Author: LB

Are We Equipped To Deal With An Addict?

If you have ever talked with a drug addict suffering from withdrawal, you will not know what the best solution is to their situation. They have gotten themselves into a big mess. Big messes are not always easy to get out of. They will more than likely have to suffer through a recovery process. They will have to fight their way out. It most likely will not be an easy process. The sad thing is many often go right back to their habit. There does not seem to be a definite solution for any certain individual. Whatever the case may be, hopefully they will continue to try all their resources until they succeed. Too many times, they want to solve the problem themselves because of pride or shame. God can be a help no matter what resources are used in treatment. He can bring success to any situation. He can also give us the strength to resist the things that are not good. The only way to have access to the power God has is to ask for His help and allow Him to do the guiding. We must be willing to be obedient to what He tells us. We must keep saying, “No” to those things that have been holding us back.

An addict going through withdrawal will say, “It feels like my skin is burning off.” That sounds like hell. Hell is fire that we cannot escape from and that will not consume us which means forever with no relief. The sad thing is they will often say, “I just want to die.” What a sad scenario because there are ways out while we are on earth but after death, there will be no escape. They believe that death will give them relief. God offers real relief both for the situations we get ourselves into here on earth as well as a home in eternity where there will be no pain and suffering. The choices seem so plain to those that walk with Christ but Satan has deceived the addict into believing false statements. Addiction is not something a person should be trying to handle on their own. They will need help not only to get off of what they are using but also to stay off. If you know someone suffering, pray for them. It may be a long, dark tunnel before we see the light. If you are suffering, pray for yourself and seek help from professionals and those that love you. The ones that enable your habit are not the ones that genuinely care.

What Are You Celebrating This Christmas?

Christmas is a time where we should celebrate the gift that God gave us. God sent His Son so that we could have a better life. We give gifts to one another to symbolize that thought. Who do you know that you can bless with a gift that would make their life better? Don’t forget to let them know about the Savior for He is the Ultimate Gift that anyone can receive and He is free. We can’t buy or earn what He wants to give us. Most of us don’t need to lavish things on ourselves. We are blessed and already have plenty. Take time to be silent before God. Don’t allow yourself to get so wrapped up in the preparation that you lose sight of what you are celebrating.

If you have children, they will remember the memories that you share more than the gift that comes in a box. If they know the importance of having a relationship with Jesus, they will have a gift that will last longer than anything you can buy them and the extended warranty comes at no extra charge. Make sure they know what they are celebrating. It is the Birthday of our Christ. It is not their birthday or a day that Christ is replaced by an “X” or just another happy holiday.

If you know Christ as your Savior, share Him with someone. He is a gift that keeps on giving. If you don’t, you can accept Him as your Savior and this Christmas will mean more to you than ever before.

Peace In The Midst Of Our Storm

Thank God for the peace that He provides when we are in situations out of our control. So often we try to solve our problems without God. It is always to our benefit to ask God as soon as we know there is a problem. There is even more benefit to asking Him at the start of everyday to guide you through what your day will bring. Too many times, we wait until our problem becomes such a burden that we can’t do much else than cry out to God. At these times we often wonder why we waited so long to ask for His power to work in our situation.

At times we may have a situation that there is absolutely nothing we can do anyway. It is just wonderful to be able to know that He can be where we cannot and He can do the things we cannot. It is wonderful to have the peace that He gives during those situations. Those living without Christ would be burdened by worry, frustration, anger, etc. instead of the peace that passes all understanding, a peace that the world can’t give.

Do Parents Get Tired Of Trying?

Sometimes we put so much effort into wanting our children to have a better life and they still choose to settle for less. We pray and do all we can. We do what we think is best. At times, it drains us so much that we want to quit. God can give us the strength and endurance to get through the last stretch of the race.