Is Your Mind The Source Of Your Misery

Proverbs 23:7
For as he [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he.

Many of my past experiences within the confines of group recovery meetings have been life changing and yet challenging at the same time. Sharing my past experiences with women who have also been through the same things was most certainly a challenge for me because my heart and mind had changed from what I previously believed and practiced as truth. I realized that I was merely surviving while I was living my life in addiction and I shared my thoughts with everyone within those group meetings. Other people would share what was in their hearts and I would sit there and listen to them and be in awe of what they were living with and struggling to get through. For some reason I had this strong desire to help them through their difficulties and problems, but I thought to myself, who was I to take on such a task when I was in the same group meetings seeking help as well. All I would speak about was how the Lord changed my heart and my mind, and how I wanted to live for Him. I wanted everyone in the group to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and I was going to slip His name into the conversation one way or the other. All I could think about was how am I going to get people to hear Jesus and had the nerve to think I could save them from themselves and their addictive behavior. Even in my own needy state I desired to point people to Christ. I wanted to meet their needs in spite of my own needs.  I had the right spirit, but I believe it wasn’t the right time. I had not yet been educated, equipped or empowered to operate in that capacity at the time. Even though we all shared the same affliction I believed I was being influenced by the Holy Spirit to be an influence to others, whether they wanted to hear it or not, which brings to me disclose why Proverbs 23:7 is the main reason why people recovering from addiction may be failing in their efforts to truly be free. So much of the negative things people in recovery go through and why they go through them is a direct result of their incorrect thought life, which is without a doubt connected to the condition of their heart. When you’ve lived a life that is fueled by a mindset that only says, “Get more, Do more” by any means necessary you have to understand that there has to be a drastic change in not only the mind of that person, but also in the heart of the person. I was only scratching the surface t that point of my life. Sometimes God will show us things that we feel are for the “Right Now”, but in fact they are for the future. Nevertheless, there are some people who have no idea what goes through the mind of a drug addicted person and some of those people would simply think that they can just stop instantly. Even some of the people within the church have no idea the kind of spirits that inhabit the hearts and minds of those who are addicted or are recovering from addiction. There are many people recovering from addiction that have not yet learned what type of thinking is good, acceptable and pleasing in God’s sight, and for this reason I have made it my goal to go to as many treatment facilities and transitional houses to share my story of what the Lord has done for me and through me by His grace. Believers in Christ are Ministers of Reconciliation and are commissioned by the Lord to go to unbelievers and plead with them to be reconciled to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) 

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Imagine having a conversation with a person who is fresh in recovery; you could hear their issues and see what has to be changed within them.  You first have to have compassion for them and tell them how it really is, whether they immediately receive and understand fully what you’re saying or not. You also have to be very attentive to what they are saying. You don’t have to be a counselor or have a PhD to assist in the liberation of another human being. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am in no way saying that professional counseling is not necessary in some cases, but what I am saying is that the Body of Christ have been given the power and authority to heal the hearts of people by ministering to them as well as praying and interceding for them. I have come to realize and truly believe that one plants, one waters but God gives the increase. 

(1 Corinthians 3:6-8) 

In other words, the two who plant and water are united in their assignment, but by faith they stand in hope and with patience that God will increase what they have sown in the lives of those people. I have experienced listening to the torturing life experiences of several young women in recovery and had to pray for them immediately. I could feel their misery, I knew what the enemy had planted in their minds, and I understood that the more they believed those lies, the more their heart would make it their reality. Only the Word of God can destroy that kind of yoke! I have to admit that there are some people who just do not want to be a part of this kind of ministry because it can take a lot out of you, but there is a scripture that I pull from when I get wearied by ministry. Philippians 3:10-11, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” I pray that those who are called to this type of ministry don’t get caught up in the Power of the resurrection alone, but embrace the fellowship of His suffering. You can’t experience one without the other. Well at least you shouldn’t. Ministry itself can be consuming when there is no balance and no constant communication with the Father, and we can become consumed when we don’t approach it in the order in which it was given. We don’t want to become miserable ourselves or become so busy in ministry that we loose ourselves and neglect our families in the process. I would rather you be productive and not just busy. (Being busy is bordering on witchcraft) 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and 1 Timothy 5:13. God is a God of order and he will lead and guide us into all truth. We must not allow our minds to tell us to do things that are out of the order of God, even if it involves ministry. We must be lead by the spirit of God and be very discerning because the Spirit leads us externally (the word) and internally (the indwelling of the Holy Spirit). Psalms 119:105; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 2:9-13
So I pray that you will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the works of the Lord,  knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord

