we live life according to our own desires and the desire of our sinful nature inherited from Adam this is what it produces.
Now let us contrast this if we live life yielded and filled with the Holy Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
When we yield to God's Spirit we have victory and freedom over our sin.
Galatians 5:16 (KJV) 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The victory is not in our power, but God's. Our job is to know and believe God's Word, and to walk daily in His Spirit. The victory is already ours. It is ours when we are in Christ.
Conclusion:
Let me conclude by summarizing. We must admit our sin and ask God to forgive us and cleanse us. We must allow our thinking to agree with God's. We must allow God's Word to dictate what is right and wrong. We must stop trusting in our own flesh and in its place trust in God and walk in His Spirit.
Freedom and victory can be yours if you walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 4)
Let's review. The first foundational truth is God is that we are made in the image of God. The second foundational truth is that sin has consequences. The third foundational truth is that God holds us responsible for our actions. The fourth foundational truth is one we should all remember. God loves us! The fifth and final foundational truth is...
Foundational Truth #5: Salvation in Christ Jesus Restores our Relationship with God.
1. Jesus is our Redeemer
My friend all of us are enslaved to sin. All of us are need to be delivered from sin's clutches, to be saved from sin's penalty. All of us need to be redeemed and Jesus Christ can be our redeemer. It is His blood shed on Calvary's cross, His death, and His resurrection that was the price God required for our salvation.
2. Our Salvation is based on our believing, our faith in Jesus.
It is evident that salvation is not based on our good works, but on faith. Faith in God's Word concerning there being one God who had one Son who died once for the sins of mankind. Jesus Himself indicated the only way to the only Heaven is through Him. John 14:6 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Won't you by faith believe today that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died on Calvary's cross for your sins? Won't you today trust Him as your Savior, your redeemer? Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
Foundational Truth #5: Salvation in Christ Jesus Restores our Relationship with God.
1. Jesus is our Redeemer
Ephesians 1:7-8 (KJV) 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Titus 2:14 (KJV) 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV) 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matthew 20:28 (KJV) 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Redeemer is one who rescues, saves, or delivers. In ancient Greek culture, the redeemer was one who purchased a slave in the open marketplace with the intent of setting him or her free!Titus 2:14 (KJV) 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV) 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matthew 20:28 (KJV) 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
My friend all of us are enslaved to sin. All of us are need to be delivered from sin's clutches, to be saved from sin's penalty. All of us need to be redeemed and Jesus Christ can be our redeemer. It is His blood shed on Calvary's cross, His death, and His resurrection that was the price God required for our salvation.
2. Our Salvation is based on our believing, our faith in Jesus.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Won't you by faith believe today that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died on Calvary's cross for your sins? Won't you today trust Him as your Savior, your redeemer?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 3)
The first foundational truth is God is that we are made in the image of God. The second foundational truth is that sin has consequences.
Foundational Truth #3: God Holds Us Responsible!
The third foundational truth is that God holds us responsible. Responsible for our actions and specifically our sins. Here in Genesis we read the original sin and how God held Adam and Eve responsible for their choices.
It is interestesting to see that Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Neither Adam or Eve realized the truth that it was their choice and consequently their fault.
Genesis 3:16-19 (KJV) 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV) 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew 25:46 (KJV) 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV) 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Who sought whom? Did Adam and Eve seek God or did God seek Adam and Eve?
The answer is obviously that God sought Adam and Eve. The love God has for man is demonstrated by the fact that God sought man. This truth is still true today. It is God who is seeking man because of God's great love. A love so strong that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to atone for man's sins on Calvary's cross.
Romans 8:39 (KJV) 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For God to make clothing for Adam and Eve out of skins, an animal had to die. Why?
1. God’s Love was Demonstrated by God’s Promise to Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Romans 5:8 (KJV) 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God out of His love for man has provided salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
John 3:36 (KJV) 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
All of the first four foundational truths deal with the salvation of man. Is there hope for the addicted? Yes, and the hope is found in Jesus Christ.
Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
Foundational Truth #3: God Holds Us Responsible!
The third foundational truth is that God holds us responsible. Responsible for our actions and specifically our sins. Here in Genesis we read the original sin and how God held Adam and Eve responsible for their choices.
Genesis 3:9-13 (KJV) 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
1. Adam blamed Eve and God; Eve blamed the Serpent.It is interestesting to see that Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Neither Adam or Eve realized the truth that it was their choice and consequently their fault.
