CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2019

CITIZENS IN A NEW KINGOM

Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. The Lord can be trusted in all that he says. He is loyal in all that he does. The Lord lifts up people who have fallen. He helps those who are in trouble. All living things look to you for their food, and you give them their food at the right time. You open your hands and give every living thing all that it needs. Everything the Lord does is good. Everything he does shows how loyal he is. The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help. He listens to his followers and does what they want. He answers their prayers and saves them. (Psalm 145:13-19 ERV)

The kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom in which we, who have given our will and lives over to the care of God, are citizens. Through Jesus we have been reconciled to God, our Heavenly Father. While on earth we are to live as representatives of Christ’s heavenly kingdom. God wants to work in us and through us to help us become the persons He created us to be and to be a blessing to others. That means allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us in the ways of God. It also means getting rid of the selfcentered desires of our earthly flesh.

The above Psalm lists human needs for things like food, shelter, comfort, and protection that we experience, and that God provides for at just the right time. He is a faithful loving God who is near to those who call on Him for help. Jesus, God’s only begotten son, humbled Himself and came to earth in the likeness of a man. Jesus said that those who have seen Him have seen His Father.

In the Bible, when we read about the life of Jesus, we can only imagine what joy awaits us when we finally reach our heavenly home. The Bible tells us it has not even entered the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him. Do we have our passport from the Kingdom of Heaven? Are we experiencing the joy and satisfaction of serving the King of Kings in our life and recovery today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus into the world to restore our relationship with You. We are blessed to know that as Your beloved children we have the deposit of the Holy Spirit living in us, guaranteeing what is to come. Amen

(co Partners in Hope)

I was completely defeated by my alcoholic-addiction, gambling addictions and a mental illness’s, which were; major depressive disorder and attachment disorder. They were tangled together and please remember that most addictions are now considered mental illness’s as well. As long as I tried to fight it on my own self will, I had no chance. I realized I needed to give up and give in to God. This was not an easy to do because my own self will was running riot. It tricked me into thinking I was stronger than my problems. This was not true. I did believe in God, but I wanted to be in control. As long as I tried to be in control, I and most everything around me was out of control. I had to accept that only God had the power to relieve me of my dilemma. Which was Co-occurring disorders (AKA, dual diagnosis). I had to humble myself and surrender to Good Orderly Directions (GOD) and ask for help. The Lord Jesus Christ and the 12 steps brought me out of myself will and taught me how to surrender to God's will.

The 12 steps are the good orderly directions I received. They are based on Matthew chapter 5:3-9>

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, so they will be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

While there is certainly nothing new about this, it's been around since Jesus said it. It was put to use help people like us in 1921 by the Oxford group. A man by the name of Bill Wilson, who was a miserable down and out alcoholic with many trips into detox and mental clinics, met a member of the Oxford group and on old drinking buddy named Ebby Thatcher. Mister Thatcher explained the program and took Bill W. to Oxford group meetings, He learned the power of confession and testimony have healing benefits. However, Bill W. was an agnostic at the time and hesitant to share the evangelical aspect especially to folks that were skeptical of religion (and all of it’s trappings). So, Bill W. and his trudging buddy, Dr. Bob, watered it down a little so it could be more acceptable and appealing to the general public and especially to unsaved Alcoholics and later to addicts. They considered narcotics (like Morphine) addiction just another form of alcohol(ism).

That's how Alcoholics Anonymous got it’s beginnings. Bill & Bob (the second member of AA) realized that one of the most important aspects of recovery is the healing benefits of helping others. They modified the program slightly and developed the 12 steps from what they had learned along the way And the book titled Alcoholics Anonymous was copyrighted and printed in 1939

Identifying the diseases that we have been diagnosed with in public, benefits us greatly by shutting down the denial mechanism. Admitting our truth to others with that suffer with the same or similar disorders is also a key. The program is designed to use, it not only helps a person come out of denial, but it also helps those who receive the message identify not only with the sharer, but with themselves. They learn they don’t have to suffer with terminal uniqueness.

As a member, former chairperson and advocate of several 12 step programs, including AA, NA DRA and Celebrate Recovery, I have had and still have friends and associates in several more. We have come to realize how useful the steps can be. To keep them simple but inclusive for a broader spectrum of people with similar problems we have eliminated some single-minded rhetoric like bi-polar, alcoholic, OCD, porn addict etc. That can cause divisions among us. This program is for all who suffer from the most common problem amoung most of us. Co-occurring Disorders; they intertwine with addictive, obsessive-compulsive like gambling, sex food and/or t other treatable mood disorders.

