Monday, November 30, 2009

Christian Recovery and the Word of God

If you're a Christian and continually relapse, you don't need a program, you need a better understanding of scripture, suffering and obedience. The Bible says you are more than a conqueror, you are a child of the living God, you are a winner and you have the mind of Christ. It also says that we are to pick up our cross daily and that Jesus must be our Lord.

You must believe that the Word of God is your answer to every problem, including your addiction. If you don't believe that, then you are in spiritual danger. If you trust the Word, then you will be willing to do whatever it takes to please the Master. He says to obey is better than sacrifice.

You may want to read a book that includes these concepts and gives more answers to the spiritual battle at hand. It's called Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery and its coming out in January 2010.

Meanwhile, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Surrender and Realize Your Need for God

If you're a Christian in recovery, the most important thing you can do is surrender to God. You may think you've already done that just by getting saved, but if you continue to struggle with drugs and alcohol, then you really haven't.

When you surrender, you trade your will for God's will. This isn't a nonchalant act. In fact, if it doesn't hurt and it isn't hard, then it most likely won't last. Surrender means you give up, you let go, you say "yes" to every command in the Bible.

When you surrender and realize your need for God, you get the strength of God to fight and win the battle for your own soul. You renounce the works of the flesh and willingly kill your sill nature. In the process, Christ in you rises up and the grace of God empowers you to resist temptation.

Simply put, surrender gives you all the power you need to live a clean and sober life forever.

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad. Also, look for the new book I've co-written called "Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery. It's coming out in January 2010.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Claim to be a Christian, Not an Addict

According to the Bible, we're new creations in God. That means we're changed, we're different, we're made new. This is an amazing reality, but one that many Christians in recovery seem to forget.

You can't claim you are an addict for the rest of your life if you claim you are a Christian. You must see yourself as transformed, and you must believe that the power of God and the blood of Jesus is enough for you to resist all temptation. When you continually claim your addiction, you are empowering your old self to rise up.

Your old self is the problem. You must walk in your new creation reality so that you can live as a victorious, addiction-free Christian forever. This is what the Bible says, and this is what the blood of Jesus has done for you.

Follow The Solid Rock Road ministry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad, and look for our book to come out in January 2010 called "Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery."

The Christian Recovery Path of Sobriety

To stay sober, you must discover the path God has created, go down it and stay on it. There's safety on the path of righteousness, plus a lot of learning, growing and getting set apart from the world.

The Solid Rock Road ministry describes this path and warns of taking the so-called Yellow Brick Road to recovery where the end is filled with smoke and mirrors. The path of God directs you straight to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Along the path, the devil will tempt you into taking detours. These off-ramps appear to be safe and seem like a faster way to get where you're going. But, they send you in circles, which results in you entering another one of your cycles.

Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad. And look for our book: Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery coming out in January 2010.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Christian Recovery Requires Forgiveness

There's no doubt that as a Christian you understand that addiction is unacceptable. However, you often find yourself in a continual state of relapse. You get sober, your life gets better, you feel better, then you start to focus on the negative aspects of life, and you give in to temptation and relapse.

While there are many reasons for relapse, a major one is that you may have missed the important step of forgiving yourself and others. Forgiveness isn't an option. According to the Bible, we are all commanded to forgive. More importantly, if you want to be forgiven, you have to extend forgiveness.

Forgiveness starts with yourself. Many Christians in recovery feel shame and guilt. These emotions are not of God and will bring condemnation. Take yourself to the cross of Jesus Christ and allow yourself to feel the pain of your life. See the truth and admit what you've done so you can have true remorse and you can repent. Repentance is important because it causes you to do a complete moral u-turn.

Our book is coming out in January and includes a chapter on Forgiveness. The book is called Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery. For now, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Freedom from Addictions God's Way

I have not always been a good girl. In fact, I've been very bad. But knowing this about myself doesn't make me feel condemned, it makes me grateful to be who I am today.

Gratitude is the reason I co-wrote the book "Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery." It's a way to show my appreciation to God for giving me back the life He originally intended. I don't live in the past, but I acknowledge it so I won't forget the pain, the confusion and the hopelessness I felt in my addiction.

I love being clean and sober. And I love that the Bible provided the truth that set me free, and answers every question I ask about life.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Christian Recovery: Your Temptation and Your Testimony

You can't have a testimony if you haven't had a test that you have passed. The reality of relapse is that you continually have to retake the test of temptation. Therefore, if you're sick of taking the same test over and over, then you have to study and commit to passing that test once and for all.

Can you imagine taking the same spelling test for years and years? Wouldn't you be determined to pass it so you can move forward and get smarter? And wouldn't your teacher make sure you learned the words you've already been given before she gives you another set of words to spell? If your school teachers won't let you fake your way through, why would God?

The simplest way to understand your chronic relapse is to see that God wants you to resist temptation based on HIS strength and the grace he's given. God expects you to change your pattern so that you can get out of the cycle of addictions. If He hasn't delivered you out, then you're test is to resist, resist, resist.