When we sin it is our fault! It is our choice and God holds us accountable. The first step to recovery for an addict is to own his or her own actions and its consequences. It is time to stop blaming others and accept the responsibility for what we have done.
2. God determines the consequences of our sins.Genesis 3:16-19 (KJV) 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV) 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew 25:46 (KJV) 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV) 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
It is a just, and holy God who has determined the consequences of man's actions. Many have believed the lie that sin's consequences are under our own control, but this is not true. God controls the consquences today and for eternity. The above verses teach that we are judged eternally for our sins. If we die, without ever dealing with our sin, we face an eternity in the lake of fire, a place known as hell. I realize this is not popular, but nevertheless it is true. The Word of God clearly teaches that the eternal result of our sin is death in hell.
However, God has provided a way of escape; His love demanded it.
Foundational Truth #4: God Loves Us!Who sought whom? Did Adam and Eve seek God or did God seek Adam and Eve?
The answer is obviously that God sought Adam and Eve. The love God has for man is demonstrated by the fact that God sought man. This truth is still true today. It is God who is seeking man because of God's great love. A love so strong that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to atone for man's sins on Calvary's cross.
Romans 8:39 (KJV) 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Who made the Adam and Eve their first set of descent clothing? What were they made out of?
Genesis 3:21 (KJV) 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. For God to make clothing for Adam and Eve out of skins, an animal had to die. Why?
1. God’s Love was Demonstrated by God’s Promise to Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The serpent was Satan.
Ezekiel 28:13 (KJV) 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. God’ promise to Adam and Eve is that one from the seed of Eve would rise up and defeat Satan. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus Christ defeated Satan on the cross.
3. God’s Love was Demonstrated by God’s Son, Jesus Christ.Romans 5:8 (KJV) 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God out of His love for man has provided salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
John 3:36 (KJV) 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
All of the first four foundational truths deal with the salvation of man. Is there hope for the addicted? Yes, and the hope is found in Jesus Christ.
Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 2)
Foundational Truth #2: Sin Has Consequences
The first foundational truth for the addicted answered the question, who are we? We are individuals created by God in His image. God made us and God is able to provide ALL our needs and God made us with an ability to think and choose.
The second foundational truth for the addicted is to remember that sin has consequences.
1. Their Eyes Were Opened: Sin Produces Regrets!
- Not physically, but spiritually!
- They saw the folly of eating forbidden fruit.
- They saw the happiness they had fallen from, and the misery they had fallen into.
- They saw a loving God provoked, his grace and favour forfeited, his likeness and image lost, dominion over the creatures gone.
- They saw their natures corrupted and depraved, and felt a disorder in their own spirits of which they had never before been conscious.
- They saw a law in their members warring against the law of their minds, and captivating them both to sin and wrath.
- Shame
- Guilt
- Insecurity
- Felt Bad
- Dirty
- Unclean
3. They hid themselves from the presence of the Lord: Sin Separates!
- They were now living independent of God! Sin causes us to run from God.
- The benefits they received from God at creation were lost.
Romans 5:12 (KJV) 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
· Death to their relationship with God.
· Death to Spiritual Life, now and eternally! · Death to Identity.
· Death to security.
· Death to Significance.
All the benefits and attributes of creation were gone! They union with God was severed.
In our lives we can see the external consequences of our choices, our sin. When people we love give up on us, and the relationship is damaged or severed we understand there are consequences when we sin. The loss of a job, and the financial hardships remind us of our sins. The loss of respect both from others and ourselves witness to the fact of this scriptural truth. Sin has consequences.
Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 1)
The first foundational truth for the addict is the answer to the question Who are you? It amazes me at how as a society we label the addicted. I hear regularly people labeling themselves as alcoholics, or addicts and many in society labeling them with terms like drunkard, crackhead, junkie, smackhead, or druggie. Is this who you are as one struggling with addiction? I think not.
To understand who we are let us look at where we came from.
Genesis 1:26 (KJV) 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 2:21-23 (KJV) 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
According to God, you are made in the likeness of God. God's Word declares you as the only one of His creation made in His image. Yes, you may have made wrong choices that have led you into a lifestyle of addiction, but that is not who you are. You are God's crowning work in creation. You are the only one of God's creation made in His image.
Foundational Truth #1: You are Made in the Image of God!
Because you are made in the image of God there are two truths I would like for you to consider.
First, the God who made you, is the same God who can provide all of your needs.