Divide & Conquer (The Absence of Unity Within The Church)

What if I told you that we are our worst enemy and that the enemy of our souls starts with our agreement with, and submission to what satan plants in our minds and hearts. You would probably have to think twice or analyze that statement first before believing it. The term “Divide and Conquer” is said to derive from King Phillip II of Macedon (382-336 BC), which described his policy toward the Greek city- states. According to him, this well known phrase is referring to a strategy of gaining and maintaining power based on the fact that many smaller opponents are easier to manage than larger opponents. The strategy includes breaking up power alliances into smaller groups that are easier to subdue/manage and preventing those small groups from linking up and becoming more powerful. If this strategy was to be effective it would allow those with limited power to control those who collectively would have had a lot more influence. I do however believe that many other ruler like Caesar and Napoleon put this technique into operation as well.  Strangely enough, this technique has been effective in many cases, for many reasons, in many genres and for many centuries’.

I would, however like to point out a more spiritual perspective of this strategy according to the Word of God. In Matthew 12:25 Jesus makes a very powerful statement directed at the Pharisees that I think we should know about UNITY!
Jesus has just healed a man from being blind, mute and demon-possessed. The multitudes of people were amazed and began to ask, “Could this be the Son of David?” The Pharisees heard it and said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Jesus knowing their thoughts says, “Every kingdom divided [separated or at odds] against itself is brought to desolation [misery, anguish despair], and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” The Pharisees have just accused Jesus of operating under the power and influence of a demon in order to cast out a demon and Jesus with the knowledge and discernment he has didn’t get offended, and didn’t begin to accuse them back; he simply laid the truth in table, goes into a parable about the strong man and shifts into  a powerful statement concerning “The Unpardonable Sin,” which is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, this was Jesus’ way of warning them to be careful how far they took their statement concerning operating under the influence of God’s Holy Spirit. He was saying in essence that they could speak against him and be forgiven, but don’t take it to far trying to disprove who I am and end up not being able to be forgiven.

This passage of scripture has so much in it, but I want to focus on what Jesus pointed out concerning the absence of unity and why it’s so important in order for us to remain powerful, effective and productive. If you notice, there are two elements to the phrase “Divide & Conquer.” Division must first occur before the conquering comes into play, so this suggests that there is a process of time that it will to cause that division. First I want to point out that there must be contention, strife, anger misery and anguish in the midst of any group if division is to occur. The bible says in James 4:1-3, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” In other words, James is pointing out the root cause of division amongst the saints, which lies in their selfish desires (the bible calls them evil desires). This is how the enemy gets in and causes division amongst God’s people. He causes us to look more at ourselves and our own lack in order to gain ground. If there is no gratitude towards God for the gifts he has given us, our views are skewed and we begin to covet what the world has with evil intentions, as if God’s gifts to us are not enough, and when we do seek and ask God, we ask with the wrong motives. Romans 16:17-19 says, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Isn’t it ironic that because of our obedience to Jesus Christ the enemy will use people within the church to deceive us with flattering words in order to get us out of the Will of God (Word of God) for our lives? Our urgency and instruction to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil is just that. We don’t have to make things so complicated and deep all the time. We should never over think things. Some things are simply surface knowledge to the children of God, but we have this saying, “I’m going to have to pray on it.” What is their to pray on if the word is rooted richly in your hearts? Why allow someone to come along and deceive you? What sounds good on the surface must first be examined by the Word of God that lives in us. It’s just that simple. This is just but one of the ways in which division is accomplished within the body of Christ. Selfish desire is trying it’s best to defeat the saints and we’re falling for it. We listen to songs like “Go Get it” (Your Blessing) and just run with it. We forget about the Ministry of Reconciliation that we’ve been made Ambassadors for.