In the Solid Rock Road ministry, we teach you how to resist. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad, and look for our book "Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

God's Grace is Sufficient for Christians in Recovery

Many Christians who battle with addictions believe that grace means that God is quick to forgive. While God forgives when we repent, it's vital to understand the true work of grace in our lives.

There is a saving grace and an empowering grace that follows. It's the grace of God that enables Christians to get set free. Grace is the way of escape. Think of the acronym that many people use for the word grace: God's Riches at Christ's Expense.

If we have God's riches, then what could we possibly be missing? If God delivers, then we have deliverance. If he heals broken hearts, we're healed. The only thing that's missing is a complete understanding of what Christ accomplished at the cross.

Christian recovery really depends on Christians living in grace as defined in the Bible.

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Radical Recovery Requires Radical Change

A book I've co-written called Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery describes the battle of addictions and provides 10 Bible-based principles to fight and win. The book is due out in December, but for now, it's important to understand that Christian recovery is different from worldly recovery methods and techniques.

We have the amazing grace of God that not only saves, but enables Christians to resist all temptation. We have the blood of Jesus that cleanses, and the Holy Spirit as our counselor and guide. We have God who is all knowing, all powering and everywhere present. What more do we need? Nothing.

We don't need years of therapy, nor do Christians in recovery need to claim they are addicts for the rest of their life. Instead, they can claim they are new creations and free from addictions, starting right now.

Radical recovery happens when Christians take hold of all that God offers and puts His principles into practice. Radical recovery is simply acknowledging that God is enough. It's turning your life into an overcomer's legacy and allowing God to change our hearts and our minds.

I urge every Christian who struggles with addictions to enter into the radical Christian lifestyle.

Visit me on Twitter at wwww.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Christians in Recovery Must MakeJesus their Lord

Christians who battle with addictions are often asked to look for the root of the problem. Some will say that life has taken its toll, while others blame Adam and Eve or point their fingers at evil spirits. However, if the blood of Jesus has saved you and the Bible is there to instruct you, you have to look deeper to find the real root.

For most Christians in recovery, the root is self-will. Look in the mirror and ask yourself if Jesus is your Lord, as well as your Savior. If he's your Lord, you'll serve and obey Him. If not, you'll live as if you are the ruler of your own world.

The word 'obey' is a tricky one. It means doing something you don't want to do. In order to serve, you have to quit being selfish. Now do you see the problem?

Follow The Solid Rock Road ministry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Keys to Christian Recovery

Satan infiltrates. God waits.

Many Christians in addiction are waiting for God to do something miraculous when God is waiting for a relationship. When God doesn't posses them or prevent them from abusing drugs and alcohol, they start to believe that Satan has more power. They complain that God doesn't care and that the temptation is too great. They can't resist because God hasn't rescued them.

Satan infiltrates the minds of addicts. He has access because of the sin of addiction. So it makes sense that Christians who battle with addictions will think like the devil. But even in the midst of addiction, God has created ways to escape.

Christians have access to the Holy Spirit, which is Christ living in us. Those in addiction must agree to kill their sin nature and access the Holy Spirit to receive the mind of Christ. God wants relationship, then submission and obedience. He wants it His way, and He'll wait until you're ready to do it.

God's Presence in Christian Recovery

Your problems don’t stop you from getting into God’s presence. Obsessing about them, and trying to solve them on your own, are what hold you back and make you miserable. Many Christians in addiction use drugs and alcohol to dull the pain of their mistakes, or to forget the issues of their life. But addiction increases misery and further separates you from the One who has the help you need.

Misery has a mind of its own if you let it persist, but it's what you've come to know and accept in your life. Your addiction promotes your misery, and vice versa. It’s a vicious cycle that you have to break if you really want to live a clean and sober Christian life.

If getting to God isn't easy, you must persist in seeking Him! God's presence is where you'll find peace in the middle of chaos, and where you'll find your way of escape. Insist on meeting God. Start with putting on Christian worship music, then praise Him and pray to Him. Don't leave until He shows up.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Radical Recovery from Addictions for Christians

The radical lifestyle of addicts never ceases to amaze me, even though I've done my share of partying and admit to being equally outrageous. If you battle with addictions and are a Christian, you would win if you lived as radical a Christian lifestyle as when you were in the height of your addiction.

Your addiction to drugs and alcohol occupied your mind and dictated your actions. Everything in your life evolved around getting your drug of choice and consuming it. You went to bed high and you woke up wanting to be high again. You tended to your addiction at all moments, sometimes ignoring your work, family, friends and children in the process.

If you switched your pre-occupation to serving God and others, you would never relapse again. You would establish a legacy of sobriety and move into your destiny. I've co-authored a book titled "Follow the Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery" which provides 10 Bible-based principles that takes readers on an experiential journey of discovery. It will be out in December.

Meanwhile, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Army of God in Christian Recovery

Statistics prove that the battle of addictions is heating up. With the number of addicts on the rise and new drugs emerging, the world is faced with devastating affects on families and in communities.