How many needs did Adam and Eve have that God did not directly provide? Of course, the answer is none. Let's think about that for a second. Did they have a need for love? Yes they did, but God provided. Did they have a need for personal significance and worth? Yes they did, but God provided. Were they living free from addiction, free from worry, free from depression, free from bondage, free from materialism, free from jealousy, free from discontentment? Yes they were because God provided all their needs.
God provided all their needs through their relationship with Him. This same God is able to provide these same needs in our lives today.
Philippians 4:18-20 (KJV) 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Notice what Paul is writing to the church at Philippi. He is stating that through one's relationship with Jesus Christ all of our needs can be met.
Secondly, God made us with the ability to choose and think.
Being made in God’s image enables you to think and choose. This was the case with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and is the case today. Many people fail to remember that...
Satan had already been loosed on earth. His presense here presented Adam and Eve with the choice between right and wrong.
There were choices to obey God’s Word or to disobey God’s Word.
Like Adam and Eve, each of us is given the freedom to choose to obey or disobey the commands of God. Eve and then Adam choose to disobey God’s Word.
Click here to learn more about Recovery Principle #9: http://www.reformude.com/10-principles.html
Genesis 3:7-8 (KJV) 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden
Although we choose to obey or disobey God and His Word, we do not control the outcome of our actions. God alone determines the consequences to our sin. This leads us to foundational truth #2.
Foundational Truth #2: Sin Has Consequences
We will look more at the foundational truths for addicts in the next blog, including the consequences of our choices according to God's Word.
Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
To understand who we are let us look at where we came from.
Genesis 1:26 (KJV) 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 2:21-23 (KJV) 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
According to God, you are made in the likeness of God. God's Word declares you as the only one of His creation made in His image. Yes, you may have made wrong choices that have led you into a lifestyle of addiction, but that is not who you are. You are God's crowning work in creation. You are the only one of God's creation made in His image.
Foundational Truth #1: You are Made in the Image of God!
Because you are made in the image of God there are two truths I would like for you to consider.
First, the God who made you, is the same God who can provide all of your needs.
How many needs did Adam and Eve have that God did not directly provide? Of course, the answer is none. Let's think about that for a second. Did they have a need for love? Yes they did, but God provided. Did they have a need for personal significance and worth? Yes they did, but God provided. Were they living free from addiction, free from worry, free from depression, free from bondage, free from materialism, free from jealousy, free from discontentment? Yes they were because God provided all their needs.
God provided all their needs through their relationship with Him. This same God is able to provide these same needs in our lives today.
Philippians 4:18-20 (KJV) 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Notice what Paul is writing to the church at Philippi. He is stating that through one's relationship with Jesus Christ all of our needs can be met.
Secondly, God made us with the ability to choose and think.
Being made in God’s image enables you to think and choose. This was the case with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and is the case today. Many people fail to remember that...
There was evil in the world while Adam and Eve walked in the Garden of Eden.
Isaiah 14:12-14 (KJV) 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Satan had already been loosed on earth. His presense here presented Adam and Eve with the choice between right and wrong.
There were choices to obey God’s Word or to disobey God’s Word.
Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV) 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 3:1-6 (KJV) 1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Eve and then, Adam choose to disobey God and disobedience to God's Word has consequences.
Adam and Eve suffered the consequences of their choice.
We lose our freedom to choose when we give in to sin. The consequence are inevitable, incalculable, and up to God. Proverbs 5:22, Proverbs 20:17, Proverbs 9:17-18 RECOVERY PRINCIPLE #9Click here to learn more about Recovery Principle #9: http://www.reformude.com/10-principles.html
Genesis 3:7-8 (KJV) 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden
Although we choose to obey or disobey God and His Word, we do not control the outcome of our actions. God alone determines the consequences to our sin. This leads us to foundational truth #2.
Foundational Truth #2: Sin Has Consequences
We will look more at the foundational truths for addicts in the next blog, including the consequences of our choices according to God's Word.
Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way: The Paul Betz Story
He came to his first RU meeting in May after hearing a Radio ad. He sat quietly in the back and seemed a little uncomfortable, perhaps even a little nervous.
The following Thursday, Pastor Jon (our youth pastor) and I went to his home to make a visit. May I say that in this day and age with people being very busy, many are understandably not overjoyed when we knock on their doors. Paul, however, was an exception. He welcomed us with open arms. He was grateful. He was gracious. He was kind.