We must never forget the purpose in which we were saved to begin with.(2 Cor. 5:11-21)

When will we realize that collectively we have more influence in this world as the Body of Christ? Unfortunately, I believe our focus has shifted to what’s around us and not what’s in us. Ephesians 4:11-13 says, “So Christ himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” The main purpose of unity in this text points to being equipped for the purpose of ministry and for our edification until we are unified in the faith. This is what the enemy is after! The absence of unity has repercussions that we have yet to comprehend, and if the truth be told, the absence of unity is the beginning of our demise. But it all starts from within us. Philippians 2:1-4 sets us free. It says, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This is how we overcome and take back our power from the enemy, our influence in our families, with our friends and in the world. Don’t get me wrong, this will not be an easy task because we must endure hardship as a good soldier, but I believe we will reap if we faint not.
The bible wasn’t lying when it asks the question in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?” The answer is obvious. We cannot continue to walk together as believers in Christ if we all have our own selfish agenda’s. As you can see, in each verse I have shared, Selfish ambition, Selfishness or Selfish desires is the root cause of division. So in essence, when we stray from the will of God, turn away from our humility towards Christ and become discontented in the gifts He has given us for the equipping of one another, we in fact conquer ourselves. We are our worst enemy!
Absence of unity is presence with defeat!

A form of Godliness, but denies the Power

When literature has been received from spiritual dictation and received through necromancy, you can best believe you are being seduced by impure and ungoldly Spirits.
According to PASS IT ON, the official biography of Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, " One of Bill's fascinations and involvements was with psychic phenomena. His belief in clairvoyance and other extrasensory manifestation arose out of his conviction that our life times on earth constitute what he liked to call "a mere day in school"; that we are all pupils in a;"spiritual kindergarten", and that life after life is a matter of fact as well as faith. This belief led to his attempts to get in touch with other lives in other lifetimes.

Pass It On pg. 275...

So since AA and NA teaches that any God will do, where do you think the origin of that idea came from?

Okay, we know there are a few truths sprinkled here and there in the 12 steps, can't deny that right? But just because it contains some truth doesn't make it relevant. The easiest way for the devil to get you twisted and build a stronghold in your mind is to mix a little truth in with some lies. It all boils down to this:
Truth + Error = ERROR

This program is a Principality, which is defined as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, and the active cause. Another translation is the territory or jurisdiction of a prince.

Even if everything in the 12 steps were true, it wouldn't even matter because God still condemns the source in which Bill received the literature.

“There shall not be found among you…a medium or a spiritualist or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10, 11, 12)

UNDERSTANDING RESTORATION & SANCTIFICATION

When we establish a firm foundation of what the origins of words are, we gain a full and completed understanding of how to best use these words to build up our faith and the faith of others in this ministry.

Restoration

We will first look at the meaning of the word ‘Restoration’. The Etymological definition of ‘Restoration’ means, “to give back, to build up again, to repair and to renew." The C.D.S. Ministry’s purpose is to do exactly that; to give back, to build up, to repair and to renew. The question we must ask ourselves is, “What are we building up, giving back, repairing and renewing in others, as well as ourselves?” We can look to our vision and mission statement for the answers to that question. First, we are helping people to build their Faith in Jesus Christ while in their recovery process. Secondly, the Lord is using each of us to give back, repair and renew what was previously lost, which is their minds.

Next we will look at the Greek translation of the word ‘Restoration’ which is translated as “apokatastasis”, which means “of the perfect state before the fall”. So as we can see, restoration has a more complex meaning, which could also takes us back to the book of Genesis where the fall began or it could take us to where we, as human beings fell in our personal lives. In Genesis chapters 1 and 2 we read of a perfect creation which received God’s approval as being ‘good’(Gen.1:10,12,18,21). 
In chapter 4 we find jealousy and murder. In the following chapters mankind goes from bad to worse. What happened? “The Fall” Genesis 3: 8-21 tells us what happened as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin against God. They were spiritually separated from God. Let’s look at the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus to get more of a scriptural foundation of man having to be restored, and not only that, but to be reconciled to the Father through Jesus Christ. [see Luke 19:10]

 In John 3: 3-8 it says, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’ the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” So here we see the Fall of man Spiritually. We first see perfect union with God in the beginning, we see the enemy’s temptation, the fall of man, the spiritual separation, and in the New Testament we see Jesus proclaiming that all mankind needs to be reborn in the Spirit. As we read previously, the word restoration is somewhat complex, meaning [something that is made of many interrelated parts]. Now that we have established the origin of the word restoration, we can interpret that people are at one point in their life, for example, considering themselves to be whole, doing well just living their lives and all of a sudden something happens in their life that causes them to fall. People have been depleted of all spiritual resources, first because of SIN, secondly because of the wages of that sin and as a result they need to be reborn, and because they need to be restored of what was taken from them. [Rom.6:23; Rom.10:9] I believe the difference between rebirth and restoration lies in the reality that the rebirth happens automatically [after confessing Christ] and the restoration happens gradually by Grace through Faith [which is the process]. When we renew our minds we are being restored/transformed in our soul [which is the mind, will, emotions] with ‘The Word of God’. [Romans 12:2]

