If you are personally caught in the snare of addiction, please know that He cares for you and wants you to be free. There is great reassurance of this in Jeremiah 29:11-13: "'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. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'"
Scriptures for Strength
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13)."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet" (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…" (Galatians 5:22,23).
" …neither do I condemn you…go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11).
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
There Is Hope
The Apostle Paul talks about battling the old sinful nature. Listen to what he says in Romans 7:15-20 (New Living Translation): "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it."With these thoughts in mind, only the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ is able to deliver you from any bondage and sin. Jesus is your Saviour, and He alone can save you from the snare of alcoholism.
Practical Help
It's very important to be part of a warm and caring church family, where you can receive further help and encouragement. If you're not presently involved in one, please feel free to call our Crossroads Ministry Centre (see phone listing) for referrals in your area. There are also a few recovery groups available to assist you:Celebrate Recovery
www.celebraterecovery.com
Alcoholics for Christ
www.alcoholicsforchrist.ca
Salvation Army Help Line
1-800-725-2769
As You Pray
The Bible says in John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."If you have never accepted God's Son, Jesus, into your life, I invite you to do so by simply praying: "Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross for me. I repent of all my sins and ask that you please forgive me. I now surrender my life to you, knowing that you can make it brand new. Grant me Your peace and the gift of eternal life."
If you have just repeated this prayer, I encourage you to call a prayer partner (note listing) and let them know of your wonderful decision! The ministry team here at Crossroads wants to help you get off to a good start on your new exciting journey with the Lord.
Suggested Reading
"The Bible speaks of being "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). You can renew your mind by reading the Bible, as well as helpful devotional and teaching books.Freedom From Addictions and/or Restored - Both of these books are written by Neil T. Anderson (published by Harvest House).
Scripture Passages
2 Timothy 2:1-13 Boldness, courage, God's faithfulness
Philippians 3:12-14 Forget the past
Psalms 103:12 Separation from sin
Isaiah 40:31 Strength renewed
John 8:36 Free in Jesus
Galatians 5:1 Freedom assured
Galatians 5:22,23 Fruit of the Spirit
Romans 10:17 Faith imparted
Romans 8:31-37 Assurance in Christ
Proverbs 29:25 Safety in Jesus
Be assured, God loves you. It does not matter how many times you have failed, or what you have done in your life, His arms are always outstretched toward you. "To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen" (Jude 24,25). Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