Over the course of the next several months, Paul became a regular at the Friday RU meetings. He was diligently studying God's Word and faithfully completing the RU curriculum. What made Paul unique was not what he was doing, but who he was. He was grateful. He was gracious. He was kind. Each person coming in contact with Paul left encouraged; left feeling better about themselves.
In life it is usually not what we accomplish that people will remember, but what we are like. Paul will be remembered not so much by what he did as he will by who he was.
Monday night the phone rang, it was Paul's wife. She said, we lost Paul today. An interesting choice of words that described exactly the emotion flooding my own heart. Lost. I felt a deep sense of loss. I loss someone who had touched my life.
As the word spread that Paul had passed away, others expressed their sadness. One said, we lost a good man while another said, he was always so kind, and such an encouragement. It was evident that people truly felt loss. It is amazing that in the few short months we knew him, that he was able to affect so many of our lives.
The known saying, a little kindness goes a long way describes our dear brother. The Bible says it is evidence of God's love in a life. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, In Ephesians God's Word encourages us to be kind. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
If I were to select three words to describe Paul it would be kind, grateful, and gracious. What three words would others use to describe us?
By the way, Paul knew Heaven would be his future home. Paul had placed his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation, have you? For more information concerning your eternal destiny please visit:
http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html or http://www.preciousseed.com/
The following Thursday, Pastor Jon (our youth pastor) and I went to his home to make a visit. May I say that in this day and age with people being very busy, many are understandably not overjoyed when we knock on their doors. Paul, however, was an exception. He welcomed us with open arms. He was grateful. He was gracious. He was kind.
Over the course of the next several months, Paul became a regular at the Friday RU meetings. He was diligently studying God's Word and faithfully completing the RU curriculum. What made Paul unique was not what he was doing, but who he was. He was grateful. He was gracious. He was kind. Each person coming in contact with Paul left encouraged; left feeling better about themselves.
In life it is usually not what we accomplish that people will remember, but what we are like. Paul will be remembered not so much by what he did as he will by who he was.
Monday night the phone rang, it was Paul's wife. She said, we lost Paul today. An interesting choice of words that described exactly the emotion flooding my own heart. Lost. I felt a deep sense of loss. I loss someone who had touched my life.
As the word spread that Paul had passed away, others expressed their sadness. One said, we lost a good man while another said, he was always so kind, and such an encouragement. It was evident that people truly felt loss. It is amazing that in the few short months we knew him, that he was able to affect so many of our lives.
The known saying, a little kindness goes a long way describes our dear brother. The Bible says it is evidence of God's love in a life. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, In Ephesians God's Word encourages us to be kind. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
If I were to select three words to describe Paul it would be kind, grateful, and gracious. What three words would others use to describe us?
By the way, Paul knew Heaven would be his future home. Paul had placed his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation, have you? For more information concerning your eternal destiny please visit:
http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html or http://www.preciousseed.com/
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Fentanyl By Dr. George Crabb
I am passing this on. Originally posted in Dr. Burks blog.
“Fentanyl” – By Dr. George Crabb
Greg was a 42-year-old man that was disabled from his job as a police officer secondary to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). His law enforcement career looked promising as he advanced quickly up the ranks, reaching the position of sergeant in record time for his municipality. At the age of 30 he started noticing joint pain with morning stiffness and he was ultimately diagnosed with RA. At first the RA did not affect his job performance but his condition rapidly worsened over a course of 5 short years and he finally had to take a medical retirement and permanent disability. As his RA continued to advance his pain escalated dramatically. Greg was not only dealing with significant pain and disability but also dealing with a severe component of depression because he had lost his career as a police officer and saw nothing worthwhile in his future except for more disability, more depression and more severe pain.
Greg was initially started on an anti-inflammatory and hydrocodone (also known as, Vicoden, Norco, Lortab, Lorcet, etc) for his pain. He soon became tolerant of the hydrocodone and progressed to Percocet then ultimately to the fentanyl patch, still using the Percocet for “breakthrough pain.” He soon realized, after putting the first fentanyl patch on his skin, that fentanyl was different from the other opiate-like drugs he had been on previously. The Fentanyl patch made him feel different, it made him feel almost “normal” and more importantly to him it made his depression disappear (or at least he thought.) He went from the 25 mcg patch that he would apply every 3 days to the 100 mcg patch every 3 days in a few short months. Over the course of the next few months Greg’s personality changed. He started acting “funny” according to his wife of 20 years. He became unreliable, agitated, argumentative and at a few distinct times hostile. This was a fundamental change for Greg. His wife even caught him in several lies which he adamantly denied.