Sanctification

As we look at the Etymological definition of the word ‘Sanctification’, it means, ‘to set apart’ or ‘to make holy’. When we look at 1 Thessalonians 5:23, we see in the letter of Apostle Paul a form of prayer for those in Thessalonica, which states, “Now may the God of peace Himself ‘sanctify’ you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As you can see, Paul used the word ‘completely’, which means that some sort of process has not yet been finished, but only through us studying and being exposed to the ‘Word of God’ can this process be fully completed in us. In John 17:17 sanctification is also spoken of, which says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”  Matthew Henry’s commentary describes the meaning behind this scriptures quite well, “The grace desired—sanctification. The disciples were sanctified, for they were not of the world; yet he [John] prays, Father sanctify them, that is to “Confirm the work of sanctification in them, strengthen their faith, inflame their good affections, fix and direct their attention to good resolutions. Carry on that good work in them, and continue it; let the light shine more and more. Complete it, crown it with the perfection of holiness; sanctify them throughout and to the end.” So as you can see, these two bible verses, along with the commentary give us a better understanding of what it means to be sanctified by the Father. It’s a Process!!! [in this text]

Now when we look at the Greek translation of the word ‘Sanctification’ it is translated ‘hagiasmos’, which means “the effect of consecration” or “sanctification of heart and life”. In other words, it means (a) separation to God, and (b) the resultant state, the conduct befitting those so separated. Here we see again what happens as a consequence of being set apart by God, as it pertains to the ‘result’ and the ‘conduct’ of that person who has been separated from the world for the work of the God’s Kingdom. Vines Expository dictionary gives us a more descriptive meaning, "Sanctification" is therefore the state predetermined by God for believers, into which in grace He calls them, and in which they begin their Christian course and so pursue it. Hence they are called "saints" (hagioi). Notice the bold words, which suggest that our being set apart was purposely fixed before hand, by God for believers; not just some believers, but all believers. So the question is, “Does restoration and sanctification go hand and hand in our personal relationships with God through Christ? My answer is YES they do. Are they exactly the same process? My answer would be Yes and No because there are similarities and differences between the two. Yes, because both sanctification and restoration require an ongoing process through the Grace of God and because the process requires the Truth of God’s Word.

 No because sanctification pertains to the result and the conduct befitting those who are set apart by the operation of the Holy Spirit. Restoration however is not predetermined, or Paul would not have said, “BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND” [Rom. 12:2], but restoration is the process of building up, repairing and renewing by the operation of the word and ourselves, that we may be sanctified by the washing of the word, which requires that we be responsible and accountable to that word. In other words, restoration works from the outside in and sanctification works from the inside out. Another verse of scripture comes to mind, which comes from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” In this text of scripture, the Matthew Henry commentary says, “Paul takes occasion to warn the Corinthians against many heinous evils, to which they had been formerly addicted. He presents it to them as a plain truth, of which they could not be ignorant, that such sinners should not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul was simply making it plain that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. He brings to their attention what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them: ‘Such were some of you’ is a Powerful statement. How glorious a change does grace make! It changes the vilest of men into saints and into the children of God, but you are not what you were. You are washed, [by the cleansing blood of Jesus] you are sanctified, [set apart by God] you are justified in the name of Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. Please take a look at how the King James version places a ‘present tense’ of the word ‘are’ into scripture. This statement speaks of the state or rather the condition they are presently in, as oppose to a state or condition they will receive in the future. Note: None are cleansed from the guilt of sin, and reconciled to God through Christ, but those who are also sanctified by his Spirit. All who are made righteous in the sight of God are made holy by the grace of God. In closing, I would like to reiterate that the C.D.S. Ministry is purposed or rather set apart to help others gradually put back what was not in their minds and spirits before they came to Christ. Remember, we are Ministers of Reconciliation...Oh how I love the doctrine of 'RE'. The more truth we reveal, the more lies are exposed, the more the Lord confirms the work of sanctification in us, strengthens our faith, inflames our good affections, fixes and directs our attention to good resolutions. God then carries on that good work in us, and continues it; and therefore lets the light shine more and more.

I pray that all will be blessed!

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you Oh Lord, My Strength and my Redeemer!

