Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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“Break the Chain: Finding freedom from Addictions”.

Bible Reading: : Daniel 1:8-21

Key verse:  6

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 

DEVOTION

Addiction is a chronic medical disease characterized by a compulsive, uncontrollable need to engage in habit-forming behavior or consume a substance. But this is not the only addiction haunting individuals now. The chain of addiction is destroying individuals and families. Also, we should not forget that anything that puts us under chain and taking our focus away from God is addiction. In that sense, it could be addiction to money, sex, social media, food, pornography etc. How can a person break up with the addiction he is in and reclaim his life? 
In Daniel 1, Daniel and his three friends resolved not to defile themselves with the king's rich food and wine to avoid violating their religious dietary laws and participating in idol worship. To make such a strong decision, one needs commitment inspired by the Word of God. Sense of presence of God in our life is very important for such strong standings. Daily meditation of the word of God and finding ample space for that in our daily life is the only way one would be able to break the chain of addiction. Here it was not only Daniel who made that decision. His three friends stood with him. Many times, our decisions will be characterized and influenced by our friends. Our circumstances will be forcing us to decide what we should be. Being in the constant companionship of spiritual friends and staying away from the company of  individuals under addiction will mold the character of our life. 
Along with the Word of God, one needs a consistent prayer life to be away from the traits of addiction. Prayer is the time; we reexamine and rededicate ourselves. This reexamination and rededication should take place every day as we are being hit by the pleasures of this world every time. “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Every person will be facing temptation one way or another way. But a prayerful life will get the power from God to control their aptitudes to put their life in the right track with God. A child of God will be in a constant battle with the forces of addictions of various forces. To win this battle, one needs the presence and power of Holy Spirit. We must make sure that we have the Holy Spirit with us as the best companion and comforter. When we try to live without that sense, we will be dragged away by the forces of addiction. Let us bring Holy Spirit into the lives of our friends so that they will rejoice in spiritual blessings every day.

 

PRAYER

 

 Almighty God, empower everyone with your presence to fight with the forces of addiction. 

Thought for the DAY

Are we delighting in the ways of the Lord, or are we delighting in the ways of the world? Let us seek to delight in the Lord alone each day.

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Reji Joseph, St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church, Township of Washinton, NJ

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