When he presented to my office I immediately noticed that he was in significant trouble and headed for total and complete destruction if intervention wasn’t soon coming. When I first met with him, his wife was at his side. After a lengthy conversation and performing my medical assessment, his wife and I confronted him about his personality changes and that we felt that the fentanyl patch was a foundational problem. Greg became immediately defensive, denying all accusations. He went on to say that he felt that his wife was looking for a reason to leave him and that I had no idea what was going on inside of him in regards to his medical condition and in regards to the fentanyl patch. He was not interested in any of my recommendations. As he left my office I gave him a “Breaking the Chains” tract and invited him to attend church with me and my family the following Sunday. He replied to my invitation with the following statement, “I don’t need your help and I definitely don’t need God!” Five days later he was found unresponsive in his living room by his wife. The wife immediately called 911 and the EMS unit arrived at their house in a few short minutes. They feverishly attempted to revive him. As they continued to work on him they rushed him to the emergency room where he was ultimately pronounced dead. It was noted on his autopsy report that ten, 100 mcg fentanyl patches were found on his body and his toxicology report found deadly levels of fentanyl in his blood system which was listed as the official cause of death. Later, the investigation found that Greg had 5 different physicians, each of which were prescribing fentanyl patches to him unaware that other doctors were involved in his care. Greg had masterfully deceived each doctor making them believe that they were his only prescribing physician. Unfortunately, Greg is not alone. It is a known fact that many people are abusing Fentanyl patches and most are unaware of the devastating consequences that will happen if they do not stop.
Fentanyl is a synthetic (made in the laboratory) opiate. Fentanyl’s potency or strength is reportedly 80 times that of morphine. Although fentanyl is usually administered as an intravenous medication in the hospital setting, fentanyl is also available in prescription form as a transdermal patch with continuous release into the blood system and it is also available as a lollipop (absorbed through the buccal mucosa) which is usually used for breakthrough pain in patient’s diagnosed with cancer. Both the licit and illicit use of fentanyl has dramatically increased over the past 10 years. The fentanyl patch is designed to be worn for 72 hours then taken off and replaced by a new patch. At this point, the used patches still contain substantial amounts of fentanyl and the potential for abuse is obvious. According to the DEA, fentanyl patches may be sold on the street for as much as $100 per patch. The fentanyl patches may be smoked or ingested or the contents may be extracted and injected intravenously. Some people reportedly smoke the patches by scraping the contents from the patch onto aluminum foil. The fentanyl is lit, and the smoke is inhaled with a pipe or pin case. Some individuals intravenously inject the contents of the fentanyl patch with devastating consequences including abscess formation, deep venous thrombosis (blood clots), superficial thrombophlebitis and of course death. The fentanyl lollipops have the street name “perc-a-pops.” They have a street value of roughly $20 a piece. Overdosing with fentanyl, regardless of the delivery system, will exhibit symptoms of opioid intoxication such as respiratory depression with potential respiratory failure, central nervous system (CNS) depression, low blood pressure, mood swings, agitation, fatigue, coma and death. Withdrawal symptoms are severe including restlessness, agitation, severe muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, depression, anxiety, headache and severe insomnia.
Just because a drug is prescribed by a physician does not mean it is safe and without the potential of abuse or addiction. All medicines, whether it be prescriptions or medicines that you can obtain over-the-counter (OTC), must be taken cautiously and the individual must be aware of all potential risks and side effects including abuse. Regardless if the drug is legal or illegal, prescription or OTC, the abuse is real and the devastation is deep. Jesus is willing and able to give freedom to all those that come to Him, from all drugs of abuse. The key, the answer is to daily abide in Jesus Christ.
“Fentanyl” – By Dr. George Crabb
Greg was a 42-year-old man that was disabled from his job as a police officer secondary to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). His law enforcement career looked promising as he advanced quickly up the ranks, reaching the position of sergeant in record time for his municipality. At the age of 30 he started noticing joint pain with morning stiffness and he was ultimately diagnosed with RA. At first the RA did not affect his job performance but his condition rapidly worsened over a course of 5 short years and he finally had to take a medical retirement and permanent disability. As his RA continued to advance his pain escalated dramatically. Greg was not only dealing with significant pain and disability but also dealing with a severe component of depression because he had lost his career as a police officer and saw nothing worthwhile in his future except for more disability, more depression and more severe pain.