Psalm 19:14

"Recognizing the Truth"

In a society where there are countless individuals seeking to recover from drug addiction, one of the most important tools used are the resources and information that individuals use to recover; resources such as literature, specific guidelines and steps, and of course other people’s experiences.  One of society’s resources for people with drug addictions is Narcotics Anonymous. This organization has been around since 1936 and has helped countless people in their recovery process, but there are some disturbing things about the literature that is being promoted to the people in recovery. As I was reading the Narcotics Anonymous (How It Works) literature, I found something that was quite disturbing to me because it contradicts the Word of God. The literature states, [There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. With these we are well on our way. We feel that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, for the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. We feel that our way is practical, for one addict can best understand and help another addict. We believe that the sooner we face our problems within our society, in everyday living, just that much faster do we become acceptable, responsible, and productive members of that society. The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is not to take that first drug. If you are like us you know that one is too many and a thousand never enough. We put great emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction all over again.] One of the first thoughts after reading this was to discern the truth in God’s word to what has been stated in this literature. The very first statement says, “There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.” In other words, one of things that will defeat a person in recovery is having a mindset that has no concern for spiritual principles, and a mindset that is unwilling to or refuses to accept people who have different views, beliefs or lifestyles. Personally, I have some strong concerns about this statement because of the three principles that were named, which are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. I have no problem with following spiritual principles, but I do have a problem when those spiritual principles having no foundation or reference to the True and Living God by which we come through Jesus Christ for salvation and restoration… Of course there are many different beliefs and views concerning the spiritual standards we should live up to, but where are these standards coming from and what are they rooted in? As I read Galatians 4: 8-9, it revealed the truth, which says, “Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?” No matter what we hold to be true in our own minds, we must pull from what the bible says is the standard of truth. Respecting another individual’s views, beliefs and lifestyle is not a problem, but it becomes a problem when those views, beliefs and lifestyles oppose the word of God, and the believer is then exposed to the lies within the minds of these individuals. Granted, everyone grows and recovers at a different rate, but as it says in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” As a believer of Jesus Christ, this scripture is clearly warning those who have accepted Jesus to be cautious of others who may in fact deceive them through any system of belief, values, or tenets, and according to the traditions of men, according to the basic values of men. The bible goes on to say in Colossians 2:20, “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations.” Here is where my concern is. Individuals who are in recovery, who have given their lives to God through Christ are no longer subject to these basic, human viewpoints, and ways of life that are encouraged and promoted in the Narcotics Anonymous program. Some, if not most people in recovery have not truly understood their identities and positions in Christ. Are we really identifying ourselves with the cross of Jesus Christ, Do we know the benefits and authority we have been given in and through Him? In the book of Hosea 4:6, it says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shall be no priest to me.” The blue letter bible explains that the word ‘knowledge’ in this text means, “for want of the knowledge of God”. This to me says more than enough. How are we suppose get the true knowledge of God through the different views, beliefs and lifestyles of others in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. We must depend on our personal relationship with God, through Christ if we are to grow spiritually and recover from the Stronghold of addiction. If anyone is directing others in a way which leads them away from Christ and causes doubt and confusion, then it’s time to come out from among them and be ye separated. The second statement in Narcotics Anonymous literature that contradicts the truth in God’s word is, “The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is not to take that first drug.” This statement is not altogether true at all. Denying yourself of the use of drugs is not the only way, it is however one of the things you must be accountable and responsible for while in your recovery process. I know for a fact that abstinence alone can’t keep a person from picking up that first drug. If that statement were true, then there would be no relapsing in recovery. By what power can a person not use a drug that they continuously confess they are powerless over, and it remain permanent. The word of the Lord came to Zechariah saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Only by the spirit of the Lord can a person permanently keep themselves from returning to active addiction. I don’t care how much will power a person thinks they have against this unseen enemy that tries to pull us back into active addiction; if you don’t have the Power of the Holy Spirit working on the inside of you, you will, most often than not, relapse at some point in your recovery. Our minds must be set free and renewed by the word of God, by the Power of the Holy Spirit as it says in Romans 12:2. But let’s look at what the word of God says concerning the root of relapse (returning to active action) and the cause of it. I will say this with confidence, “Our deliverance is connected to our thinking” and the only way to keep from returning to active addiction is to “Renew your Mind” with God’s word.  