Addicted to Sin

Are you addicted to something? 

The dictionary definition of Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse consequences.

It is a problem that we repeat over and over even though we know it is not good for us.

So, let me ask this again, are you addicted to something? Many times when we think of addiction, we think of drugs or alcohol or gambling

But addictions that are much more common, and are often over looked, for example are: boyfriends/girlfriends, food, video games, cellphones and even pornography. 

All of which are detrimental to our body's health and most importantly our spiritual health.

In Romans 7:13-20, Apostle Paul is talking about sin, and how he continues to do the very thing he hates, and he talks about how it is the sin that dwells within that does what he does not want.

Like many of us, Paul has become a slave to sin.

[Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.] ~John 8:34

We know the consequences of sin, and we all know the beginning of this verse.

Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death, duh of course we know that. But what is the other half of the verse? Many times we just brush off the rest, but the truth is, the rest of that verse is our answer to sin. The second half of that verse is our hope. For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.] ~John 8:36

The truth is, NOTHING can separate us from God.

[For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.]~ Romans 8:38-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

God's Will

“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”
(Psalms 143:10 NKJV)

Have you ever wondered what is God's will in your life? Don't you wish He would just send it in the mail to eliminate any confusion? It's worth pointing out that David didn't ask the same thing. Instead, he asks for God to teach him to do His will. Imagine if you learned to do God's will how the uncertainty would be eliminated. Let's allow the Spirit to lead us on solid ground by asking God to teach us.

Faith

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10 NKJV)

What an honor it is to impress Jesus with your faith. But faith means believing in Jesus beyond human reason. Are you keeping your faith separate from your struggles in life? Invite Him in. Rituals and obligation do not amaze Jesus. Instead, it's trusting Jesus with your problems, asking for His help, and believing He will provide.

Before the Throne

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16 NKJV)

If there are areas in your life that you are struggling with, bring them to the throne of God. He doesn't want you to stay away from talking to him because you feel like you are failing in your Christian walk. This verse says that he understands our struggles. Whatever your struggle is today, bring it to God to receive mercy and grace. He is a loving father who wants to cleanse, purify, and help us to become more like Jesus. You may be asking “how do I take my cares to the Lord”? Simply talk to him through prayer, he is listening. I usually enter the throne of God on my knees with my eyes closed and then talk to him about all my concerns, believing he cares for me and wants to help me.

Renewed

"and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him," (Colossians 3:10 NKJV)

We are forgiven of our sins and because of this we are free from our old ways. We no longer need to be chained to guilt or behave immorally. Instead, allow yourself to be renewed and refreshed. Learn the heart of God by reading the Bible today and putting into action the teachings of Christ. It is with Him you will find freedom.

Filled with Grief

"I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long."
(Psalms 38:6 NKJV)

David was filled with grief and so too are we vulnerable to depression. It's a difficult mindset to escape once you allow those inward thoughts to take hold. Take heart and realize this...God has a plan for your happiness. Your happiness will be sustained not by circumstances, but by His enduring love for you. Once you realize the depth of His love, your inwardly thoughts will turn outwardly towards loving others.

Healing a broken heart - is there hope? There is.

Is there hope for healing a broken heart? Something or someone has just broken your heart. You were caught off-guard by a betrayal, a shocking behavior, or loss of a loved one. Suddenly you are feeling like you’ve lost all hope . . . you can feel a physical aching in your chest that leaves you wounded and scarred. How can you ever hope to recover or discover what steps will end this suffering?

We all know that emotions are a vital part of the way we are made. Yet we can’t understand why it takes so long to heal from emotional injuries. We would never prematurely remove a cast or sutures until the broken bone or skin was fully restored. We must realize complete emotional healing requires time. The book of Psalms offers great comfort when experiencing long-term emotions like sadness, fear, and grief. “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

Healing a Broken Heart – The key is trust
Our human tendency is to avoid painful situations, even burying them. Can we ever trust those who hurt us so deeply? There are steps to healing a broken heart.

Release – “. . . First forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against . . .” (Mark 11:25).

Refocus – “. . . By [God’s] mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).

Receive – “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4).