Greg was initially started on an anti-inflammatory and hydrocodone (also known as, Vicoden, Norco, Lortab, Lorcet, etc) for his pain. He soon became tolerant of the hydrocodone and progressed to Percocet then ultimately to the fentanyl patch, still using the Percocet for “breakthrough pain.” He soon realized, after putting the first fentanyl patch on his skin, that fentanyl was different from the other opiate-like drugs he had been on previously. The Fentanyl patch made him feel different, it made him feel almost “normal” and more importantly to him it made his depression disappear (or at least he thought.) He went from the 25 mcg patch that he would apply every 3 days to the 100 mcg patch every 3 days in a few short months. Over the course of the next few months Greg’s personality changed. He started acting “funny” according to his wife of 20 years. He became unreliable, agitated, argumentative and at a few distinct times hostile. This was a fundamental change for Greg. His wife even caught him in several lies which he adamantly denied.
When he presented to my office I immediately noticed that he was in significant trouble and headed for total and complete destruction if intervention wasn’t soon coming. When I first met with him, his wife was at his side. After a lengthy conversation and performing my medical assessment, his wife and I confronted him about his personality changes and that we felt that the fentanyl patch was a foundational problem. Greg became immediately defensive, denying all accusations. He went on to say that he felt that his wife was looking for a reason to leave him and that I had no idea what was going on inside of him in regards to his medical condition and in regards to the fentanyl patch. He was not interested in any of my recommendations. As he left my office I gave him a “Breaking the Chains” tract and invited him to attend church with me and my family the following Sunday. He replied to my invitation with the following statement, “I don’t need your help and I definitely don’t need God!” Five days later he was found unresponsive in his living room by his wife. The wife immediately called 911 and the EMS unit arrived at their house in a few short minutes. They feverishly attempted to revive him. As they continued to work on him they rushed him to the emergency room where he was ultimately pronounced dead. It was noted on his autopsy report that ten, 100 mcg fentanyl patches were found on his body and his toxicology report found deadly levels of fentanyl in his blood system which was listed as the official cause of death. Later, the investigation found that Greg had 5 different physicians, each of which were prescribing fentanyl patches to him unaware that other doctors were involved in his care. Greg had masterfully deceived each doctor making them believe that they were his only prescribing physician. Unfortunately, Greg is not alone. It is a known fact that many people are abusing Fentanyl patches and most are unaware of the devastating consequences that will happen if they do not stop.
Fentanyl is a synthetic (made in the laboratory) opiate. Fentanyl’s potency or strength is reportedly 80 times that of morphine. Although fentanyl is usually administered as an intravenous medication in the hospital setting, fentanyl is also available in prescription form as a transdermal patch with continuous release into the blood system and it is also available as a lollipop (absorbed through the buccal mucosa) which is usually used for breakthrough pain in patient’s diagnosed with cancer. Both the licit and illicit use of fentanyl has dramatically increased over the past 10 years. The fentanyl patch is designed to be worn for 72 hours then taken off and replaced by a new patch. At this point, the used patches still contain substantial amounts of fentanyl and the potential for abuse is obvious. According to the DEA, fentanyl patches may be sold on the street for as much as $100 per patch. The fentanyl patches may be smoked or ingested or the contents may be extracted and injected intravenously. Some people reportedly smoke the patches by scraping the contents from the patch onto aluminum foil. The fentanyl is lit, and the smoke is inhaled with a pipe or pin case. Some individuals intravenously inject the contents of the fentanyl patch with devastating consequences including abscess formation, deep venous thrombosis (blood clots), superficial thrombophlebitis and of course death. The fentanyl lollipops have the street name “perc-a-pops.” They have a street value of roughly $20 a piece. Overdosing with fentanyl, regardless of the delivery system, will exhibit symptoms of opioid intoxication such as respiratory depression with potential respiratory failure, central nervous system (CNS) depression, low blood pressure, mood swings, agitation, fatigue, coma and death. Withdrawal symptoms are severe including restlessness, agitation, severe muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, depression, anxiety, headache and severe insomnia.
Just because a drug is prescribed by a physician does not mean it is safe and without the potential of abuse or addiction. All medicines, whether it be prescriptions or medicines that you can obtain over-the-counter (OTC), must be taken cautiously and the individual must be aware of all potential risks and side effects including abuse. Regardless if the drug is legal or illegal, prescription or OTC, the abuse is real and the devastation is deep. Jesus is willing and able to give freedom to all those that come to Him, from all drugs of abuse. The key, the answer is to daily abide in Jesus Christ.
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