In Romans 7:15-17 says, “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.  If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.  But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Here is the root cause!! We must realize that the flesh is not something we can take off like a watch or a pair of pants; the flesh is part of who we are, not all of who we are, and it can be used to do good, but the issue comes when we put all of our human effort into not using, and totally ignore the Grace of God and the word of God. In John 6:63, Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” In other words, the words that Jesus has left to us in the bible are not merely words on paper; they are spirit and they are life.  Jesus is not talking about just any spirit; he’s speaking of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. Let’s just be honest, Romans 7:15 applies to all of us, “For what I would do, that I do not.” This says, the thing that I would allow that’s good for me, I end up not doing it or not allowing it. But here’s the real crazy part; what I absolutely hate doing, I find myself doing that very thing.  For example, you know smoking cigarettes is an addiction and unhealthy; you want to stop, but you keep smoking. You hate being broke, but you won’t get a job. Instead you continuously rely on your old mindset, which says, “My man will take good care me”. You hate being lonely, but you won’t stop sleeping around with different men/women. All of these examples show us just how the sin that lives within us operates, but without the mind of Christ, we have no Power. Our carnal minds, our old mindsets struggle with following God’s word and living for God. So let’s step into the new mind as it says in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Time out for allowing others to dictate who we are in Christ. Nowhere in their literature does it reference Jesus Christ or the word of God. Let us realize and be honest amongst ourselves and know that NA is the world’s resource/ tool used to help or rather assist in the recovery process, not the final authority as to how we live our lives.  I’m trying to figure out what is really being implied when they stated, “We put great emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction all over again.” Now for a nonbeliever this may be true because the Holy Spirit is not at work inside of that person, but how can we, as the body of Christ, release an addiction that was crucified with Christ. (Gal. 2:20) Our identities are not based on performance, but it is rooted in our rebirth through Christ. In no way are we held under subjection to the power of sin because we have the Power of the Holy Spirit working inside of us, which helps us in our recovery and sanctification process. Releasing the addiction would mean that it is still laying dormant inside of us, but Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” The quote unquote “disease of addiction” cannot live together with Christ; for what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2Cor. 6:14)
Grace is our defining factor. If we subscribe to these sets of human standards, people are bound to fail in their recovery process.  This is but another form of bondage; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. In Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” And what about what it says in Colossians 2:13-15, “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,  having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Are we going to believe the word of God or are we going to allow the world to dictate to us who we are? I know that there literature says “they feel that their way is practical and that one addict can best understand and help another addict,” but the word of God says in Luke 6:39-42, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Now this scripture right here can in no way be misinterpreted, and if it is or has been; let me clarify it from what the Holy Spirit revealed to me. The first statement concerning the “blind leading the blind” means one mentally blind person leading another mentally blind person. So why allow someone with an unrenewed mind to lead you to a truth they don’t know; both will fall and fail in their efforts to do so. It also says we are not above of our teacher Jesus Christ, but everyone who is equipped and prepared will be like his teacher. This says to me that each and every follower of Christ will become more like him as we are led and prepared according to His word through our personal relationship with Him. But then He goes on to ask why do you look at the faults in your brother path, but do not look at the faults in your own path. How can an individual say, let me remove the faults that are in your path when you don’t even see the faults of your own. In other words, “How can you tell me how to stay clean, when you haven’t successfully stayed clean yourself?”First remove the faults you have in your path and then you will be able to see how to remove others faults. So if you’re blind to the Truth in God’s word which frees us, then how can you lead anyone out of their bondage? Why would anyone sit around and be complacent with abstaining from addiction when Freedom is available? Why would anyone keep silent about the freedom that Jesus so freely gives? Who has more influence over your life, the rooms of NA or Jesus Christ? Someone has got to know and share the truth of Christ in the rooms. It’s time out for wanting to fit in and all the while withholding the truth, simply because everyone doesn’t believe in your God. I will conclude my plea with 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

