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spiritual ASPECT of Addiction
Drug addiction is a physical, mental, emotional, social and SPIRITUAL BATTLE. Drugs and alcohol are the most severe forms of addiction, but there are many other insidious strongholds or habits that cause the disintegration of relationships, creativity, productivity as well as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual destruction. And consequently, if not addressed leads down a path of unhappiness, misery, addictions and ultimately spiritual death. And until we know the truth about the fight we are in we can't even begin to win the battle.
We will start with the Bible; nobody has ever been able to prove the Bible wrong, but still many try and often become Christians in the process. Most of us were not in World War II but we know that it happened, still nevertheless there are those to this day that claim there was no holocaust. Also look at all of world history is based on the name of Jesus Christ: B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. for: Anno Domini translated as In the year of our Lord.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. —2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible warns us to believe the scriptures and that there will be no excuses not to have believed in the end. The good news is that God wants what is best for you and me and has a plan for your life. It is no coincidence that you have arrived here at this page, so continue reading. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. —Jeremiah 29:11
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. —Romans 1:20
Whether we choose to believe it or not, does not change this truth, that we are in a spiritual battle, and all about us there are spiritual realms that try to derail us from God's purpose for our lives (the Bible tells us so). These battles rage all around us and the tactics of Satan are fully engaged in this conflict. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. —Ephesians 6:12
And if we say there is no Satan or spiritual battle we've already been deceived and he has us right where he wants us. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. —Revelation 12:7-9
Although man is in this struggle, Almighty God who created everything even Satan gives us a choice between His plan for our lives or Satan's path, I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.
—Deuteronomy 30:19
So we are given the choice between the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life.
Everyone has experienced this spiritual battle to one degree or another especially those who have been addicted. Also, the world we live in is a testament to this fact. So how do we combat the spirit of evil which seeks to destroy us? God's Word says: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. —Ephesians 6:13-15 So how do we put on the full armor of God? Well it says, put on the full armor of God & get out feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
So what is the gospel of peace? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. —John 14:6 It's our one and only hope; It is the power of Jesus Christ the Son of God. and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. —2 Corinthians 5:15
And we are no match for Satan without the power of God, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. —Luke 10:17-18
So we must be willing to submit to God and obey His word in order to receive His armor. God hates pride, it is the original sin and the reason Satan was cast out of heaven. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. —Ezekiel 28:17
Therefore we must humble ourselves and realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:6-7 And it doesn't matter what the sin is God is faithful to forgive us when we ask in Jesus name. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, —Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23 If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and repent (turn away from) of our sins, we will have eternal life and inner peace that only God can give. that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." —Romans 10:9-11
Often we become so entrench or addicted to something we think there is no way out and that it would be too hard to change and just the vary thought is too overwhelming for us; yes, that is what sin does to us. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. —John 8:34 God is the only one who can truly free us from addiction or sin, we ourselves without God's help are only capable of replacing one addiction for another which is not freedom; or we think we are free of something only to struggle and fall back eventually. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. —John 8:36
Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28 Therefore once we accept Christ into our heart He is faithful to help us overcome addictions and do away with harmful patterns of living and thinking. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. —2 corinthians 5 17 And we start a new journey one filled with purpose and love, God's true purpose for your life.
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. —Revelation 3:20
But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
—1 Corinthians 2:9
We need to heed the warnings because none of us is guaranteed tomorrow and there is nothing in this life worth being separated from God and suffering for all eternity. So we need to ask Jesus for help, He is the only one who has the power to save us. I AM He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I AM alive for ever more, Amen; and have the keys of Hell and of death. —Revelation 1:18
The Bible warns us not to delay any longer.
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. —Revelation 3:3
It would be foolish to think or assume that there is no Hell when the prophets and Jesus Himself warned us about this place throughout the whole Bible. How many times have you found yourself in hell-like situations here on earth wondering how and why you got there? And why would you risk eternity for anything here on earth which is going to be gone in a flash anyways? For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? —Mark 8:36
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell. —Matthew 10:28 And if your hand offend you, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: —Mark 9:43
If you are ready to be saved and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior than say this simple prayer below to let God know that you chose life. We must believe the truth about God and His plan for eternity: If you lack faith ask God to give you faith. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. —Luke 11:9-10 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes. ”Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” —Mark 9:23-24 Also, go to church and Bible study, because: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17
Say this simple prayer below to let God know that you chose life:
Father God, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you received Christ today, welcome to the family of God. Once we are born again we receive the Holy Spirit and we are saved, then we should go and be baptized Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. —Acts 2:38. Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit —John 3:5-6.
After you've been saved go and tell somebody about your new faith in Jesus Christ and Spend time with God each day in prayer and reading the Bible. Also seek fellowship with other Christians. And get involved with a group of believing friends to answer questions and receive support. Also find a local church where you can fellowship, worship God and learn His Word. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24-25
If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol then finding a Christian treatment program would be a good place to start also.
Once we receive the Spirit, we need to work toward transformation or we will be susceptible to Satan's deceptions and could remain stuck in our muck, which can destroy the faith. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2 Therefore In order to be successful Christians and receive the blessings and not the curses we must be obedient and diligent to receive God's Word therefore be transformed and line our thinking up with the Word of God. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:8-9
If we put-forth faith and learn to line up our thoughts with God's Word we will begin healing from our mental, emotion and Spiritual infirmities. Just like food we are what we eat and we are always feeding ourselves spiritually and what we take in is what we become. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:5
The Christian walk is a learning process of continual improvement, and there will be ups and downs but God will help us through these as long as we don't give up. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. —Galatians 6:9
Here's the thing; experience tells us that anything used to fill a void in our life with things that don't line up with the Word of God ultimately leads to unhappiness or worse death. It’s when we become so caught up in pleasing ourselves with deceptive pleasures and choosing our own way instead of following God's plan eventually leads to pain and sorrow. The Bible even says that sin is fun for a season but its end is suffering. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. —Proverbs 14:12
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. —Jeremiah 29:11
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