Struggling with Destructive Addictions?

I often receive email and Facebook messages from individuals begging for help as they struggle with destructive addictions. Truth be told, no one sets out to become addicted to any vice—whether it be drugs, alcohol, pornography, food, or any other thing that can eventually take control over an individual’s life.

“I just drink a little when I’m around my friends.” “I like to smoke a little pot because it calms me down and helps me to relax.” “It doesn’t hurt anything for me to take a little look at a girly-magazine every now and then.” “I like my food, leave me alone about it!” Just a few of the many possible responses one may get when confronting an individual about their vice.

Certainly, a little drink may be just fine as Paul encouraged Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach’s sake (1 Timothy 5:23). A little pot may help calm you down but other things can too. Food, of course, is a necessity but can be dangerous in excess. Everyone has their excuses for why they choose to allow various practices to be a part of their life but few fail to see the tunnel that vice will eventually take you down that you had no intention of ever being in.

Paul sounded a warning cry when he said: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT).

Understanding the eventual consequences of bad choices that can lead to one’s personal destruction or destructive behavior is paramount to our understanding of why Paul was so adamant that we not even give these things a second thought.

A man does not wake up one day and say I’m going to go out and drink with my buddies this evening and then come home and beat up my wife and frighten my kids almost to death, but it happens all the time. A man does not just leave work, go have a drink or two, and then drive off intoxicated, and simply hit another car and kill its occupants. These habits are developed over time as one runs toward instead of away from destructive addictions.

When an individual flirts with temptation, consequences will eventually come. Satan’s ploy is to bring destruction upon anyone who falls into his many traps as we read in John 10:10: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy” (NLT). The Scripture instructs us to bring up our children on the right path and they will not falter from it (Proverbs 22:4). We not only do that by our words of instruction but by the lifestyle we choose to live out in front of them.

If you are struggling with destructive addictions today, give it over to Jesus. Remove yourself from situations that encourage such behavior. Change your friends. Change the places you go. Change your mind set by filling your heart and mind with God’s Word. David said: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 WEB).

If your life is free from addictions, stay that way. Stay away from places and people who would encourage you to try new things. Keep your heart and mind pure by centering your affections upon things that are right and pure. Flee from the things in this world that would seek to take your heart and mind captive. Don’t test the waters. Don’t waste your time checking out what you might be missing out on. You aren’t missing out on anything but eventual destruction. Live your life centered upon Jesus.

Running in Circles to Get Away?

How much time have you wasted over the years running in circles to get away from the will of GOD for your life? The majority of Christians have been guilty at one time or another of running in other directions to escape going where GOD would have them to be—you’ve done and I’ve done it!

I look back over the years and see numerous times, too many to count, where I thought I knew better or simply just refused what God had in mind for me. I see so much wasted time that could’ve been used for the sake of the kingdom of GOD but I was too busy doing my own thing. I look back on these occasions with great regret!

I have often seen myself in much the same light as Jonah. The Bible puts it this way:  (Jonah 1:1-2 HCSB). Simple, straight-forward command of the Lord.

But, the Bible tells us Jonah had different plans. It says: “Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence” (v. 3).

The Bible clearly indicates that Jonah was attempting to escape the presence of GOD—it relates this idea twice. And his intention to disobey GOD was even more clearly indicated by the fact that he headed in the opposite direction.

How often have you done much the same thing? GOD tells you to go speak to an individual about Him and you head the opposite direction to keep from even crossing paths with the person. GOD tells you to go help out a person in need and you make excuses about how that person deserves to be where they are or they’re just scamming money.

It really happens more often than we even realize—GOD prompting us to do something for Him—to touch someone’s life in a special way—to make an impact in the world we are in. We have a tendency to simply overlook what GOD’s Spirit is trying to lead us to do. We are no different than Jonah in this regard!

We must learn to be sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance and then be willing to say, “Yes, LORD! Not my will but Yours be done through me.” Blessings from GOD come through these times of interaction we experience when we walk in obedience to GOD’s will. There is no greater joy and satisfaction that can come to human spirit than impacting another individual’s life through simple obedience to the prompting of GOD’s Spirit. Be sensitive and discover what GOD is truly trying to lead you to today!

Scripture Reading: “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’ As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I praise You for never giving up on me. I have run away from You; I have run away from Your instruction to me; I have failed You more times than I could ever know; yet, You remain faithful. Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit. Help me to reach out beyond my little world so others can come to know Jesus through a word I speak or an action I do. I want to follow in complete obedience to You from this day forward. I promise to go out of my way if need be to touch someone with Your love and gracious mercy. I love You, LORD,…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Time to Confront the Wickedness!