 You do not and will not fit in! You have been called out, now Stand Out and recognize the truth from a lie.

Anonymous Conversation

Anonymous:

Anonymity [secrecy] frees us.

My rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

Uhhh, wait a minute; this is not what the word of God says. How can we be freed from this stronghold of addiction by way of secrecy? We can’t because it says in John 8:31-32 ^“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the TRUTH shall make you free.” We must continue in God’s word and apply the truth to our lives; not some spiritual principle that man comes up with, which is rooted in foolishness. For it says in 1 Corinthians3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with god. For it is written: He catches the wise in their own craftiness.” If a man lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and ungrudgingly, without faultfinding and it will be given you. So, it seems obvious that many people in this organization desperately need to seek the wisdom of God, through Christ. Time out for leaning on our own understanding and taking on the ways of this world.

Anonymous:

If God is guiding my actions, and I truly respect the other folks, then I honor the anonymous God that stands behind 17 years clean. Actions always speak louder than words.

My rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

This statement almost floored me as I read it. I sympathize with this persons attempt to be humble concerning the guidance of his actions, which should be confidently lead by God, and not hesitantly. Now as far as this anonymous God goes, I am in total awe of this mindset, because it has the potential to render a person powerless in all that they do. In Matthew 10:33 it says, “But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my father who is in heaven.” When you have been set free from such an affliction as Drug addiction, there is no way you can keep it to yourself. Personally, I have every intention of sharing my journey and the God of my journey with everyone who will listen. I believe the word when it says, “Seek Him while he may be found.” Our lives and the lives of others depend on it!!! So this anonymous god that is spoken of in this conversation brings to mind 2 Corinthians 4:4 (the message version), “If our message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.”

Anonymous:

I sponsor folks with many different spiritual backgrounds from different parts of the world. My God wants me to accept them as they are, and I have been a student of spirituality as soon as I got out of God's way.

My Rebuttal: (The final authority/the word)

My response to this had to be carefully addressed and rooted in God’s word. Because of the second statement made concerning God accepting people as they are, I had to first focus on the first statement, which indicates that this person backs up or rather supports various spiritual backgrounds. In spite of the many different types of information and beliefs concerning spirituality, we can only base or rather pull from what the Word of God says. In Romans 6:11, it says, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Being a student of Spirituality and having a relationship with Christ are two different concepts. I say this because of the different beliefs that exist in the rooms of NA. Anything can be your God in the rooms, as was told to me in a previous conversation; Even a door knob!!!! Go figure! So what does spirituality profit us without Christ? For it says in Ephesians 2:12, “In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship [residency] among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.” So in reality, this person has yet to get out of God’s way, not to mention out of his or her own way. If you’re going to be effective while sponsoring another person’s life concerning pulling down the stronghold of addiction, you must beware of deceitful practices. As it says in, Colossians 2:8-10, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

This introduces us to Spiritual Discernment through Christ!!!!

Anonymous:

I love my God to much then try to shove him down someone’s throat at a meeting. This is why we have so many problems in the fellowship (only does NA), but it is always about saying I am right and you are wrong. I love all of you, whether you like me or not. I will keep coming back, because I learn through your experience, judgments, and problems just like you learn through mine. God brought me to recovery, why do you think that I have outgrown the addicts that he has chosen to teach me? Keep coming. Addicts love to isolate from our tribe and die being right. That is what I did before my last relapse. I will keep coming back because I owe it to God, the old-timers, newcomers and my kids.

My Rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

Granted, I have no problem with an individual loving God, but to be honest, this individual thinks, that by me sharing an article I wrote concerning our identities being determined by birth and not performance, I am somehow shoving God down people’s throat. Well, I can say this much, when people have been exposed to Narcotics anonymous literature, along with the 12 steps and principles, I have found that any other belief that contradicts what they have conceived as truth is automatically smacked down and considered an attack to them. Whenever an individual shares what the Truth of God’s word says it will cause conflict and separation. According to Matthew 10:34-35; Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Jesus’ statement clearly depicts his agenda, which is to separate the Truth from the Lie, and not only that, but to cause the ones He has called and purposed to stand against the evil practices of this world. So the problem comes not because I or any other Christians needs to be right, It comes when people solely believe in human wisdom and knowledge in efforts to deem themselves as righteous and good on their own. I was really floored by the comment that stated, “God brought me to recovery, why do you think that I have outgrown the addicts that he has chosen to teach me?” What is that about???? Do I sense pride? The word of God clearly says in Romans 12:3, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” And it also says in Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” I am in no way attacking this person, but I am however, standing against the mindset/stronghold that is displayed in this person response. It sounds to me as if this individual has experienced a lot in their process of recovery concerning others experiences, judgments and problems, but that is no reason to hold yourself at a higher or rather lofty place. Excessive pride and being boastful about personal ones abilities is not Godly wisdom, as it says in Romans 12:3. What absolutely gave me great concern was what I read at the end of their comment. [Addicts love isolating from our tribe and die being right] Now what sort of nonsense is that to say? This comment was clearly directed at me as if I was supposed to succumb to the identification of being an addict nonetheless. This individual adamantly wants to put me in the same closed box that I am trying to help people get out of and is obviously assuming that I isolate myself away from fellowshipping and I will eventually die as a result of that isolation. But again, the word of God tells me in Ephesians 5:8-11, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” By posting my article, “IDENTITY IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH, NOT PERFORMANCE” caused this person to show just how much this organization lacks Godly Wisdom. After reading that I noticed the next statement says, [That is what I did before my last relapse.] It sounds to me as if this individual has had many previous relapses. So because this person relapsed, they are actually saying that the reason for it was because they isolated themselves trying to be right…And they are implying that I am doing the same. To be honest I believe the relapse may have occurred because he or she CHANGED THEIR MIND and gave into the temptation. As for me, I have not relapsed since I was delivered from addiction because the relationship and knowledge I have comes from Christ. [And I’ve been separated from the TRIBE of NA for 5 years] To be honest, I can only take credit for applying the Truth of God’s word, not creating it. After all that was said and done, this person clearly has no clue that they have been deceived with half truths and flat out lies. Then the person had the nerve to say  “Keep coming back.” I sure will, but it won’t be to stroke your egos, or to gratify their flesh or compromise the truth. When people stop relapsing and dying from the stronghold of Drug Addiction, I’ll shut up, but until then I will endure hardship as a good soldier.