The church is in the same kind of trouble. The devil will stop at nothing to kill, steal and destroy and he's using the weak-minded to infiltrate the Christian world with more and more addiction issues. Therefore the Army of God must stop at nothing to annihilate the plans of the enemy. We've got to take radical action to eliminate the sin of addiction.

The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery system provides training for Christian soldiers. A book written by Jamee Rae Pineda and Sherry Colby offers 10 Bible-based principles that take readers on a spiritual journey of discovery and freedom from drugs and alcohol.

Follow the Solid Rock Road Twitter to find out more about the system and to learn when and where the book will be available. www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Resist the Temptation to Use Drugs and Alcohol

Most people who battle with addictions say they can't resist the temptation to use drugs and alcohol. This may be true for some individuals, but this should never be said by Christians. The Bible refutes that statement in 1 Corinthians 10:13 when the Apostle Paul writes, "No temptation (or trial) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (or tried) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (or trial) will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it."

That's an amazing scripture and one that Christian addicts should get in their hearts. If you are a believer, then you know that all scripture is by inspiration of God. Therefore, He is speaking directly to addicts in 1 Corinthians 10:13. He says He has made a way of escape. That means you CAN resist because God is faithful to give you a way out.

The question is, are you faithful? Do you have faith that God is enough?

You can follow The Solid Rock Road on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Christians Addicted to Drugs and Alcohol

Christians addicted to drugs and alcohol attend churches all over the world. Many are in ministry, keeping their addiction a secret, but knowing in their hearts they have crossed the line from user to abuser. Obviously, not every person addicted to drugs and alcohol is homeless or lives under the bridge. They are your friends, family, neighbors, and fellow church members.

It doesn't matter if a person is a church-going addict or a backslidden addict. Both are in sin and must first admit they can't control their drinking and can't stop doing drugs. To get free, they must first be truthful, then live in the truth, which is the Word of God. Christians in addiction don't need to find a new program, they already have the Bible. Truly the power of God will deliver when Christians surrender and commit to being obedient children of God.

The Solid Rock Road ministry provides 10 Bible-base Principles that will transform the lives of Christians addicted to drugs and alcohol. You can find us on twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The Servant Heart in Christian Recovery

As a Christian, you’re called to a standard that extends beyond human nature. Ultimately, your love and service to others mirrors the condition of your heart. The goal as you walk along the Solid Rock Road is to soften your heart according to the Word of God, and in so doing, soften your heart toward the lost and to Christians and others in need of your help.

A hard heart cannot model Christ, nor can it serve without selfish intent. Therefore, Christians who practice the sin of addiction must get in the habit of serving others. Look around your church. There are single mothers and the elderly who could use your compassion and your practical assistance. During the holidays, offer to feed the homeless at a nearby shelter, or purchase presents anonymously for a family suffering from financial distress.

Make up your mind to do at least one good deed every day, and create a list of ways you can be of value to your family, friends and neighbors. When you think about other people and do random acts of service, you will think less about yourself and have less time to think about doing drugs and alcohol.

Check us out on twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad

The Sword of the Spirit in Christian Recovery

Temptation is no excuse to give into addictions. Every Christian is tempted with something, but we're all expected to resist using the Bible as our resource. Even Jesus was tempted by the devil during his 40 days in the desert. And since Jesus is our model and we're to have the mind of Christ, all we need to do is follow his lead when temptation strikes.

In Matthew 4:4,7 and 10, Jesus’ response to the devil’s temptations started with “It is written.” This should be your response when tempted to use drugs or alcohol. Ephesians 6:17 refers to the Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit. In other words, your greatest offensive weapon in the spiritual battle of addictions is scripture. If you learn to wield the Sword, you can kick the devil's butt and win the battle for your soul.

Get in the habit of reading your Bible every morning. Start your day empowered by the Word of God. Don't leave home without your Bible so it's easily accessible if you're suddenly hit with temptation. And memorize victory scriptures so that you are fully armed at all times. Remember, Jesus died on the cross so you could be free. When he said, "It is finished," he meant it. You are victorious.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Christian Recovery and the Spiritual Battle

Christians understand that a spiritual battle exists. There really is a fight between good and evil in the unseen world -- the devil and his demons versus God and his angels. In the middle of this battle is mankind, choosing sides and often becoming passionate about what they believe.

Those who call on the name of Jesus have pledged themselves as soldiers in the Army of God. They have chosen to fight for good, and have agreed to separate from the ways of the world. Romans 12:2 gives Christians good advice. "
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In the Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program, we are passionate about using the spiritual weapons of warfare to fight the battle, and to have the mind of Christ in all things. We believe that Christians battling addictions have everything they need to overcome temptation and to live a clean and sober life.

Christian Recovery and the New Creation Reality

The secular recovery community believes that once an addict, always an addict. But this is not true for Christians who understand they are transformed into the likeness of Christ. Many scriptures support this concept, but especially 2 Corinthians 5:17 which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Christians who struggle with addictions must accept this new creation reality for themselves. With a recovery ministry called the Solid Rock Road, we teach participants 10 Bible-based principles that give them the information and spiritual weapons they need to fight and win the battle for their souls once and for all.