It doesn’t take long to recognize the wickedness that has overrun our nation. From the lies and corruption of the politicians to the liberal, anti-God teachings of the classroom, it is easy to see America is headed for disaster of epic proportions. Abraham Lincoln warned of this impending disaster when he said: “The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”

We are now living two generations past the removal of prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Bible from the public education classroom. I have discovered in my conversations with students in middle school and high school that the vast majority have no idea what a preacher is, who Jesus really is or what the Bible is or stands for.

America is now filled with a generation of young people who tend to be atheistic in the religious beliefs, have never attended a church service nor wish to, and have no desire to abide by an old archaic law such as God’s. Morals and ethics are no longer important. Lying, cheating, deceiving are all simple necessities to achieve higher and greater things.

The church in America is facing a serious dilemma as masses of people continue to exodus the church never to return. If the church does not stand up and confront the wickedness that has overwhelmed our nation, most churches will not survive another twenty years. What truly frightens me is the fact that most pastors simply don’t care! Church, it is time to rise up and confront the wickedness while we still can!

The nation of Israel had turned its back on God. The wickedness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had infiltrated and overwhelmed every facet of society. Idol worship had become the norm. Every man sought to do that which brought pleasure to himself. Elijah the prophet recognized the time had come for a showdown between the gods of Israel and the one-true GOD. He knew it was time to confront the wickedness of Israel was to be saved.

Elijah confronted Ahab and said: “I have not destroyed Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because you have abandoned the Lord’s commandments and followed the Baals. Now summon all Israel to meet me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table” (1 Kings 18:18-19 HCSB).

“Then Elijah approached all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.’” (v. 21). The challenge was made! Let GOD prove Himself today! The false priests built and altar and called down fire from their gods for the better part of the day—with no response!

After their total failure, Elijah stepped forward, built up the altar and then poured water all over it. Elijah stepped up to the altar and prayed out loud: “Let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your word I have done all these things. Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back” (v. 36-36).

The Bible tells us: “Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench” (v. 38). Not only was the sacrifice consumed but everything around it. The fire of GOD cleansed and purged the entire area from the wickedness of the false prophets.

The world’s systems are all a total failure. The enemy is intent on destroying America today. The proliferation of false gospels, false messiahs, and false teachings in the churches across America will soon be dealt with by the fire of GOD.

The only hope for America is a return to Jesus and the church is His vehicle through which this change is brought. A cleansing of the temples across America is in order but it can only happen as the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ rises up and confronts the false teachers and by the power of GOD calls down the destruction of their false idols of worship.

“When all the people saw it, they fell facedown and said, ‘Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!’” (v. 39). A national revival swept across Israel as GOD’s power was loosed by the one man, Elijah, who stood strong in the face of evil by the power of GOD. Church, it is time to confront the wickedness and it needs to begin with a cleansing of the house of GOD. It is time for the fires of revival to sweep through our midst and change the hearts of humanity back to GOD.

Scripture Reading: “God, You have rejected us; You have broken out against us; You have been angry. Restore us! You have shaken the land and split it open. Heal its fissures, for it shudders. You have made Your people suffer hardship; You have given us a wine to drink that made us stagger. You have given a signal flag to those who fear You, so that they can flee before the archers. Save with Your right hand, and answer me, so that those You love may be rescued. God has spoken in His sanctuary: ‘I will triumph! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine, and Ephraim is My helmet; Judah is My scepter. Moab is My washbasin; on Edom I throw My sandal. Over Philistia I shout in triumph.’ Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not You, God, who have rejected us? God, You do not march out with our armies. Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes” (Psalm 60 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, our nation is crumbling around us. The false teachers have infiltrated many pulpits across America, spouting their lies and deceit; tricking, coercing and dragging many away from Your truth. The flocks of people following them make many believe they have to be right in what they are saying; yet, it is easy to recognize a message other than that which we read in Your Word. Help us to rise up against this evil. Help us to stand together in the power of Jesus Christ against this evil. We declare together that we will no longer stand for such a perpetration of evil upon our fellow Americans. GOD, America needs to turn back to You. Light the fire fresh in me today that I may stand for You regardless of what others may choose to do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!  

The Door of Life Stands Ajar!

