Modern Day Revival

When you went to click on the link for this addictions page what did you think of? 

(Cell phone use hopefully was evident by the picture of everyone sitting at the dinner table. Very common).

• Alcohol?
• Illegal Drugs? 
• Prescription Drugs?
• Marijuana?
• Gambling? 
• Pornography? 
• Food? 
• Stealing?
• Adultery?
• Smoking?
• Sex? 
• Masturbation?
• Fornication?
• Shopping? 
• Gossip?
• Exercise? 
• Relationships? 
• Sugar?
• Video Gaming?
• Excessive Spending?
• Vaping?
• Nail Biting?
• Cutting Yourself?
• Phone Use?
• Movie Watching?
• Procrastination?
• Internet Browsing?
• Daydreaming?
• Working to Much?
• Not Working?
• Cleaning?
• Not Cleaning?
• Checking Door and Window Locks?
• Skin Picking?
• Nail Biting?
• Sex in Public?
• Voyeurism?
• Sports Obsession?
• Co-Dependency?
• Past Relationships?
• Emotional Dependency?
• Financial Dependency?
• Soda Pop?
• Snacks?
• Hoarding?
• Compulsive Dating?
• Chocolate?
• Speeding in cars?
• Coffee? (Yes, Coffee can be)
• Caffeine?
• Inhalants?
• Excessive Volunteering?
• Gossip?
• POLITICS?

As you can see above, everyone can answer the question differently because we all have our own life experiences. We could spend more time listing other addictions, but it's assumed that the point is well understood to mean "the list goes on". 

The list goes on because we are of carnal minds and even though some are saved, everyone is always subject to adopting an addiction if we allow ourselves to. The people we associate with, the manner in which we were raised, the things we watch, and unfortunately addictions that some may have been forced or abused into doing. 

We all make choices and with those choices comes responsibility. Out of those choices, addictions can develop and over time and they destroy individuals, families, communities, and our relationship with God. For those who faced abuse of many kinds and developed addictions, you can heal just like anyone can if you have the right mindset and biblical direction. You may have been a victim of a crime and/or addiction by someone else, but you do not have to remain in that mindset. Do not let their sinful crime or addiction determine your destiny! 

The bible is noticeably clear on where evil comes from and individuals who only view this world to fulfill their sinful desires will one day face God to answer. Addictions only complicate one's life and walk with God, so it is necessary for you to identify and be honest if you have one. But before you can do that you have to understand that the fleshly desires and things of this world are not of God. 

1 John 2:15-17 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

 
Your entire life on this planet is temporary and everything you do and think reflects your relationship with God. Jesus, as we have explained on the Home Page is the mediator between you and God as 1 Tim 2:4-6 explains; "4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

It is Satan who influences people in this world and what many may consider normal, is in fact sinful and damaging. 1 John 3:8; "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 

Addictions are ways in which we become entrenched in sinful behavior, and they not only consume our valuable time but also keep us under the Devils influence. Your addiction whatever it may be, is causing you to be affiliating with very unclean and evil spirits who want to corrupt your mind, create havoc, and keep you from God's grace of eternal life through belief and faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Eph 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." 

2 Cor 4:3-5; "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." 

Notice in verse 4 it describes Satan as "the god of this world" who "hath blinded the minds of them which believe not". You will also notice that the word god is not capitalized when describing Satan. 

Why? Because he is not God!

No, he is your adversary and enemy! (1 Peter 5:8).

So, why would you associate with someone or something that is contrary to what the Bible states and is your enemy?

Revelation 12:9; "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

If you are a saved and partaking in an addictive behavior, you know better and need to stop it now! God can heal and give you deliverance from that addition just like he did when you finally came to believe and put your faith in Jesus Christ. I heard a preacher on a video once ask;

"Would you want to be in the middle of an addictive sinful behavior the moment Jesus came back at the Rapture?" 

No, you would not! 

If you would, then as 1 John 3:8 shows: You are of the devil!

So, think of that the next time you are tempted or about to partake in an addictive behavior as it should humble you to know Jesus is watching and can return in a nano-second. 

Now, I can sit here and type words thinking that I know everything about every addiction and everyone's situation. I do not claim to, but I do have my own past addictive experiences to relate to.

Some of you may have physical and mental complications because of your past or present addiction. God can heal anyone and everything, though the consequences of addictive behaviors can end up being temporary or at times permanent. If you need counseling, medical attention, or additional help beyond reading the bible and prayer can provide you personally, then you need to seek out professionals that are trained to help you. 

Again, God can heal anyone and everything, but you also need to realize that at times you must accept some of the physical, mental, and/or legal results of your addictive behavior. It may also be your reputation in the community that was damaged because of your addiction. Loss of life, loss of marriage, financial loss, loss of a home, loss of family and friends, prison time, embarrassing photos or videos, arrest records, loss of privilege, loss of child custody, fines and lawsuits, job loss, loss of the ability to have a certain profession, and many more consequences can result. 

Galatians 6:7-8 tells us that there are consequences to our sinful ways; “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Remember, you are not unique with your addictive behavior. Many have struggled, participated, and then overcame addictions by having faith and reliance in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between us and God. You can choose to remain in your addiction or to rebuke it in the name of Jesus. Do not remain in the "victim" mode of thought. Satan wants you to remain there and you have all the power you need in Jesus Christ.

Look to Jesus and you shall find your cure and peace to rid yourself of your addictive behavior. 

1 Peter 5: 6-11; "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."