We are not very interested in what you did, how much, or who with. Rather; What it was like, what happened and what it’s like now. If you want what we have and can prepare to take certain steps. The following are the ones we recommend>

The 12 Steps

Thank you for your beautiful pannel of the 'AA' version of the 12 steps.

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore come to what we have heard so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through the Angels was blinding, every violation in disobedience received its just punishment. How shall we escape if we ignore so great a Salvation? Your Salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019

STUBBORN PRIDE

Pride is a very destructive character defect. It is evident in our lives when we think negative, angry, or victimized thoughts. When we have been harmed or offended by someone, pride tells us that we know best how to deal with it. We decide to use our own ideas, which are actually fatally flawed, and the result is that instead of solving problems, we become slaves to destructive life practices that fill our lives with increased suffering.

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. (Proverbs 13:10; 14:3; 16:18; 29:23 NIV)

Pride is destructive because it removes God’s presence and God’s will from any thoughts about how to deal with a situation. Pride says “I will do it MY way” regardless of the consequences.

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. (Psalm 138:6-8a NLT)

Humility, on the other hand, enables us to stand with God, face hurt and injustice, and invite Him to show us a secure way forward. God promises to work out His good plan for our lives in a way that demonstrates His faithful love for us.

If we truly want to build a secure life it is necessary to come to God with a humble heart and willingly follow the directions given in His Word.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I repent of the pride and arrogance that led me to act on faulty solutions. Forgive me for the times I have thought that Your principles for living in recovery were not working because I wanted healing in my own way. Help me to trust Your ways and lean not on my own prideful understanding. Amen

(co Partners in Hope)

November 25, 2019 . . . . . . Meditation . . . Page 343

"Quieting the mind through meditation brings an inner peace that brings us into contact with the God within us."
Basic Text, pp. 46-47

As our recovery progresses, we often reflect on what brought us to Narcotics Anonymous in the first place and are able to appreciate how much the quality of our lives has improved. We no longer have to fear our own thoughts. And the more we pray and meditate, the more we experience a calm sense of well-being. The peace and tranquility we experience during our quiet times confirms that our most important needs-our spiritual needs-are being met.

We are able to empathize with other addicts and strengthen our conscience in the process. We learn to avoid judging others and experience the freedom to be ourselves. In our spiritual reflection, we intuitively find "the God within us" and see that we are in harmony with a Power greater than ourselves.

Just for Today: I will reflect upon the gift of recovery and listen quietly for my Higher Power's guidance.

Step Eleven: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out." AA; Chapter 5, how it works.

Hello all, been away (astray) for some time now. Drugs are bad , m'kay? (Not to make light of it).
Thought being a Christian was easy, and that nothing could/would EVER lead me from God. Yeeaahhh, wrong!.....

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2019

GUILT – THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

The slogan “Guilt – the gift that keeps on giving” is often mentioned in recovery circles. Guilt reminds us of our wrongful actions and thoughts. The Bible teaches us how to recognize guilt in various forms and gives us God’s instructions on how to deal properly with all guilt.

God made us with a conscience where guilt reveals to us our wrongdoing. The Bible records that the first humans knew they had done wrong when they disobeyed God’s instructions. Because of their guilt, they hid from God and tried to cover themselves. We, at times, continue to act just like the first humans. Neither of them accepted the blame for what they had done but tried to shift the blame to someone else.

The Lord God called to the man and said, “Where are you?” The man said, “I heard you walking in the garden, and I was afraid. I was naked, so I hid.” (Genesis 3:9-10 ERV)

Guilt can become a true gift to us when it reminds us to deal with our wrongdoing so that we can be at peace with God, ourselves, and others. If we do not deal with our wrongdoing, guilt will fester and turn to shame. It’s this shame that causes us so many problems. Sometimes we try to overcome the shame we feel by justifying an offence, or by using our substance of choice to help us feel better. Neither of these options work. The truth is that when we confess to God what we have done, He will forgive us and we will be freed from harmful shame. Then we will have the right heart to go to those we have harmed to seek reconciliation.