The first TV game show I can ever remember seeing was Let’s Make a Deal. The show started just a year after I was born and still goes on to this day. The concept behind the show was to make a deal with the host based on what prize the contestant hoped would be behind door 1, 2, or 3.

Life is similar in many regards. Life, too, is a series of doors—we often call them choices. Every day we find ourselves confronted with choices we have to make—some of them are important, others not so much. But, there is one all-important choice every human being is confronted with in life.

The decision each person renders sets the course for their eternal existence. Many live in denial of this choice and unfortunately will one day discover the eternal mistake they have made in so doing and the consequences they will suffer through forever will haunt their very existence.

In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (HCSB). This one door, one decision, one choice is the single most important choice you face in life. This one door alters the entire outcome of an individual’s existence both now and for all eternity. All the other doors of life you will ever face hinge upon the decision you make concerning Jesus. Will you trust Him with your life?

Pilate stood looking at Jesus, undecided about what he should do. He turned to the Jews and asked them: “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” (Matthew 27:22). The door of life stood slightly ajar before Pilate and the Jews—the final decision—crucify Him. They slammed the only door of eternal life shut and walked away.

Some will say, oh, but there are many doors from which to choose. I choose the way of Buddha, of Muhammed, of Confucius, of one of the many who present themselves open before me. Why does it matter anyway—all doors will eventually get me to the same place? On the contrary, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 HCSB).

Jesus is not one of many ways, of many doors, or many choices—He is the only way to the Heavenly Father above. He proved Himself when He fulfilled His statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25 HCSB). His resurrection proved to all mankind that He was truly the Son of GOD and the only door.

Is life not really making sense to you? Things just don’t seem to add up right? You think “this choice” is going to be the one to bring me happiness; yet, it soon falls short of its promises? Until you pass through the door of Jesus, all the other doors life is offering you will fail to make sense. Jesus is standing at your door today, knocking, encouraging you to step into real life through Him.

What will you do? Reach down and pull the door shut like Pilate and the Jews? Or, will you reach out and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ as you push open the door to eternal life? Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10 HCSB). The door of life stands waiting for you to walk through today. There are no deals to be made, no bargaining to be carried out—Jesus has paid the price—simply walk through His door today!

Scripture Reading: “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid; though war break out against me, still I am confident. I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. ” (Psalm 271-5 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father, in heaven, I have approached the door of life often, only to find myself distracted by something else. Today, I desire to walk through the door. I repent of my wickedness and the life I have lived. I confess I am a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. Today, I turn to Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me so I could have life. I surrender my life to You and ask You to take control of me and of my life. I am no longer mine, I now belong wholly to You. Thank you for saving me…I love You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Peace in the Midst of Your Storm

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a raging sea of problems? It seemed like the waves of difficulties just wouldn’t stop? It seemed like before one problem had completely washed over you, another was already coming in? What do you do? Who do you turn to? Where do you find some peace in the storm?

Jesus had gathered his disciples and, together, they got on a boat to head across the lake. Jesus saw the moment as a good time to catch a quick nap before the crowds would once again be all over Him. Luke tells us: “Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger” (Luke 8:23 HCSB).

This was not a little squall line but a major storm. The intensity of the problem was huge; the boat was being swamped; they were all in danger of drowning. Where was Jesus? Why hadn’t He jumped up and handled the problem? He was still sleeping—peacefully! We are told: “They came and woke Him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to die!’ Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm” (v. 24).

The storms of problems have swept over your life. You seem to be drowning in it all. Where is Jesus? Why doesn’t He run to your side and handle all this for you? The answer is in the question He posed to His disciples: “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). Jesus tells us in John 14:12: “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father” (HCSB).

The disciples had witnessed miracle after miracle; yet, when the storms arose, they were overcome by them. They focused on their storms instead of their ability to overcome them. Jesus tells us: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:13-14).

Jesus spoke to the storm—commanded it to be still—and calmness immediately fell. Today, you are facing problems—financial, health, family, job, marriage—it really doesn’t matter how big your storm appears because you serve a GOD whose power and ability is without limit. Jesus tells us to lift up our problem before Him, ask for deliverance in His name and He will take care of it—to the glory of GOD.

Jesus asked them, “Where is your faith?” He is asking you that same question today. Where is your faith? Why do you not trust me to be able to handle this for you? Take authority over your storms and problems in Jesus’ name—today! The storms are howling but the power of GOD will bring peace to your heart and life even in the midst of the most difficult of storms.