WHERE THE BATTLE RAGES

Satan fights to maintain control of the kingdoms of the world.  He does not want them to come under God's authority.  The battle also rages within the hearts, minds, and souls of men and women.  Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and attacks believers in the areas of worship, the Word, their daily walk, and their work for God.

With that being said, any believer [In recovery] who knows that we are in a spiritual battle and knows or even assumes that the enemy does not want others to come under God's Authority, in my opinion, should use any open opportunity to minister to individuals about the Love and Power of Jesus Christ. We are Ministers of Reconciliation, as if God were pleading through us to unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Whenever and wherever strongholds are evident, believe me there is some sort of spiritual battle going on that causes that individual to see there circumstances as unchangeable, impossible and hopeless. I have come to realize that just because I can see in a realm where I  identify these certain spirits at work, doesn't mean others can see it or will even agree with me about it, because spiritual things are not carnally discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

In the book of Roman 12:2, it says, "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed but the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what  is that good, ACCEPTABLE, and perfect will of God. Notice the word acceptable is in bold italic form. This passage says to me, now that I have given my life to Christ, I now have to present myself as a living sacrifice unto God and that I must not fashion or form myself  to the worlds way of thinking, but I am to pattern and change myself by applying the Word of God to my mind, heart and spirit. In saying that, I want to share Ephesians 5:8-11, which says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is ACCEPTABLE to the Lord. And have NO fellowship with the unfruitful WORKS of darkness, but rather expose THEM. Please notice how these two passage accent and complement one another. We are told to be transformed by renewing our minds, which means the old mindset has to go and the new mindset has to enter. Then we are reminded in Ephesians 5:8-11 that we were previously walking in darkness (without Christ). We are told to walk according to WHO we are and the writer goes on to tell us the characteristics of who we are and what it produces; and by these characteristics we find out what is acceptable to the Lord. But verse 11 is what most people have a problem with or would rather not touch when is come to fellowshipping with unfruitful works of darkness. For what does light have to do with darkness (2Cor.6:11-16)

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful WORKS of darkness, but instead, we should expose them...Well let's focus on the word "THEM"  I believe the word them in this  passage means "the unfruitful works". 

Most of the time people relate the word 'THEM" with people, but because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, this is not the case. So I understand why I have been misunderstood in my assignment to "EXPOSE THE ENEMY IN RECOVERY" Nevertheless it will not stop what the Lord has called me to do in the Kingdom. As quoted by Bishop T.D. Jakes, "Some of the things the Lord has called you to do; people are not going to accept it. Some of the things you're saying to people that you're about to do can't be perceive by them because they haven't stepped into the shift YET." 

My main concern is the double mindedness of believers exposing themselves to the unfruitful works of darkness, the lies of the enemy, which tells people that they are what they have done (Addicts) and tells them that your God is Anonymous. "So keep it simple stupid", is what is said. But if your not going to be a light in a dark place and plead with others to come out from among them, then what is your purpose for fellowship in that particular place? These are my concerns and I will serve in the capacity in which God has predestined me to do, by the AUTHORITY he has given me...

Be Blessed and have a Powerful Day!!!