Our God, you bless everyone whose sins you forgive and wipe away. You bless them by saying, “You told me your sins, without trying to hide them, and now I forgive you.” (Psalm 32:1-2 CEV)

Guilt is a blessing that keeps on giving when we allow it to become a reminder to us to seek forgiveness for any wrongs we have done and to ask God to remove all our shortcomings.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to quickly deal with guilt when I have done wrong. Also, help me to forgive others for their wrongful acts just like you have forgiven me. Amen

(co; Partners in Hope)

There's nothing easy about resisting the world, the flesh and/or the Devil and drugs are one of his tricks that may seem harmless at first but often turn into traps. Resisting the Devil so that he will flee is not a passive form of protest. Make no mistake about he will try to return and recapture what he wants. He is on a seek and destroy mission and our souls are what he want's. We should stay away from the people places and things he is baiting us with. Some of our NA associates say, "If you don't want a haircut, stop hanging around the barber shop." Tru dat!

Many of us find it difficult to feel confident in intimate relationships. If we learn early in life that the people most important to us were unapproachable, then as adults we may have trouble confidently approaching others. There are many ways to learn that approaching other people is dangerous period it can come from abuse or criticism or rejection.

One result of such experiences is that we find it difficult to be confident when we approach God. This is particularly true when we are feeling fragile, weak or needy. The last things we expect are mercy and grace in our time of need. We expect to be criticized, abandoned, or rejected. We expect God to say why are you still so needy I'm busy now if you only had more faith or prayed more or read the Bible more or trusted me more. With expectations like this it is no surprise that we lack confidence when approaching God.

But God offers us an invitation we long to hear. He invites us to approach him and he invites us to come to him with confidence. He will pay attention. He will hear us. He will be interested in our well-being. He will respond with mercy and grace.

Adult children of Alcoholics, Marijuana anonymous

Al Anon (and Alateen), Narcotics anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous, Nar- Anon

Alcoholics for Christ, National Association for Christians in recovery

Alcoholics victorious, Nicotine anonymous

Celebrate Recovery, Overcomers outreach inc.

Children of Alcoholics foundation, Over eaters anonymous

Christian recovery international, Sexaholics anonymous

Christians in recovery Christians in Recovery Anonymous (us),

Sex and love addicts anonymous, Co-dependents anonymous

Survivors of incest anonymous, Debtors anonymous

Workaholics anonymous, Gamblers anonymous

International Christian Recovery Coalition, Faces and voices of recovery

Note CRA is not affiliated with Christians in recovery. They are christians-in-recovery.org
We are https://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/cra-christians-in-recovery-anonymous.
I also missed www.partnersinhope.ca

November 26, 2019 . . . . . . Responsibility . . . Page 344

"A lot happens in one day, both negative and positive. If we do not take the time to appreciate
both, perhaps we will miss something that will help us grow." IP No.8, Just For Today

Responsibility, responsibility - the responsibilities of life are everywhere. We're "supposed to" wear seat belts. We're "supposed to" clean our homes. We're "supposed to" do certain things for our spouse, our children, the people we sponsor. On top of all this, we're "supposed to" go to meetings and practice our program as best we can. It's no wonder that, sometimes, we want to run from all these tasks and escape to some far-off island where we're not "supposed to" do anything!

At times like these, when we've become overwhelmed with our responsibilities, we have forgotten that responsibility need not be burdensome. When we have a desire to run away from our responsibilities we need to slow down, remember why we have chosen them, and pay attention to the gifts they bring. Whether it's a job we normally find challenging and interesting, or a partner whose personality we are usually excited by, or a child whom we naturally like to play with and care for, there is joy to be found in all the responsibilities of our lives.

Just for Today: Each moment is special. I will pay attention,
grateful for my responsibilities and the special joys they bring.

I'll take this one.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

ACKNOWLEDGING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

God’s heart is for us to enjoy loving and caring relationships with others. We have much to learn in this area. For a long time we’ve blamed others for the way they treated us. However, we have not been mindful of how our behaviour harmed others. Transformation in our lives only comes when our words and actions conform to the principles contained in God's word.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV)

It’s challenging to write down the name of each person with whom we have had a painful relationship and seek to know and own our part in whatever happened. To become truly willing to make amends for any harm we’ve caused in the relationship, we must look for God in the middle of each circumstance or memory. We must intentionally connect with God who knows, who cares, who heals, and who can even make something good out of the hurtful events of our past. We must receive love and comfort and healing from God, or we’ll never feel secure enough to forgive others or ourselves for failure to act in a loving way.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? (1 John 4:7-8, 20 NLT)

It's time to turn from the wounding and the blaming and look to God for His guidance in rebuilding healthy relationships.

Prayer: Loving God, I humbly acknowledge my inability to give and receive love. I believe you care for me and have pursued me with Your unfailing love. Show me the changes I need to make in order that I may become willing to make amends. As I go forward, help me to build my relationships on the firm foundation of love. Amen

(co Partners in Hope, Van., B.C.)